“Nordic Walking Queen” Teaches People to Walk This Way
Linda Lemke loves Nordic walking so much she travels all over the state to show people how to do it. We caught up with Lemke in Maple Grove where she was teaching people from the northwest metro. While it looks like walking, the Nordic version uses specially-designed poles.
Lemke, who’s nicknamed “The Nordic Walking Queen,” says there’s more to it than meets the eye.
“They think they know how to walk but Nordic walking is much different,” said Lemke. “The first thing we do is show them that they may not be walking the best way. So we work on striding and swinging our arms and having an active walk and then we add the poles to that.”
Anyone Can Nordic Walk
While Nordic Walking is popular among seniors anyone can do it. The activity is even common among those who use to be runners.
“Nordic walking provides a Nordic walking high,” said Lemke. “People who use to be runners really like Nordic Walking because they the rhythm of it and their heart rate getting up.”
Nordic walking started in 1997 in Finland. The creator harvested the benefits that Nordic skiers receive from using their poles during summer workouts. Since then, the activity has become popular all over the world.
“It’s an activity that activates the brain because it requires coordinating,” says Lemke. “That makes it good for diminishing the onset of dimension and Alzheimer’s as well as all the other life-threatening diseases out there.”
Burns More Calories
Nordic walking burns 20 to 40 percent more calories than your average daily stroll. Lemke hopes by spreading her knowledge of the activity more people will get out and exercise.
“You’ve got to get out and move,” said Lemke. “Movement is our daily prescription and if you are going to walk you may as be walking with poles. Make it the best walk possible.”
If you are interested in learning more about Lemke’s classes that she offers you can visit her website by clicking here.
