Francis Mitchell, founder and Managing Director of Nordic Walking UK, has been teaching Nordic walking in south-west London since 2001. With Martin Christie joining as Education Director in 2003, Nordic Walking UK was founded to train instructors to the standards of the International Nordic Walking Association (INWA), with the training programme now accredited by the Register of Exercise Professionals. Today, with over 300 instructors across the country, and new instructors being trained monthly, you should easily find a qualified instructor near you.

Walk by yourself, or walk with friends, even if you have different fitness levels; Nordic Walking is one of the most sociable and effective exercise techniques around. From the social walker enjoying the outdoors with others, to the elite athlete needing sports specific cross training, Nordic Walking (or Nordic Running) is suitable for everyone.

Originating from summer training for cross-country skiers,Nordic Walking works your upper and lower body at the same time, strengthening your back, legs and arms, and reducing neck and shoulder tension - all this while improving the health of your heart and lungs. And you can gain all these health benefits, and more, while Nordic Walking with your friends; exercise intensity is determined by upper body effort so people of differing fitness levels can walk and talk together, while working to their own level with Nordic Walking.

So why not find a class near you? Or, if you would rather just start Nordic Walking by yourself or with a friend choose the Nordic Walking poles that are best for you, learn good Nordic Walking technique to get the most from your poles, and get Nordic Walking.

With a little bit of Nordic Walking practice you'll find that even though your heart, lungs and body are working harder Nordic Walking can feel easier and less tiring than normal walking (scientific studies say so*).

If you have any questions contact us and we'll make sure you have everything you need.

* Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. 73 (3), 296-300. September 2002