Nordique Technique Introduces New England to Nordic Walking -- A Low-Impact, Whole-Body Fitness Activity For All Ages and Abilities

Hudson, MA (PRWEB) March 26, 2008 -- Nordique Technique is bringing Nordic walking to New England this spring with the launch of several classes in the metrowest and central Massachusetts areas. Nordic walking, described as cross-country skiing without the skis and snow, is the United States' latest exercise phenomenon. Developed in Finland, and one of the top exercise activities in Europe, Nordic walking uses specially designed poles and is a low impact, whole-body workout that improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens and tones upper body and leg muscles, and can burn up to 40 % more calories than walking alone.

"Nordic walking is an activity for everybody, from seniors to athletes, because it offers tremendous health benefits with very little risk of injury," states Kathy Ekdahl, co-founder of Nordique Technique. "By adding the use of poles, traditional walkers can walk at a faster pace and increase their heart rate to the same intensity as running without the impact or exertion on the body."

"Nordic walking is also easy to learn and a fun way to get really fit," adds co-founder Sheri Rohr. "Because you're distributing the effort throughout your entire body, the activity feels easier, yet you are getting a whole-body workout. Nordic walking also helps enhance mood, relieve neck and shoulder pain, and improve neck and chest mobility."

Both Ekdahl and Rohr are personal trainers and certified as Nordic walking instructors by the International Nordic Walking Association (INWA). The INWA functions as the international certifying agency and works with Exel Oyj, a world leading designer and manufacturer of sports products, to introduce the Nordic walking concept world-wide.

Nordic walking is a year-round activity that can be done on any surface or terrain, including asphalt, grass, dirt, sand, and snow, and walkers seeking a challenge can go uphill or downhill. With Nordic walking, pushing against and off the poles creates resistance that builds upper body and core strength. The poles also help take weight off the joints, making the activity ideal for individuals with joint issues. Designed specifically for the demands of the activity, Nordic Walking poles have ergonomic handles, angled tips for pushing off, and are very light but durable.

Nordique Technique offers instruction in Nordic walking, as it employs a very specific technique which walkers must learn to obtain the full benefits. While Nordic walking can be done individually, there is an advantage to doing it in a group. Nordique Technique's classes include instruction, stretching and warm-up, and cool-down in addition to Nordic walking through miles of scenic and wooded areas.

Nordique Technique has Monday evening Nordic walking classes starting on March 31, 2008 at 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Hudson and continuing through April 21. The first class will be an introductory class and walks will be conducted at various locations around Hudson. The cost is $60 and includes rental of the poles.

Saturday morning classes for Nordic walkers with previous experience are beginning March 29 at 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Hudson and at the Wachusett Reservoir and continuing through April 19. The cost is $60, including rental of the poles. Classes are $10 each if participants have their own poles.

Saturday morning classes for all Nordic walking levels will be starting April 26 at 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at locations at the Wachusett Reservoir in Sterling and Clinton, MA and will continue through May 17. The cost is $70 and sign-ups are through the Sterling Park and Recreation Department. Ongoing sessions will be held throughout the summer.

Poles can be both rented and purchased through Nordique Technique.

About Nordique Technique

Nordique Technique was founded in 2007 by Kathy Ekdahl and Sheri Rohr, both certified as

Nordic walking instructors by the International Nordic Walking Association (INWA). Ekdahl and Rohr started Nordique Technique to bring Nordic walking to New England and provide instruction and group Nordic walking sessions.

Ekdahl is also a certified personal trainer, certified strength and conditioning specialist, fitness instructor and yoga instructor. She also owns Personal Best Personal Training in Hudson, which she started in June 2001. Rohr is a certified personal fitness trainer and a certified licensed wellness coach with Wellcoaches Inc. She provides wellness coaching through her business, RE: Soulutions, which she launched in 2005.

For more information on Nordique Technique and its Nordic walking classes, go to http://www.nordiquetechnique.com

More About Nordic Walking

For more information about Nordic walking, go to the Website for the International Nordic Walking Association at http://www.inwa.nordicwalking.com or to the Exel Nordic walking North America site at http://www.nordicwalker.com and http://www.nordicwalking.com

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