Nordic Walking is one of the fastest growing recreational fitness sports in the world. The estimated population of Nordic Walkers at the end of the year 2007 was over 7 million.

The origin of ‘Nordic Walking’ dates back to the 1930's, when Finish cross country skiers used their ski poles for summer ‘snow free’ training. It wasn’t until the later part of the 20th century that the concept of fitness walking with specially designed poles was developed as a method of exercise.

In 1985 Tom Rutlin a cross-country skier and certified ski coach from the USA, experimented by adding rubber tips to his ski poles. The idea was to use a cross-country ski polling action to engage the muscles of the upper body, while fitness walking or running on an asphalt surface.