WATCH ON DEMAND
Watch the INWA Convention 2025 REPLAY on-demand, from anywhere in the world.
​
Catch up on over 6 hours of inspiring content, from lectures to practical workshops - including the unforgettable keynote from Leena Jaaskelainen. Many sessions come with downloadable notes to help you revisit new drills and exercises.
​
Highlights include:
-
25 Years of INWA
-
Leena Jaaskelainen – Keynote Address
-
Connecting with Your Inner Child
-
Dr Ritva Mikkonen – Menstrual Health & Exercise
-
The Spinal Engine Workshop
-
Exploring Pole Length
-
The Science of Nordic Walking
-
Strength Training on the Move
-
Nordic Walking for People with Parkinson’s​
​
Access all sessions for 95 EUR - simply click here and follow the booking and PayPal link.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
With guest lectures and engaging workshops, the INWA Convention brings your Nordic Walking education bang up to date. Learn on Demand with videos, PowerPoints, and handouts:​
History of INWA – 25 Years in 25 Minutes
Aki Karihtala, INWA President
A fast-paced and engaging look at the milestones, people, and global impact of the International Nordic Walking Federation. From its founding vision in Finland to its role in setting global standards, education, and events, this presentation highlights key moments from INWA’s 25-year journey. Discover how the organisation has helped shape Nordic Walking into a worldwide movement—and where it’s heading next.
GUEST SPEAKER - Dr Ritva Mikkonen speaks on “Menstruation and exercise”
Vice director of the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences Sports Technology Unit, Vuoatti and a Senior Lecturer.
LECTURE
The Long and the Short of it - exploring pole length
Karen Ingram, INWA Head of Education &International Trainer
Naohiro Takahashi, INWA Head of Competition & International Trainer
What difference does pole length actually make? How does our pole choice affect posture, biomechanics, muscle engagement, and overall walking efficiency? Explore the science behind pole length before conducting a group experiment in the practical session.
LECTURE & PRACTICAL
Connecting with your Inner Child
Katie Atkins, INWA Lead Children & Teens
Find your inner child/teen and see the many benefits of Nordic walking for these age groups! A carousel of fun Nordic walking activities that will highlight the benefits of Nordic Walking for your younger self from discovering your inner 8 year old to time out in the teenage years. Expect Physical Literacy, well being, teamwork and creative thinking all delivered through Nordic walking! Inspire the next generation of Nordic Walkers and add fun to your adult sessions.
PRACTICAL
The Spinal Engine – driving rotation in walking
Karen Ingram, INWA Head of Education & International Trainer
Spinal rotation is a vital element of natural, efficient walking—and it's the focus of Step 4 in the INWA 10 Step Method. This session explores how the spine can act as a powerful engine for locomotion, driving movement through rotation and counter-rotation. Learn how to harness the spine’s role in propulsion to enhance posture, balance, and coordination for a more fluid, whole-body walking technique. The workshop includes practical exercises to improve thoracic rotation, mobilise the pelvis, and strengthen the core muscles that support rotational control.
LECTURE & PRACTICAL
The Science of Nordic Walking – an historical overview and a look to the future
June Stevenson, National Trainer, Nordic Kiwi
Explore key scientific studies that have shaped technique, training, and health recommendations, highlighting how research has underpinned the growth of Nordic Walking. Look ahead to emerging trends, innovations, and research areas that may influence the future of Nordic Walking worldwide.
LECTURE
Strength Training on the Move
Natalia Palacios Samper, INWA Head of Education & International Trainer
Muscle strength is vital for daily life—it supports mobility, balance, and independence. In Nordic Walking, whether for competition, recreation, or health, strong muscles improve efficiency, enhance performance, and help prevent injury. This practical workshop introduces easy, adaptable strength exercises that can be integrated into everyday training. Participants will explore both basic and complementary movements designed to support Nordic Walking technique and overall functional fitness.
PRACTICAL
​
Nordic Walking for Parkinsons or mixed ability groups.
Christine Stanley, INWA Nordic Walking Instructor, Parkinsons UK Ambassador
Sarah McCracken, INWA Nordic Walking Instructor, Parkinsons Nurse Specialist
This practical and inclusive workshop is designed for working with participants with Parkinson’s or mixed abilities. Through interactive and engaging activities, it aims to stimulate interest, build confidence, and encourage collaboration among all group members. The focus is on creating a supportive and enjoyable environment where participants can explore core skills at their own pace. Opportunities for feedback and adaptation will help individuals progress according to their abilities, while promoting communication, connection, and above all—fun!
PRACTICAL
​
Nordic Walking for Cancer
Natalia Palacios Samper, INWA Head of Education & International Trainer
Cancer patients and cancer survivors face a range of physical and emotional side effects. Exercise is a proven tool to improve the quality of life, physical function, and overall wellbeing in this population. Nordic walking is an important instrument to improve the quantity of physical activity, increase the speed of the physical activity, create balanced exercise programmes and to increase time in contact with nature. This workshop will show different adaptations of Nordic walking for these patients.
PRACTICAL
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Leena Jääskeläinen
Often hailed as the “godmother of Nordic Walking”—is a true pioneer of this global fitness movement. As a PE teacher in Espoo in 1966, she was the first to integrate walking with ski poles into physical education, firmly believing it was suitable for everyone. She continued promoting pole walking through her roles at the University of Jyväskylä (1968–71) and later as a Chief Inspector in the Board of General Education (1973–91), championing it in schools and media alike. In 1987, she gave the first public demonstration of pole-based walking at the Finlandia Walk in Tampere—an event that would spark international attention. Her groundbreaking work laid the foundation for Nordic Walking to grow into a worldwide phenomenon. It’s a privilege to have her deliver the keynote address at the INWA Convention 2025, where she’ll share invaluable insights from nearly six decades of advocacy, innovation, and leadership in Nordic Walking.
NATASHA REZNIKOV
SWITZERLAND
“Thank you everyone for the new experience and knowledge, for the new impressions and emotions, for the days spent together and the convention. A wonderful event”
ANA ROGULI
ESTONIA
“Walking together evokes so many good feelings… and at the same time it gives meaning and resistance to the fast-paced life we live. Everything is easier together… Right? My time in
Riga with so much positivity enriched me”
CALVIN WONG
HONG KONG
“I wanted to take a moment to express my hearfelt gratitude for welcoming us into your wonderful community. It has been an absolute pleasure to meet and connect with new friends from countries, as we embrace our unique backgrounds and discover the shared values and visions in Nordic Walking that bring us together."
