At Ancient Ways Revealed, we delve into a variety of categories that reflect our commitment to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the Southwest. Our focus encompasses longform chapters, ritual studies, and extensive archives that celebrate the ancient traditions and cultural practices of the region.
Each category is thoughtfully curated to provide insights and knowledge that connect past and present. We invite you to explore our offerings, which include:
- Longform Chapters: In-depth explorations of historical narratives and cultural significance.
- Ritual Studies: Examination of traditional practices and their meanings within various communities.
- Southwest Archives: A collection of resources and documents that highlight the diverse heritage of the Southwest.
Join us on this journey of discovery as we reveal the ancient ways that continue to influence our lives today.
Nordic Walking on Ancient Paths: Poles, Trails and the Long View
Nordic walking, brisk walking with a pair of purpose-made poles, grew out of off-season training used by cross-country skiers in Finland. It was popularised as a fitness activity in the late 1990s, and by 2019 it had spread well beyond Scandinavia. The idea is simple. Each pole is planted behind you and pushed against in rhythm with the opposite leg. That brings the arms, shoulders and upper back into what would otherwise be a lower-body exercise. Many walkers find this makes a familiar route feel more demanding without feeling harsher on the joints.
For a heritage desk, the appeal goes beyond the gym. Walking with staffs is one of the oldest human habits. Shepherds, pilgrims and traders across many cultures carried poles for balance, for testing uncertain ground and for steadying loads on long journeys. Around Santa Fe, people have crossed mesas, arroyos and mountain foothills on foot for centuries. Many present-day trails still trace corridors of older movement. Walking them deliberately, at a steady pace, connects a modern fitness habit with a very old way of reading the land.
Practical notes for walking in northern New Mexico
- Mind the altitude. Santa Fe sits at roughly 7,000 feet, so start shorter and slower than you would at sea level.
- Fit your poles. Choose poles that are fixed or adjustable, with your elbow at about a right angle when the tip touches the ground. Rubber paws suit pavement; carbide tips suit dirt and gravel.
- Carry water and sun protection. The high desert air is dry, and shade can be scarce.
- Respect the ground you cross. Stay on marked trails. Leave artifacts and stones where they lie, and follow posted rules on pueblo, tribal and protected lands, where access may be restricted.
If you have heart, joint or balance concerns, check with a health professional before starting a new walking routine. They can also help with technique, since good form matters more than speed.
For more on the routes, landscapes and traditions behind these paths, browse our Field Notes or explore the region's Places.
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