August heat is no reason to stop. What changes is the timing, how much you drink and the pace. Here is how to keep Nordic Walking going through the hottest weeks without suffering for it.
Come August, many people stop Nordic Walking, assuming the heat makes it impossible. That is not true: what changes is when you go out, how much you drink and at what pace you walk. My groups' outings do not stop in summer, they just move to a different time of day.
Why the heat weighs more than the effort
Nordic Walking works the upper body too, not just the legs: arms, shoulders and back are active on every push. In summer this means producing more internal heat, not just absorbing it from outside. The problem is not the heat itself, but adding produced heat to ambient heat at the wrong time of day.
The two right times for August
Early, while the sun is still low
The best outings are the ones that start while the sun is still low: lower temperature, raking light, and a good margin before the air turns heavy. It is the time slot I prefer for groups during this period.
Late afternoon, as the shadows lengthen
The second useful window is close to sunset, once the ground has stopped storing heat and the shade from trees and embankments becomes useful again. It works well for those who cannot get out early.
In between, roughly from eleven to four, it is better to skip the outing: that is the window in which heat weighs most heavily on anyone walking with intent.
Hydration and pace: what really changes
- Drink before you are thirsty. In summer thirst arrives later than the actual need: it is better to drink small amounts at regular intervals rather than waiting to feel the need.
- Ease the pace slightly. The technique stays the same, but the stride can be a touch shorter and the breaks a touch more frequent.
- Shorten the session, don't skip it. Thirty minutes done well, at the right time, are worth more than an hour done at the wrong one.
| Morning outing | Evening outing | |
|---|---|---|
| Perceived temperature | Lower, still air | Dropping, often with a light breeze |
| Light | Raking, excellent for technique | Warm, less useful for seeing the details of the movement |
| Crowding on the paths | Low | Moderate, especially near towns |
| What to bring | Water, a light cap | Water, a light jacket for the way back |
If you can't get out early or in the evening, move the session indoors, on an inclined treadmill, without poles: it is not Nordic Walking, but it keeps your fitness up. For the real technique, better to wait for the right time. In the Nordic Walking courses in South Tyrol and the Po Delta we always pick this up again at the end of summer.
What changes in your kit in summer
- Breathable layers instead of winter technical wear: fabric and ventilation matter more than retained warmth.
- A cap and sunglasses, especially at dawn, when the sun is low and straight in your eyes.
- More water than usual, even for short sessions.
- Lightweight poles: in summer the weight in your hand is more noticeable after a long session.
Three mistakes to avoid in August
- Going out at midday "because it's only half an hour anyway". Even short sessions, in the hot hours, take more out of you than expected.
- Drinking only at the end of the session. Starting out already dehydrated is the commonest cause of energy dips halfway through.
- Keeping the same pace as winter. The technique does not change, but expecting the same stride with far higher temperatures is a recipe for giving up after a few days.
Frequently asked questions
Can you still do Nordic Walking in August?
Yes, by changing the time of day. The best sessions are at dawn or close to sunset; in the middle of the day it is better to skip the outing or move it indoors.
How much extra water do you need in summer?
There is no single number that works for everyone, but the practical rule is to drink small amounts at regular intervals, before you are thirsty, and to bring more than seems necessary.
Does the heat change Nordic Walking technique?
No, the five points of technique stay the same. What changes is the pace, which can be a little slower, and how often you pause.
If you want to revisit the fundamentals before starting up again after the summer break, here is Nordic Walking technique in 5 points.
I also run Nordic Walking along the valley-floor trails in Val di Funes, where the mountain cool helps precisely in the hottest weeks.
For upcoming late-summer outings, take a look at the course dates and let's set up a session tailored to you.