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What is Original Nordic Walking?

In brief, Original Nordic Walking is enhanced walking where the arms are also used to push using poles.

In Original Nordic Walking, the movements of your arms, feet, pelvic area and the entire body are similar to those employed during a vigorous walk. In Original Nordic Walking, theopposite arms and feet swing alternatively and rhythmically forwards and backwards just as in normal walking, but clearly more intensively.
It is important to learn the correct rhythm and swing movement of Original Nordic Walking as well as possible right from the start in order to ensure the best training effects. The amplitude of arm swing in the back and forth direction also sets the swing motion of the lower limbs. Short arm motions are translated into short pelvis and leg motions.
The same happens vice versa, when one walks with short strides. In this case, it is impossible to make extensive back and front arm swings.
The further the pole is thrust back behind the pelvic line, the longer the stride required. The longer and more complete the above-mentioned swinging motion of the upper and lower limbs, the stronger the twists of the pelvis, chest, neck and shoulders. Nordic Walking, performed with wide and maximally large as well as alternating overall joint angles, is an extremely good workout as well as beneficial for the skeleton and organs.

(Source: Original Nordic Walking, Gummerus 2005 - Marko Kantaneva©)

What is ONW?