The international Tour De Friends Nordic Walking Facebook Group has asked me to present my best tips, tricks and advice for new and experienced Nordic walkers. The 30-minute talk will finish with a short Q & A session. Hope you can make it!

TOPIC: Nordic Walking Tips, Tricks & Troubleshooting with Barb Gormley

DATE: Saturday, January 22, 2022

TIME: 1:00 PM EST (US and Canada)

January 14, 2022

Barb Gormley

Nordic walking

Nordic Walking/Hiking Etiquette: 12 Rules to Keep in Mind

January 14, 2022

Barb Gormley

Nordic walking

When walking on a trail/footpath, stay to the right. When walking on a road shared with cars and bikes (e.g., Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto) stay to the left, even if it’s not busy.
It’s often a good idea to hold your poles still when encountering dogs. Some are afraid of swinging arms with poles, and they may react badly.
When going up or down a staircase with Nordic walking poles, put both poles in one hand and hold the railing with your other hand (or hover your hand over it if you’re moving fast). In the event of a stumble, your railing hand will stabilize you or you’ll have a hand free to grab the railing.
When walkers who are going uphill meet walkers coming downhill on a narrow trail, those climbing uphill have the right of way. Walkers coming downhill should stop and step aside to allow for passing.
When passing other walkers travelling the same direction on a narrow trail, call out, “Passing on your left please,” or something similar. Walkers being passed should step as far to the side as possible.
Never swing the tips of your poles up in the air behind you (for example, if you’re crossing a road to re-enter a trail). They may be a hazard to the person walking behind you. Instead, keep your poles vertical until you can resume your Nordic walking technique.
Be friendly and courteous to other walkers! Smiles, “good mornings” and light chitchat as you pass others help to brighten everyone’s day.
Respect the peace and quiet of nature and the privacy of people living along any trail. If you’re a big group, it’s early morning, and/or you’re a naturally loud talker, keep your voice low.
Leave nature in its place. Flowers, plants, pinecones, rocks and sticks all provide habitats and/or nourishment for wildlife.
Leave no trace of your visit. Did you know it takes up to two years for an orange peel to decompose?
Leave the trail cleaner than when you found it. If possible, take along a plastic bag to collect garbage you encounter.
Observe wild animals from a distance and, of course, never feed them.
Happy poling!

January 4, 2022

Barb Gormley

Happy New Year! Here's a Link to My First 2022 Fitness with Poles Class (free)

January 4, 2022

Barb Gormley

Hi everyone:

Thanks for attending my free Fitness with Poles class on January 3!

Here’s a link to the recording so you can repeat the class or do it on your own if you were unable to attend. (Password is January).
If you're interested in joining my regular Monday Fitness with Poles classes, the Winter Session starts Monday, January 10, 12-12:35pm. (If this date has passed, check here for info on the upcoming session or contact me about joining the current session at a pro-rated rate.)

These classes are similar to the January 3 free class, but they include an additional five minutes of resistance training with light weights (dumbbells if you have them, or two cans of food, two small bottles of water, etc.) and stretching.
You can register here.
Earlybird pricing for the Winter Session is effective until the end of day January 5.
FYI, with my regular virtual classes I always send out a recording of the class, which remains live until the following class. The recording works well for people who can't attend the live class and for those who like to repeat and practise the class over the week. (FYI, about half of the registrants attend the live classes and half use the recording at time that's more convenient for them.)

All the best for a happy and healthy 2022!

Barb