Interview with Ezio Bianchi, first instructor of Nordic Walking with ANWI certificate around Rimini. He told us how and where to practice it.

D: Ezio, what is Nordic Walking?
It was created in finland for the summer training of Nordic ski (cross country, ecc) Nordic Walking is a natural physical activity, healthy, efficient and complete, which anyone can enjoy. It combines the practice of technical walking with movements of the upper body borrowed from cross country ski (classic technique)
It is basically an evolution of the technical walking enriched by the use of sticks which force the body to move correctly, in an aligned fashion.
It was thought to improve the quality of life and it actually does, being a sport which allows amazing improvements in respiration and posture. This discipline has three levels: wellness, fitness and sportL’intensità dell’allenamento può essere adeguata alle condizioni fisiche di chi lo pratica, secondo tre diversi livelli: benessere, fitness and sport, depending on skills and general condition, that's why it is accessible to anyone.
D: So, what are, in details, the benefits brought by Nordic walking?
It is not easy to explain all the advantages you can experience once you take on this sport, but, basically, Nordic Walking means:
-a visible improvement in walking
-90% use of your muscles
-a symmetrical and harmonic training for all your body
-great improvements in respiration
-benefits for metabolism
-relief from muscles tension
-achievement of a correct posture
-a physical activity accessible to anyone, also because it is not practiced on a competitive level

D: In which specific way does one’s health benefit from Nordic Walking?
R: It can definitely help to control weight or lose it (I personally lost 13 kg in three months of constant practice), but it is also a good exercise for the heart and it works also against cholesterol.  The abilities you gain are performable in ordinary life as well. As I said, a good way of walking and a correct posture are not only necessary when you work out, they're essential for anyone who wants to keep healthy. It can also provide relieve from back pain and tension
D: Where to practice it?
R: Anywhere, even on the beach (fantastic) and in the water

D: Really?
R: Yes in shallow water - (5/10 cm) or (20/40 cm) - as i experimented with my colleagues and trainers Tiina Arrankoski and Tuomo Kettunen (the only two coach instructors, in Italy, authorised to divulge and teach NW) with very interesting results.
Therefore, we are now ready to let this new activity become known, with the kind collaboration of Riccione Tourism Committee represented by Paola Pierrelli, the Hotels association  - a special thank to Luca Cevoli and Fausto Ravaglia who allowed us to use zone 135 as the first meeting point for Nordic Walkers and Beach Walkers. Also at anyone's disposal is the non commercial association ARKEION, in Riccione at Fiorina hotel, v.le Monti,57 – tel 0541.646392
.

D: ARKEION?
R:  It's a Greek word, the name of a plant which was used and still grows on hills beside the sea, commonly known as Leppa.
Historians attribute to this plant, and not to the Roman God Arcione, the name of our city.
 It is as ancient as walking is...but still unbeatable for all the benefits you can get from it, as much as from Nordic Walking

D: Why should someone ask the professional advice of an ANWI instructor?
R: Well, if you are willing to take on this sport, even if it is commonly known as a simple "walking with sticks", it is nevertheless much more complicated than this and only correct practice can get benefits, otherwise it might just be useless or, even worse, unpleasant..our body is a complex machine, better not to mess with it! That´s why in many countries this sport is supported and partially financed by the national committee for sport, in order to prevent people from getting cheaper treatments which can lead to problems!

D: Don't you feel a bit fanatic about it sometimes?
R: Not at all...we are very open-minded instead; you can see that by the way we keep on experimenting and searching for new opportunities, like the recent development of the new discipline, the beach walking!

D: Discipline? It sounds a bit...mystic?
R: Well some principles of Nordic Walking are definitely closely related to the activities of one's mind...mens sana in corpore sano (healthy mind in healthy body)!

D: What do you expect from this interview?
R: Well I would definitely expect people to be a bit more curios about what we are doing and for the ones who already know something about it and maybe practice this already, I’d say they will know by now that it is absolutely important to be trained and guided by experts, even to figure out simple things as the length of sticks one needs - which might sound almost funny but it is of the utmost importance!

D: So, how can people get properly prepared for the Nordic Walking?
R: there is a basic course which lasts no more than half an hour, followed by other lessons which will lead to different techniques and levels in order to explore all the opportunities this sport can offer!

D: Where and how can we find you?
R: Easy:
ARKEION, Fiorina hotel, viale Monti no. 57– tel. 0541.646392 www.hotelfiorina.it/nordicwalking.htm e-mail info@hotelfiorina.it  
Istructor EzioBianchi 3389484017
Fausto Ravaglia – Bagno 135 Riccione tel. 0541.643946 e-mail fravaglia@hi-net.it
ANWI www.anwi.it  anwi@anwi.it
D: Thank you and see you on the Beach!
Looking forward to meet you there!