Nordic Walking: Boost your well-being while living with Parkinson’s

Autumn is here – at least in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a season of change: the days are getting shorter, the leaves are changing color, temperatures are dropping, and nature is slowly preparing for winter. We humans like to make ourselves comfortable at home: in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea or snuggled up in a blanket on the sofa with a book or a cat on the lap. However, for people with Parkinson’s, autumn shouldn’t be exclusively a time of inactivity – quite the opposite: the cool, clear air and colorful autumn leaves provide the perfect conditions for a particularly suitable sport. So, let’s grab our Nordic walking poles and march forward with the wind at our backs.

Why exercise is so important for Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s is often accompanied by a lack of movement, muscle stiffness, and an increasing sense of uncertainty when walking. Studies and experience, however, clearly show that regular physical activity can slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. Movement helps maintain mobility, trains balance and reduces the risk of falling. The psyche also benefits: Sports have a mood-enhancing effect and promote self-confidence.

Autumn – the ideal time for Nordic walking

Autumn temperatures are ideal for endurance sports. The clear air supports breathing, and nature provides a genuine experience for the senses. Especially during this time of the year, Nordic walking not only helps the body, but also the soul: light, exercise, and fresh air are preventing mood dips.

More than just walking with poles

I remember the first time I walked through the landscape in front of my house with the poles – at first, it was uncomfortable for me. “It looks so strange with the poles.” But after a Nordic walking course, I knew how to use the poles correctly and I often walk with the poles through the woods and meadows, and that in wind and bad weather! In Northern Germany, there is a saying: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.”

Nordic walking is particularly well-suited for people with Parkinson’s disease, as the poles provide safety and stability, especially on uneven ground. The movement rhythm when moving the poles promotes coordination, which can help against typical symptoms such as freezing. Large, even movements can release stiffness and activate the entire body. The heart and circulatory system are strengthened without overload. Nordic walking is gentle on the joints and can be adapted to individual needs, whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete.
It’s important that you have the right poles! Get advice at a sports store and try out which pole is right for you.
Please discuss the sporting activity with your attending physician beforehand to ensure it is suitable for you.

Group offers and motivation

Learn the technique correctly: A first training session with a Nordic walking trainer or a trained physical or occupational therapist can help you learn the correct pole technique from the start. Many Parkinson’s self-help groups or rehabilitation sports clubs offer Nordic walking courses specifically for people with Parkinson’s. Under the guidance of trained instructors, it is easier to get started, and walking together provides additional motivation. And then: stick with it and motivate yourself, even in wind and weather! My tip: Meet someone or a group to go walking – even for people without Parkinson’s, Nordic walking is a great sport – together you increase your motivation and give each other security.

Tips for safe Nordic walking in autumn:

The days are already quite short and often dark in autumn. When doing outdoor sports, please wear brightly colored clothing. Reflectors and small lights are very important when dusk falls early. Leaves can be very slippery. Choose non-slip shoes with good tread. Start slowly and plan breaks – the journey is the goal. And if it’s just a short round at first, your rounds will definitely get longer over time! Before training, you should warm up briefly. Simple mobility exercises are often enough. Ask a physical therapist or sports coach for more information.

Conclusion: Don’t slow down this autumn – stay active with Nordic Walking

Parkinson doesn’t have to mean a standstill. Especially in fall, Nordic walking invites you to move consciously, enjoy nature, and actively do something for your health. The combination of gentle endurance sports, fresh air, and the support of the poles makes Nordic walking one of the best sports for Parkinson’s disease – especially in the golden season.

And now it’s my turn too – Hamburg is expecting a great autumn and maybe I’ll even find some mushrooms in the woods…

By the way: In previous blog articles, we have already given tips for sports activities, and more tips will follow over time – we would be happy to take suggestions on topics – please contact us at any time.

Helpful links:

🔗 Nordic walking and Parkinson’s | Parkinson’s UK
🔗 Pole Walking for Parkinson’s: How this Nordic Workout Improves Mobility | Parkinson’s Foundation
🔗 Why is Nordic Walking effective for Parkinson’s – British Nordic Walking
🔗 Nordic Walking and Walking in Parkinson’s disease: a randomized single-blind controlled trial – PubMed