Nordic Walking Physio was founded by Annie in 2023, bringing together her expertise as a Physiotherapist and Nordic Walking Instructor with her passion for helping people improve their mobility, confidence and long-term health.

Annie’s journey with Nordic walking began at a young age. Inspired by her mum, who was also a Nordic Walking Instructor, Annie trained as an instructor herself at just 18 years old. Her experience as a Nordic Walking Instructor began many years before she became a Physiotherapist, giving her a long-standing understanding and appreciation of the technique.

Alongside her passion for Nordic walking, Annie developed a strong academic foundation in exercise science and physiotherapy. During her time at university, she completed two research projects exploring the effects and potential benefits of Nordic walking.

Annie graduated with a First Class BSc in Clinical Exercise Science in 2016. Her dissertation explored the cardiovascular effects and perceived exertion of Nordic walking compared with walking without poles. She later completed an MSc in Physiotherapy at the University of East Anglia in 2020, graduating with a First. Her research again focused on Nordic walking, exploring its potential benefits for people with musculoskeletal injuries.

It was during her work as a Physiotherapist in the NHS that Annie began to see just how powerful Nordic walking could be for rehabilitation, recovery and long-term wellbeing. She recognised the opportunity to combine her physiotherapy knowledge with the Nordic walking technique, creating an approach that supports people to move with confidence, build strength and enjoy being active.

In 2023, Annie retrained with British Nordic Walking, further developing her knowledge of the internationally recognised INWA technique and ensuring her teaching remains informed by the latest developments in this growing field. Later that year, she founded Nordic Walking Physio, bringing her two professional passions together.

While Nordic walking is widely recognised as an effective form of exercise, Annie is passionate about demonstrating its potential as an evidence-informed tool for rehabilitation and long-term health. Through her clinical knowledge and experience, she supports people with a wide range of abilities and goals, helping them improve function, build confidence and enjoy being active outdoors.

Alongside running Nordic Walking Physio, Annie is a member of the INWA Science Committee, where she contributes to reviewing and communicating the latest research on Nordic walking. She is passionate about translating research into practical knowledge that instructors, healthcare professionals and participants can use to support safe, effective and evidence-informed Nordic walking.

Nordic Walking Physio is built around four core values: Community, Exercise, Rehabilitation and Education which are clear to see in all sessions.