Walking with your friends

Nordic walking is a great social activity. The poles make it possible to increase the intensity of physical exertion without increasing the perception of physical effort. That means you still feel like you're exerting yourself as you always have in traditional walking but you won't feel too tired to enjoy each other's company.

You may have gone out on your own and walked briskly, feeling like you've accomplished something when you get back home sweaty and breathing heavily. What about when you Nordic walk with others? Here are some thoughts:

• You may think you're reducing the effectiveness of your walk because you're in a group. Maybe you normally walk faster than the others, meaning you feel like you need to slow down. Maybe you walk more slowly than the others and feel some pressure to go beyond your capabilities to keep up. Don't worry. The fact you're with others has positive effects on your health.
• When you're with others, your focus changes a bit. The walking group will want to be more sensitive to the abilities of others. In a group, the purpose isn't to max out but to encourage each other.

You don't have to walk with a group all the time. It may be a weekly get together so members can work at their own pace the other times.