Staff Writer
The Aroostook landscape has had its first snow and temperatures continue to drop below the freezing mark every night, but local residents haven’t gone into hibernation in their homes yet. Last week of October, members of the new Nordic Walking Club met for their first weekly meeting for an hour of outdoor exercise.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson DONNING THE RIGHT GEAR is essential for Nordic walking in the County. Here Suzanne Greenlaw demonstrates with proper equipment and apparel from Mojo’s.
“It’s like going for a walk with a kick,” noted Mojo’s owner and coordinator Melanie Stewart. “Nordic walking is basically like skiing but no skis and no snow, but you’re using the poles so you get the upper body workout.”
In recent years, more and more outdoor enthusiasts have turned to Nordic walking as an alternative to the usual stroll. The Nordic walking concept developed from Nordic skiers using their poles in pre-snow training. In 1985, USA ski coach, Tom Rutlin, added rubber to the tips of his poles to aid athletes on asphalt or other hard-surface trails. The term itself is believed to come from a Finnish ski equipment company who, in 1997, began to produce a pole specifically for the outdoor pursuit.
Nordic walking combines the same benefits of jogging in a lower impact form, while at the same time burning more calories than normal walking. According to the American Nordic Walking Association, using the poles raises the heart rate 10 to 15 percent more than common walking and utilizes approximately 90 percent of muscles. Experts recommend the sport for weight loss and general fitness.
“You’re not jarring your bones,” noted Stewart. “I haven’t worn my heart monitor but if you went for an hour, like the club members are doing, you could burn over 600 calories; if you go at a decent clip.”
Eileen Carey, Maine Winter Sports cross country ski coach and leader of the club, has 10 years of experience with Nordic walking in training for skiing. Carey believes people should seek new outdoor activities, even with the weather looking more towards winter. “Anybody can do it. It’s a really fun social time. It’s not really strenuous but it’s a good way to get out and enjoy the outdoors.”
The exertion required doesn’t restrain walkers from conversation. Coordinators encourage community members to come out and join, even if unfamiliar with the sport. The impact level means people of all ages and physical fitness can participate. The group meets on Tuesdays at noon at Gentile Hall on the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus. From this central location they will utilize surrounding wood, field and bike trails for an hour. People are welcome to leave earlier if they need to. Organizers hope that the central location and time, will make the meeting convenient for the lunch break. Meetings will continue until December 18, when the group will begin skiing if the snowfall cooperates.
Both Carey and Stewart have hopes to engage the community in new active pastimes and garner interest in cross country skiing.
“I’ve seen a few women in the community with poles but there wasn’t anything organized,” said Stewart.
For a club fee of $100, members can choose poles and receive a free Craft base layer. In order for maximum effect and to prevent injury, anyone interested in trying Nordic walking should make sure the poles fit to their body. Stewart and Carey also recommend dressing properly for the freezing temperatures, beginning with a sweat-wicking, non-cotton clothing base and several layers. Athletes should wear a quality shoe with tread.
“I like doing anything that gets me outside and active, especially if I can do it in good company,” said Carey. Stewart also recommends Nordic walking as a transition from biking to skiing.
Whether expert or novice, the Nordic Walking Club welcomes all people. For more information contact Stewart at Mojo’s, 760-9500.
