10 Questions with Kristen Siminski
The physical therapist at Cape Cod Hospital, who recently became a certified Nordic walking instructor, shares her passion for the sport that simply requires specialized poles, a good pair of shoes and an enthusiasm for the outdoors.
For Kristen Siminski, it was love at first step.
Several years ago, a friend gave Siminski a pair of Nordic walking poles to help ramp up her walking and she never looked back. Earlier this month, the physical therapist at Cape Cod Hospital became a certified Nordic walking instructor for the Cape Cod Nordic Walking Group, where she plans to lead multiple trail walks, including her favorite course around Sandy Neck in Sandwich.
“I love that the sport is outside and explores different parts of the Cape,” says Siminski, a mother of two. “It’s very social, you get to meet different people you normally wouldn’t get to meet and there’s the added benefit of physical activity. You use more than 90 percent of your muscles, your heart rate increases more than regular walking and it’s just enjoyable.” The full-body, low-impact workout is gaining traction and has a strong following. The Cape Cod Nordic Walking Group on Facebook has nearly 2,000 members and new walkers join every week.
We recently caught up with Siminski, who has worked as a physical therapist at Cape Cod Hospital for nearly 20 years, before she started her 9 a.m. shift. She shared with us her dream job, her favorite phrase she lives by, and what she plans on accomplishing before the end of the year.
1. What was your very first or most interesting job?
Working in the admitting department at a community hospital in New Hampshire, both in the front lobby and emergency room. I learned that everybody has a story and people just want to be seen and heard. I would be one of the first staff members they would talk to when they came in, so I would sit down with patients and hear their perspectives. You just never know what people are going through. I still use those skills today—being able to listen to people and to really see them goes a long way.
2. What is your mantra, or what is a quote or phrase you live by?
My personal mantra is, “I am strong and capable.” The phrase I try to live by is, “Life begins outside my comfort zone.” Doing something my kids enjoy doing, such as mountain biking, is outside my comfort zone, but it’s definitely something I am capable of doing. My kids have taught me so much about mountain biking, and they are really good at it. I love the time that we have together, exploring the trails or them giving me tips. It’s not always about parents teaching the kids.
3. What do you like most about your job?
I walk in the door and I have no idea what my day is going to look like, and I love that. I have no idea who I am going to see for a patient (ages 65 to 110, and some younger ones, too) or what the needs are going to be. I just like the unknown. It’s a dynamic environment. It’s so great because I’m also involved with a lot of education with families and caregivers.
4. What would be your dream job?
Being able to work inside the hospital walls doing my current job and working outside the hospital walls in the community with a hospital-led program where people are getting out and being physically active. I would love to be an ambassador for Nordic walking and integrating it into my practice for specific things like cardiac, cancer wellness, Parkinson’s and employee wellness.
5. What would you like to accomplish before end of the year?
Completing my health coach certification by August. I’m 80 percent done. The certification focuses on advocating for lifestyle changes and healthier behaviors.
6. What would a perfect day off look like for you?
A bike ride with the kids and my husband, starting in Orleans and riding to PB Boulangerie in Wellfleet for lunch.
7. Favorite movie and TV shows?
I love “The Way, Way Back” with Steve Carell, and we enjoy watching “Modern Family” together as a family.
8. The last time you danced?
In the car, jamming with my daughter, with the windows down and sunroof open.
9. Do you have a hidden passion?
Every week for the past 10 years or so, I walk or run hill repeats in Hyannisport 10 times with coworkers and friends. I enjoy combining being active while hanging out with friends. It’s a win win!”
10. What are some of your favorite spots on the Cape to explore?
Anything with a water view. I love exploring the Cape with my family and I love the trails behind our house.
