Introduction to Nordic Walking

Section outline

• Select section Section 1 — Understanding Nordic Walking

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  Section 1 — Understanding Nordic Walking

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  • Select activity Lesson 1.1 — What Is Nordic Walking?

    

    Lesson 1.1 — What Is Nordic Walking?

    Completion

    Students must

    

    Go through the activity to the end
  • Select activity Lesson 1.2 — How Nordic Walking Differs from Ordinary Walking

    

    Lesson 1.2 — How Nordic Walking Differs from Ordinary Walking
  • Select activity Lesson 1.3 — Nordic Walking for Recreation, Fitness, and Sport

    

    Lesson 1.3 — Nordic Walking for Recreation, Fitness, and Sport
• Select section Section 2 — Nordic Walking Equipment

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  Section 2 — Nordic Walking Equipment

  This section introduces the basic equipment used in Nordic Walking. You will learn what distinguishes Nordic Walking poles from other types of poles, how straps and tips function, what to consider when selecting footwear and clothing, and how to inspect equipment before participating.

  This section provides general participant-level guidance. Individual fitting, technical correction, equipment recommendations for specialized use, and professional equipment assessment require appropriately qualified assistance.

  • Select activity Lesson 2.1 — Nordic Walking Poles

    

    Lesson 2.1 — Nordic Walking Poles
  • Select activity Lesson 2.2 — Straps, Tips, Footwear, and Clothing

    

    Lesson 2.2 — Straps, Tips, Footwear, and Clothing
  • Select activity Lesson 2.3 — Basic Equipment Safety

    

    Lesson 2.3 — Basic Equipment Safety
• Select section Section 3 — Understanding the Movement

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  Section 3 — Understanding the Movement

  This section introduces the basic movement principles that distinguish Nordic Walking from ordinary walking with poles. Participants will learn how natural walking, opposite arm–leg coordination, active pole use, posture, and rhythm work together to create smooth forward movement.

  The material is intended to build general awareness. It does not replace individual technique instruction or prepare participants to teach or correct other people.

  • Select activity Lesson 3.1 — Natural Walking and Arm–Leg Coordination

    

    Lesson 3.1 — Natural Walking and Arm–Leg Coordination
  • Select activity Lesson 3.2 — Active Use of the Poles

    

    Lesson 3.2 — Active Use of the Poles
  • Select activity Lesson 3.3 — Rhythm, Posture, and Forward Movement

    

    Lesson 3.3 — Rhythm, Posture, and Forward Movement
• Select section SECTION 4 — NORDIC WALKING AS A COMPETITIVE SPORT

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  SECTION 4 — NORDIC WALKING AS A COMPETITIVE SPORT

  Nordic Walking is practiced not only for recreation, fitness, and community participation but also as an organized competitive sport. This section provides a general introduction to Nordic Walking competitions, including common competition formats, the role of rules and officials, and the difference between participating in an event and holding a professional competition role.

  This section is an orientation only. It does not teach competition rules in full or qualify a participant to compete, coach athletes, judge technique, direct races, or serve as a technical official.

  • Select activity Lesson 4.1 — What Is a Nordic Walking Competition?

    

    Lesson 4.1 — What Is a Nordic Walking Competition?
• Select section Section 5 — Getting Started Safely

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  Section 5 — Getting Started Safely

  This section introduces practical considerations for beginning Nordic Walking safely. Participants will learn how to select a suitable location, begin with manageable sessions, increase activity gradually, and recognize situations in which guidance from a qualified Nordic Walking instructor or healthcare professional may be appropriate.

  This course provides general educational information and does not provide individual medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, or clearance for physical activity.

  • Select activity Lesson 5.1 — Choosing a Suitable Place to Begin

    

    Lesson 5.1 — Choosing a Suitable Place to Begin
  • Select activity Lesson 5.2 — Starting Gradually

    

    Lesson 5.2 — Starting Gradually
  • Select activity Lesson 5.3 — When Professional or Medical Guidance May Be Appropriate

    

    Lesson 5.3 — When Professional or Medical Guidance May Be Appropriate
• Select section Section 6 — Your Next Step with NWANA

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  Section 6 — Your Next Step with NWANA

  Nordic Walking can remain a personal recreational activity or become the beginning of participation in a group, an event, a competition, or a professional education pathway.

  This section explains the different ways participants may continue after completing the course. Each option is voluntary. Completing this course does not require anyone to join NWANA, purchase a license, enter an event, join or create a group, begin professional education, or participate in any other NWANA activity.

  • Select activity Lesson 6.1 — Learning with a Qualified Instructor

    

    Lesson 6.1 — Learning with a Qualified Instructor
  • Select activity Lesson 6.2 — NWANA Groups, Events, and Competitions

    

    Lesson 6.2 — NWANA Groups, Events, and Competitions
  • Select activity Lesson 6.3 — Beginning a Professional Education Path

    

    Lesson 6.3 — Beginning a Professional Education Path
• Select section Section 7 — Final Knowledge Check and Course Completion

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  Section 7 — Final Knowledge Check and Course Completion

  Complete the Final Knowledge Check to confirm your understanding of the introductory concepts presented in this course.

  You may repeat the assessment as needed. This assessment covers general participant-level information and does not provide a professional NWANA qualification, certification, or license.

  • Select activity Final Knowledge Check

    

    Final Knowledge Check Quiz

    Completion

    Students must

    

    Receive a grade

    

    Receive a passing grade

    Complete this knowledge check after reviewing all course lessons.

    The assessment contains 15 questions covering the introductory concepts presented in the course. A score of 80% or higher is required to pass. You may repeat the assessment as many times as needed, and your highest score will be recorded.

    Passing this assessment confirms completion of this introductory course. It does not provide a professional NWANA certification, qualification, or license.