Hello everyone:

Here’s the latest Nordic walking news:

1. Farewell 2025, Welcome 2026
   As the new year begins, I’m feeling grateful and energized! 2025 was another wonderful year for Nordic walking. More people than ever joined my Quick-Start Clinics and private classes, more readers discovered new tips and inspiration through my books via my website and Amazon, and last fall was my largest class ever—27 walkers!
   
   For a short video with some of the year’s highlights, click here.

2. Winter Nordic Walking
   The winter session of Saturday classes runs January 17 to March 7, from 9:30 to 10:30am at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Winter walking truly is a joy, especially at the Cemetery. The roads are always plowed and salted and almost always completely clear.
   
   If there is a major snowstorm or icy conditions, classes are postponed; there's no reason to take chances on slippery surfaces. Any missed class will be made up on a better-weather day. Click here to register.
   
   (Note: If you’ll be away or busy for at least four Saturdays, I am always happy to pro-rate your registration fee.)

3. Quick Start Clinic January 17
   Have a friend who might want to join us? The first 2026 Clinic happens on the opening day of the 9:30 class, and Clinic participants have the option to join the class starting at the second session. Click here for registration details.

4. Sea, Sand & Soul Retreat Update
   My colleague Nina LePage and I are thrilled to share that single rooms for this year’s retreat (September 5-11) are sold out at this early date. We're working on securing additional cottages, so please don’t hesitate to register if you are considering joining in on the fun.
   
   We're also especially happy to welcome back an extra-large contingent of returning participants this year. Click here for all the details.

5. Did You Know?
   While my current classes are all geared to Nordic walking, Urban Poling’s Activator poles are actually the company’s bestsellers. The Activators are designed for people who are concerned with balance and stability and who may or may not already walk with a cane or wheeled walker.
   
   The Activators are widely respected by healthcare professionals and supported by strong research. They are especially helpful for people who fear falling, feel unstable in crowds, or who find that a cane or wheeled walker causes poor posture or wrist or back discomfort.
   
   If you aren't familiar with the Activator poles, click here for a super-quick video of them in action. Click here to learn more.

Wishing you all the best for a happy, healthy and active 2026,

Barb

Barb Gormley
CustomFit Nordic Walking
www.barbgormley.com
bgormley@rogers.com