Three years later, Amy was devastated by a back injury that resulted in two herniated discs. "It was the most excruciating pain I've ever felt in my life. I was laid up for two months waiting for my surgery."
After her second surgery, Amy's doctor gave her an ultimatum: If she continued to run, she likely would suffer chronic back and neck pain for the rest of her life with potentially debilitating results. This time Amy took her doctor seriously and sought other low-impact activities. Due to her compulsive nature, Amy worked out daily on an elliptical trainer, lifted weights and stretched regularly, but missed exercising outdoors.
"I was desperate to find a substitute for running, and walking wasn't satisfying enough. I used to run on the lakefront path and I couldn't bear seeing all those runners and not being able to join in. Living along the Chicago lakefront, I felt a real need to be exercising outdoors, especially when the weather was good."
Last year, she read an article about Nordic walking in the New York Times and believed she had found the solution to her problem. She located a local trainer in the Chicago area and was thrilled to be outdoors again, involved in an invigorating fitness routine.
"Nordic walking has been a boon for me, since it gives me the same vigorous physical workout I used to get from running. In addition, it works my upper body, and the poles give me the support and stability my back needs. I get a really good workout and I even get the 'runner's high' I once enjoyed."
Leigh, Amy and thousands of new converts to Nordic walking are discovering they can get outdoors, get fit, have fun and develop a new passion for exercise.
For more information, visit www.nordicwalker.com.