Nordic Walking – Uphill–Downhill Technique
One good feature of Nordic Walking is that you can do it in different kinds of terrain, whether it is on a flat surface or on a steep road. In that case, make sure you know how to Nordic walk up or down the hill. After getting comfortable doing the basic skill of this activity, you can progress to other techniques. In this section, learn how to Nordic walk uphill or downhill.
Uphill Technique
Adapt your Basic Nordic Walking Technique and know how to walk your way up the hill. Compared to usual walking, leaning forward from your hips is one important step when walking uphill. You will have to exert more effort to push yourself off and make the strides. Keep your pace and practice proper breathing. Your Nordic Walking Poles will help you maintain balance and stability while moving uphill.
Downhill Technique
After learning how to Nordic walk uphill, you obviously need to get comfortable walking down with poles. Just like in the Uphill Technique, your poles provide support and help maintain your stability to keep you from stumbling down. Adjust the length of the poles in relation to the steepness of the hill. In general, you need longer poles for steeper hills. Slightly bend your knees and make short strides. Make sure to slow your pace or reduce the speed of your descent.
Walking up and down hills will make use of your muscles to a greater extent, enabling you to achieve the optimum results of the activity. Make it challenging and more enjoyable by walking your way up and down hills and steep roads instead of walking on flat surfaces all the time. Just make sure, though, to brush up on your basic technique first before trying the uphill-downhill technique and other skills.
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