[estherderu]

yes, patrick,

I do know about nordic walking, ( its been a bit trendy for the last few years in holland- especially for the not so young any more.)

It looks very similar to what people have been doing for ever, especially when walking in the hills- using one or more walking sticks.

It is however one of the many ideas you can tell a patient about to do ( as in physical activity) in his spare time. Is especially good for the elderly.
In my opinion, you do not have to visit a physiotherapist to learn how to "nordic walk".

I am not surprised that you have had many people laughing at you. The dutch will still laugh at people walking around like this especially if its in town...... on a track and in the outdoors, it is a different matter.
The Australian´s are one of the biggest sportloving countries in the world and nordic walking does look a bit weird..... I must say I find it amusing to look at....as well.
But it does work for some people and is a good option for some.

kind regards

esther