History

Cross Country Skiing without skis!

In just a few years, Skiwalking has become a phenomenon among all age groups and levels of exercising Finns. It is estimated that approximately 400,000 Finns now exercise regularly using Skiwalking and half of all Finns have tried Skiwalking at least once. Skiwalking is thus more popular than soccer. What is it about Skiwalking that attracts people? Skiwalking is so popular because it is effective, easy and inexpensive.

The old form of skiers' training

Two roots can be found for Skiwalking. In ancient times, shepherds and pilgrims used a pole to help them on difficult terrains. Backpackers learned from them how to use the poles on hills and mountains. On steep mountainsides of Central Europe, they even used two poles. The pole was used on treks as a support and as an instrument to help to carry on, so the poles were used for a different purpose than exercise.

Another background for Skiwalking can be found in skiers' summer exercise which also more closely resembles the present use of poles in Finland. Skiers have been using poles for decades to make their summer training more effective.

History of Skiwalking

The poles have helped the athlete to achieve stamina in long exercise sessions and strength by jumping on the slopes. Skiers have used long skiing poles and the aim of the exercise has been clearly to prepare for competitions.

In the late 1980's, there were attempts to promote Skiwalking in sports circles. Many sports schools took it into their programs. Various experiments to promote and spread Skiwalking were made around Finland. Yet, the interest remained small until there became serious enthusiasm in the 1990's. A Finnish pole manufacturer started calling the sport, "Nordic Walking".

Another background for Skiwalking can be found in skiers' summer exercise which also more closely resembles the present use of poles in Finland. Skiers have been using poles for decades to make their summer training more effective.

Power Walk was developed in America in the 1990's which used poles for special effectiveness. Many research studies were made comparing the effectiveness of using poles with ordinary walking. They showed that the poles increase the intensity of walking in various ways. The Finnish Nordic Walking varies from the American style in a positive way by the relaxed technique also used in cross-country skiing. The use of poles gives a rhythm to the walk and more length and speed to the step.

Since walking is the most functional and safe form of exercise for a normal, health-conscious person, sports professionals became interested in the effects of poles that improve the benefits of walking. It was found that middle-aged people raised their fitness levels significantly more by Skiwalking than by ordinary walking.