Nordic walking in a wheelchair?

At Lakeshore Foundation's WALKTOBER health expo, I met a woman in a wheelchair who was curious about Nordic walking. We looked at the situation, and I adjusted the poles so she could use them while in her wheelchair.

She took off, using the poles to push herself forward, and she traveled all over the gym, able to control direction of travel as well as speed. This was different for her because she was used to pushing the wheels forward, working her chest muscles and front shoulder muscles. The poles worked her back and the shoulder muscles in back.

Why was this a big deal? I listened to Dr. Jared Rehm a little later in the day present on how to optimize wheelchair propulsion. It turns out the constant pushing forward of the wheels actually creates a muscle imbalance because the upper body muscles in front become stronger at the expense of the upper body muscles in the back.

Using Nordic walking poles actually helps counteract that imbalance because of the workout the muscles in the back get.

It makes Nordic walking a more inclusive activity.
Wonderful walks at McKendree Village (Heritage, Tennessee)


Nordic walking meetup in Jefferson County on 10/20

Join us on Saturday at 8:30 AM to find out what Nordic walking is all about! No charge; poles provided.   New exercises you can do with the poles!

Look for the white Nordic walking sign.
  • When: 8:30 AM; October 20
  • Where: Homewood Patriot Park, 710 Oak Grove Road, Homewood, AL 35209

Instructor: Leroy Hurt, ANWA-certified Advanced Nordic Walking instructor

Why Nordic walking?
  • Full body, low impact
  • Increase weight loss
  • Improve cholesterol
  • Improve blood pressure
  • Facilitate rehabilitation
  • Maintain stability and balance
  • Maintain posture
  • Facilitate stress relief
  • Support muscle toning
  • Improve cardiovascular function
  • Improve lung capacity
  • Support immune system
  • Socialize with walking companions
  • You determine the intensity of your workout

What if the Nordic walking bug bites you, and you just have to have your own poles right then and there? There will be some poles available for purchase (cash, check only).

Click here for a full schedule of meetups.

Learn more about Nordic walking at my Nordic Walking Guy blog and Nordic Walking Guy Facebook page.

Can't make it to a meetup? Contact me via the blog or Facebook links above, and we'll arrange a small group orientation with you and some friends.
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