The Day Nordic Walking Changed My Life

My name is Martina, and I run Nordic Walking Ireland. 

If you had told me years ago that I’d be teaching people how to walk with poles, I probably would have laughed. 

Like many people, I thought poles were only for mountains. Seeing someone walking on flat ground with them looked a bit… strange.

But Nordic walking ended up changing my life.

For most of my life I struggled with lower back pain. At one stage it became so bad that my husband and I had to split our double bed in two. He slept on a mattress on one side, while I slept on wooden boards with quilts underneath. That was my solution for over 2 years.

Then one day I saw a woman online walking with poles.

Not hiking. Just walking.

Something about it intrigued me. The movement looked powerful and purposeful. So I decided to try it.

I drove into Drogheda, bought a pair of trekking poles and went straight down the lane outside my house to test them.

The moment I started walking, I felt the difference.

The poles pushed me forward, almost like I had an extra source of energy. My arms were working, my stride felt stronger, and there was this incredible feeling of movement and freedom.

All from walking.

I was hooked.

Soon after, I trained as a Nordic Walking Instructor and bought my first proper set of Nordic walking poles. These are very different from trekking poles — lightweight, with special glove straps that allow you to push through the pole and engage your upper body.

Nordic walking isn’t just walking with poles. It’s a technique. A skill.

When done properly, the poles stay behind you as you push and propel yourself forward, almost like cross-country skiing. The result is a full-body workout that uses around 90% of your muscles.

It strengthens your back, improves posture, boosts fitness and lifts your mood — all while being gentle on your joints.

But one of the best parts is being outside.

Walking through the beautiful countryside, along beaches or through the Boyne Valley region, you get all the physical benefits of exercise combined with the mental boost of nature.

For me, Nordic walking has been life-changing as I have no back trouble whatsoever. 

Now I love sharing it with others through my Nordic walking groups and beginner classes.

Because once you learn how to push and propel with the poles, in a safe and knowledgeable way, you realise something surprising…

Walking can become one of the most powerful exercises you’ll ever do.