Don't Just Take Our Word for It

From Clare Balding and Michael Mosley to Harry Bullmore — discover what happens when people actually give Nordic Walking a try

There are still plenty of people who see someone walking down the road with Nordic Walking poles and think, “That looks like something I ought to try…”

And then there are the people who actually pick up the poles.

Because once you experience Nordic Walking properly, it can be rather difficult to go back to thinking of it as simply “walking with sticks”.

And don't just take our word for it.

Over the years, Nordic Walking has attracted some pretty well-known converts — from broadcasters and journalists to actors and health experts. And interestingly, many of them started out with exactly the same questions as everyone else.

Does it really make that much difference? Is it actually a workout? And what does it feel like?

So, we thought we'd let some other people answer those questions.

Harry Bullmore: “I’ll definitely be trying Nordic Walking again”

Let's start with one of the most recent converts.

Harry Bullmore, senior fitness writer at The Independent, first wrote about Nordic Walking in August 2026 after being introduced to the activity by INWA-certified instructor Katie Atkins.

His first article explored the benefits and technique of Nordic Walking. But then Harry did something even more useful — he tried it himself.

And he came back to write about the experience.

His first impressions are perhaps familiar to anyone who has ever tried Nordic Walking for the first time. There is a technique to learn, a rhythm to find and, importantly, a lot more going on than simply putting one pole in front of the other.

Once he got into the movement, however, Harry described the sensation of the poles and feet working together as being rather like a dance. He also noticed his core and triceps working hard as he learned to actively push the poles behind him.

After more than two hours and over 10,000 steps, his verdict was particularly telling: he felt energised rather than exhausted.

Harry concluded that Nordic Walking offered something he hadn't expected — exercise, nature, a new skill and a degree of challenge, all rolled into one.

And, perhaps most importantly, he said he was sure he'd be doing it again.

Clare Balding: a very fast learner!

Back in 2015, broadcaster Clare Balding took Nordic Walking for a spin for her BBC Radio 4 programme Ramblings.

Clare joined British Nordic Walking National Coach Catherine Hughes and a group walking in Bramcote Park in Nottingham.

The group was particularly interesting because it included mothers and daughters, including young people with learning difficulties. Nordic Walking had become a way for them to exercise together, enjoy the outdoors and gain confidence.

Clare had never tried Nordic Walking before.

It didn't take her long to get the hang of it.

According to British Nordic Walking, Clare learned the first five steps of the INWA 10 Step Method in just a few minutes — and then surprised everyone by how quickly she was able to move.

In fact, she was apparently going so fast that the producer had to run to keep the microphone close enough!

But it wasn't simply the physical side of Nordic Walking that stayed with Clare. She was particularly moved by hearing how the activity had affected the people in the group and the opportunities it gave them to exercise, socialise and spend time together.

That's something we hear again and again from Nordic Walkers.

It's not just about the poles. It's about what happens when people get outside and walk together.

Michael Mosley: the science behind the poles

The late Dr Michael Mosley devoted an episode of his hugely popular BBC podcast Just One Thing to Nordic Walking.

And if you've listened to Michael's programmes, you'll know that he wasn't particularly interested in simply telling people that something was good for them. He wanted to know why.

His Nordic Walking episode explored the research behind the activity, including work looking at how Nordic Walking compares with ordinary walking.

The episode highlighted some of the things that make Nordic Walking different: using the poles actively engages the upper body, increases the number of muscles being used and can increase the intensity of walking without necessarily needing to walk faster.

Michael also admitted that he had initially misunderstood Nordic Walking — assuming, like many people do, that poles were primarily for people who needed extra support.

His experience changed that perception.

As he explained on the programme, Nordic Walking can help you become fitter in the same amount of time as ordinary walking.

And one of the people who tried it during the programme summed up the experience beautifully:

“It’s like the benefit of going for a run, without actually running!”

That may be one of the reasons Nordic Walking appeals to such a wide range of people. You can make it gentle, sociable and conversational — or you can turn up the pace, tackle hills and give your whole body a serious workout.

Lesley Joseph: Nordic Walking goes on pilgrimage

Nordic Walking isn't only for weekly exercise sessions.

Actor Lesley Joseph discovered the benefits when she was preparing for an altogether bigger challenge — a 15-day, 1,000km pilgrimage along the Via Francigena through Italy and Switzerland for the BBC's Pilgrimage: The Road to Rome.

To prepare, Lesley did plenty of walking, bought walking boots and invested in Nordic Walking poles.

Her preparation included walking at least five miles a day and practising with a rucksack.

For someone facing a long-distance walking challenge, Nordic Walking offered a useful way to build walking fitness while incorporating the upper body and getting used to moving efficiently with poles.

And if you've ever wondered whether Nordic Walking can be part of serious training rather than simply a gentle pastime, Lesley's pilgrimage is a pretty good reminder that walking can be as challenging as you want to make it.

So, what do they all have in common?

Harry Bullmore, Clare Balding, Michael Mosley and Lesley Joseph came to Nordic Walking from very different directions.

A fitness journalist.

A broadcaster.

A doctor and science communicator.

An actor preparing for an epic walking challenge.

Yet there are some striking similarities in what they discovered.

It's more than walking

Once you learn to use the poles correctly, Nordic Walking involves your arms, shoulders, back, core and legs — not just your feet.

You can make it as easy or as hard as you like

A relaxed walk with friends is still Nordic Walking.

So is a brisk hill session that leaves you breathing hard.

The poles give you another way to vary the intensity and focus of your workout.

There's a skill involved

This is perhaps one of the things that surprises people most.

Nordic Walking isn't simply a case of picking up two poles and heading off.

Learning the technique gives you something to work on. Finding the rhythm between your arms and legs can be surprisingly satisfying — and when it clicks, it really does feel different from ordinary walking.

And then there's the social side

Clare Balding's experience with the Bramcote group is a wonderful example of this.

People weren't simply turning up for exercise. They were meeting friends, spending time outdoors, supporting one another and doing something together.

That's one of the things we love most about Nordic Walking.

Maybe it's time you found out for yourself?

You don't have to take our word for it.

You don't even have to take the word of The Independent, BBC Radio 4 or one of Britain's best-known broadcasters.

Pick up a pair of Nordic Walking poles and try it yourself.

Learn the technique properly, give yourself a little time to find the rhythm and then see how it feels.

You might discover that your ordinary walk suddenly feels very different.

You might discover muscles you didn't know you were using.

You might find yourself walking further, walking faster or simply enjoying being outside more.

Or you might, like Harry Bullmore, finish your first proper Nordic Walk already thinking about when you're going to do the next one.

Don't just take our word for it.

Go and find out.

Want to get started?

If you're new to Nordic Walking, we always recommend learning the technique from a qualified instructor. Once you've got the basics, the right poles make a huge difference to your experience.

And that's where we come in.

At Nordic Walk Store, we've been helping people find the right Nordic Walking poles and equipment since 2006.

Whether you're looking for your first pair of poles, upgrading your existing ones or simply not sure which poles are right for you, we're happy to help.

Ready to give Nordic Walking a try?

Explore our range of Nordic Walking poles and get out there.