Learning the Basic Technique | Nordic Walking

In this video, you will learn the basic Nordic Walking action, a technique using both your arms and your legs.

With over 35 videos, our Nordic Walking program has all the information you need to know to get started! Why not check it out?

When trying out Nordic Walking for the first time, it's crucial that you learn the correct technique from the outset. Discover the basic action with this short tutorial.

This program was made thanks to the input of Decathlon and the French Organisation "Marche Ta Forme". Experts from the French Hiking Federation (FFRP) and the French Athletics Federation (FFA) also shared their knowledge with us over the course of this program's creation.



Music : ALTER K
Voice-over by volunteer: Scarlet Sherriff & Rebecca Large

Translation - emilywade

[rogerroth]

Based on my very short experience with Nordic Walking, my suggestion to newbies is to start simple, try to keep your head level, pull torso out of hips and walk erect, and try to engage your shoulders w/o overly bending your elbows, i.e., swing your arms from your shoulders as much as possible. Feel your shoulders working.

You will learn as you practice what works and what you should adjust. I mentioned over my first week I shortened my poles from 115cm to 105cm. They work much better for me when shorter. I may lengthen them again as I improve.
I think I'm noticing considerable improvement in my posture and in my arms and shoulders. I've always been a dedicated walker, adding poles only a week ago. Good Nordic walking to you!

[ruby]

Well I hate running, like walking and this looks like something to love. Thank you, very informative.

[purrvananna]

I bought poles last winter to help me not fall down (also wore ice grips on shoes). Now I want to try this Nordic Walking in the summer. I'm 74 with arthritic knees. Hope I don't fall over! I'll try it though...would be good to increase my slow pace (everyone passes me!).

[janetbrady]

Very clear instructions with walking, hand and pole actions broken down into easy to follow steps. Thank you.

[clairetrotter]

This is the best Nordic walking video for me - truly inspired and works great for me! Keep it simple!

[galleta_]

Perfect video. Talking while demonstrating. To the point and understandable. Thank you.

[IngotAU]

Thank you, this is so helpful! 😃👍 Before seeing this, I experimented with trekking poles, but didn't know about releasing grip on the poles on the upswing. Quickly I noticed friction, and that blisters were starting to form. Now I know that I was letting the grips twist in my hands, and I was putting too much pressure on the poles. Can't wait to try out the exercise demonstrated in this video! Super helpful post, thanks!

[belladonnelly]

Just learning about Nordic walking 🚶‍♀️ right now I can’t wait to get my Nordic sticks to start

[maserati]

This is the best straightforward video on Nordic walking! I have been doing this for a while since I lived in Switzerland and I’m back in USA and don’t really see people using trekking poles (not sure why as they are delightful🥰) but just wanted to make sure that I was using them correctly, thanks!

[deborahbarker]

So glad I found this video. Ordered my first pair of poles (due to arrive tomorrow) and I can't wait to try them.

[Brockthedog]

Very clear and concise. Good instruction and training. Well done.

[pjwear]

Very good summary - we did it at the weekend and loved it!

[lynn]

Just what I needed. The nordic walking poles I ordered are adjustable. I chose them so I could travel with them and fit them in my suitcase.

[neenaprahallad]

Love Nordic walking.. Well explained with fantastic Demonstration... Thank you ❤❤

[secondjulia]

Oh thank you so much for this! The other videos I saw didn't show enough of the movement from the side and I didn't understand that the angle of the poles was supposed to be like that. I thought maybe you were supposed to reach out more, like making the poles go vertical or in a forward angle when your hand swings forward and I couldn't get the rhythm right. This makes it so much clearer!

[cmac]

I'm in Seattle and just got my Nordic Walking Poles. I haven't used them yet but I have seen a few people using them this year. I'm watching some videos on technique and then I'll jump in and see how it goes. I'll refine my form as needed until I get it right. My doctor agrees that it's a good idea to use these since I just turned 70 and I want to avoid ever using a walker. I think they cause the body to weaken. I consider these poles preventative.

[nitzanastacio]

Your method is simpler. I think I can do it. Thanks for sharing.

[absentedubureau]

Very helpful and easy to follow video, kept brief and efficient. Thank you 👣👣

[rosemaryclarke]

This would have been more useful if it included instructions on how to adjust the poles for your height. They look pretty long compared to what a cane might be, for example.

[ponyrang]

My best friend, Enjoyed watching this video my friend Really awesome views Thank you Stay connected