I took a close look at Nordic Walking by Malin Svensson. (2009)
Paperback and Kindle editions.
… Yet I’m still not convinced I’d benefit from hiking canes. I’m still suspicious Nordic Waltzing is a bit of a fad, especially in Europe.
… On the other hand, I don’t see the popularity of poles on the trail in decline. There are more & more each year.
Perhaps I need to get injured before really giving poles a fair try.
🙂
One similar book is Nordic Walking for Total Fitness by Suzanne Nottingham & Alexandra Jurasin
UPDATE: Check the comments for advice on poles from people who have actually used them. Buzz points out that almost all long distance hikers consider them essential, … the same guys who sometimes feel that toilet paper is a luxury.
besthike.com 
Poles have totally saved my hiking career – I injured my knee quite badly a few years ago, and after extensive physio I can run fine, and walk on the flat or uphill, but it can be very painful to walk downhill, so much so that I considered giving up – but using poles has made an absolutely massive difference, it redistributes the weight enough that I can do even long, steep descents with very little pain at all
“Perhaps I need to get injured before really giving poles a fair try.”
Don’t say that! You should go back and edit that out of your own post! Because sooner or later it will happen, so better not tempt the gods before your time.
Or, you could get ahead of the game, and start using poles now. For most day hikes they are either optional or useless, but when: 1) steep up or down; 2) carrying overnight pack; 3) snow; 4) injured; they absolutely rule. No kidding. There’s a reason all thru-hikers, most Euro’s, and I use them.
I tell all my friends to have them on hand when they’re running 100 mile trail races. Something goes wrong, and with poles you can at least finish; w/o them and you’re out. Many trail runners use traction devices on their feet on steep snowy trails; I’m faster with my feet sliding and poles to stay upright. Crossing streams in summer is great with poles; you can either keep your feet dry while rock-hopping, or when it’s fast and thigh deep, keep from slipping and being swept away to your death.
As to Nordic Walking, I agree; I’m not sure what the difference is between that and regular walking, but of course have never actually looked into it, so should shut my mouth.
Thanks Buzz and all. I added this to the original post:
Gotta say I find these poles funny. Never considered they’re good, until you guys mentioned going down from a hill or mountain. Have done this 10 years ago and it’s true, after 6 hours of doing this my knees were a mess. Now I see what these poles are useful for and wished I had something like this back in the day.
Hi there,
It does look silly, my daughter calls it Nerdic Walking, she’s 10, and she now has her own poles!
I started two years ago and was totally hooked; you get a full body workout, less impact so less stress on the joints, burn more calories, improve posture, I could go on & on. I now run my own group, its fun, easy and very addictive. Using poles engages the upper body hence a better workout than just walking.
I say don’t scoff, try it, I know a lot places in the UK and giving out free taster sessions, here in NZ it’s gaining in popularity and the medical and sports industries are beginning to understand the benefits. We work with Neuro physio’s who have wonderful results with patients suffering from balance and coordination problems. I had back and hip problems and was about to give up walking until I discovered Nordic Walking.
Some of the photos in Malin’s book were taken at some of our walking grounds!