Thoughts about Nordic walking for youth

Physical activity is essential for young people’s physical, mental, and emotional development. Regular movement supports healthy growth, builds strong bones and muscles, improves mood and focus, and reduces the risk of chronic health conditions later in life. However, not all forms of exercise appeal to or are accessible for every youth.

That’s where Nordic walking stands out—it’s a fun, low-impact, full-body activity that encourages outdoor exploration while promoting fitness in a supportive, inclusive way. Whether used as a solo habit or a group experience, Nordic walking offers young people a unique and enjoyable path to lifelong wellness.

Here are a few of the many benefits:

• Builds core strength. Nordic walking engages the entire body, especially the core muscles, as the poles are used in a rhythmic, cross-body motion. This helps young people develop strong abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles, which are vital for posture, injury prevention, and overall physical health. Strengthening the core at an early age lays the foundation for better performance in other sports and daily activities.
• Encourages outdoor activity. In an era where screens dominate free time, Nordic walking offers a simple yet powerful reason to head outdoors. It’s a structured way for young people to explore parks, trails, and neighborhoods while reaping the physical and mental benefits of fresh air, natural light, and contact with nature. This helps build lifelong habits of outdoor movement that contribute to overall well-being.
• Enhances coordination and balance. The technique of Nordic walking—synchronizing arm and leg movements while managing the poles—improves neuromuscular coordination and balance. For youth, whose bodies are still developing, this can be particularly beneficial in fostering spatial awareness and confidence in movement, which translates well into sports, dance, and everyday mobility.
• Fun and empowering. Unlike traditional fitness routines, Nordic walking feels less like a workout and more like an adventure. Mastering pole techniques and discovering new trails can be especially empowering for young people, giving them a sense of accomplishment. It also provides a non-competitive, pressure-free way to be active and enjoy physical movement.
• Inclusive and accessible. Nordic walking is adaptable for a wide range of fitness levels and abilities. With adjustable poles and customizable pace, it accommodates youth with different strengths, limitations, or health concerns. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and encourages participation from those who might shy away from more intense or competitive sports.
• Promotes healthy social interaction. Group Nordic walking fosters connection, teamwork, and communication in a low-pressure setting. It gives young people a chance to bond with peers while doing something healthy together. These shared experiences can build friendships, improve emotional health, and even strengthen mentor-youth relationships when done in guided group settings.

Takeaways:

• Try something new: Nordic walking is a fun, full-body activity that builds strength and coordination without feeling like hard work.
• Be outdoors more: It’s a great reason to unplug and enjoy nature while staying fit.
• Celebrate progress: Small achievements—like learning to use the poles correctly—boost confidence and encourage consistency.
• Everyone can do it: You don’t have to be a top athlete to enjoy Nordic walking; it fits all abilities.
• Walk together: Doing this activity with friends, family, or mentors makes it even more rewarding and helps grow strong social bonds.

↓ See below for Nordic walking coaching, experiences, and shopping ↓

Gear and gadgets: Check these items out and browse more ideas for enhancing your capabilities (commission earned by Afoot Nordic walking on purchases)

Explore Nordic walking experiences to to enjoy the world of Nordic walking.