In recent years, Scandinavian style has dominated the U.S. market. The worlds of fashion and interior design frequently feature its core tenets: soothing neutrals, sleek silhouettes, and understated ensembles that still feel chic. While it may seem as though loose trousers, cable-knit sweaters, and long wool coats are now decidedly American wardrobe staples, each of these fashion trends have roots in Nordic countries. Now, it appears that Scandinavian fitness may be poised to have a similar influence.
This October, NRTHRN Strong, a Danish fitness brand, opened its first permanent U.S. location in New York City. The workout class draws on the movements of cross-country skiing, a sport the region is well-known for. However, that’s not the only way Americans are embracing Scandinavian fitness culture. Beyond the doors of this new studio, more people are turning to other key Scandinavian wellness principles, including Nordic walking, visiting modern bathhouses, and running in the cold.
In a way, the shift makes perfect sense given the region’s reputation for being home to some of the world’s healthiest—and happiest—countries. “I would say that some of the best athletes in the world are Nordic skiers,” Alyssa Amos Clark, CPT, a certified personal trainer, coach, and professional athlete, tells SELF. “They have to be strong in the upper body. They have to be strong in the legs, the core, and then they have to cardiovascularly be able to push and climb and descend.” Clark adds that cross-country skiing provides the ideal balance of strength and endurance training, making it an increasingly popular choice for American fitness enthusiasts.
But it’s not the only Nordic sport currently trending in the U.S. Open up TikTok or Instagram, and you may notice people taking an unexpected accessory with them on their daily hot girl walks: poles. While this concept may feel relatively new stateside, the practice of Nordic walking, which involves trekking while tightly gripping ski-like poles, is a well-known activity in Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden. “It’s really great because it engages your core and your arms,” Karolina Rhenman, CPT, a Swedish certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor who’s currently based in New York City, tells SELF. While she notes that Nordic walking is often more popular among older generations due to its status as a low-impact exercise, she’s recently noticed the practice picking up speed among New Yorkers out and about in Central Park. Another underrated benefit of the exercise? It forces you to take a break from texting or emailing for the duration of the workout. Because, well, when you’re wielding two poles, it’s incredibly challenging to hold your phone, let alone send a message.
