Having been a professional knitwear designer the past years, the constant and repetitive movement, not sitting correctly……every single day……finally got to my body. It started with shooting pains (actually it started way before that, but who wants to listen……)up and down my right side, from head to toe. And eventually turned into numbness. Chiropractic help, massage, ultrasound was all good, but the pain didn’t stop.

Malin took me out for a two hour hike and we used these beloved poles. It is always an amazing experience being alone with nature, and getting a nice workout. It had been a while (too busy knitting?) and I was pretty soar that evening, and still in pain. I did however sleep like a baby (exhaustion) and woke up the next morning, got out of bed……to my surprise, and for the very first time in six months I was pain free!!!!!! I guess the way I was using my body correctly, and the muscles being stimulated correctly, was what made it happen. And I am sticking by this form of exercise forever and ever. It’s a blessing for your body, mind and soul!
Lise Solvang
Calabasas
(Knitting Designer)

There are 36 million Americans that walk daily as their main exercise. I, am not one of them. I never felt I got a proper cardiovascular workout by walking AND when I’m outside I prefer blades or a bicycle because I like to get where I’m going… more quickly. When I wanted a full body cardiovascular workout and tried the elliptical trainers with arms that moved forward and back, it aggravated my vulnerable and weak shoulders. So up until now my cardiovascular workout has been lower body only.

I was invited by Malin Svensson, President of Nordic Walking USA, to participate in a Nordic Walking class and I felt great. Not only did my shoulders not hurt, I didn’t get stiff in my hip joints, which happens when I cycle or blade. I was sore the next few days from the workout but it was normal soreness. I could tell that my chest, back & triceps were sore in a good way while my lower body, buttocks & legs, had used muscles I forgot existed. Not only that, I was kept intrigued during the workout, I was never bored and enjoyed working on both the specific technique for increasing the stride and those techniques which matches the specific arm movements. It takes concentration, focus and practice. I like that.

Since I qualified by completing the Certificated Program in Fitness Instruction from UCLA, I took the 1-1/2 day seminar Malin offered to become an INWA Certified Nordic Walking Instructor. I believe helping introduce this new activity in the United States is going to help a lot of people be healthier and more fit. And it’s a lot of fun.
Carol Kravetz-Fitness Instructor