Study aim: To assess the performance of subjects engaged in health-directed Nordic Walking training (with poles) and subjected to 2-km walk test (no poles). Material and methods: A total of 72 subjects, including 8 men and 32 women aged 23-73 years and 32 female students aged 19-25 years participated in the study. They were subjected twice to 2-km walk test: without poles (control) and with poles (Nordic Walking); their index of physical fitness (IPF) was determined using age, gender, post-test heart rate, BMI and walking time. Results: The use of poles significantly increased individual IPF values which resulted in classifying 6 subjects into a higher IPF category. In no case a drop into lower category was noted. Conclusions: The 2-km walk test using NW poles can be recommended as a reliable tool in monitoring the performance and physical fitness in those practicing Nordic Walking. However, a slight correction of point IPF scale seems necessary. (Contains 3 figures and 1 table.)