Nordic Walking for a Healthy Life

Walking out of the office

I walk nearly every day of the week as I now earn my living as a Nordic Walking Instructor. I have been doing it for a couple of years and love every minute of it. Previously I practised as a Solicitor but after many years reached a “burn-out” point of no return and had to find something else to do with the rest of my life. I looked at franchise set-ups to give me some ideas and although I came up with a list of “could dos” nothing grabbed me. I had been on a cycling holiday to Austria and seen many fit-looking people of all ages striding around the mountains, hills and fields using poles, so as a break in my research I looked up Nordic Walking. I was smitten straight away! I probably would have gone into teaching had I not chosen law. I was always keen on keeping fit and enjoyed walking. Nordic Walking combined all three so there was no stopping me.

Back to school

I signed up to train as an Instructor with NWUK (Nordic Walking UK) and after that completed a further course in Exercise Referral. So, as well as learning the technique, I had to study physiology and anatomy and all about chronic illnesses. It was “back to school” for my brain and I enjoyed learning about the body and how it works. It really is an amazing machine — so complex and yet so beautiful in the way all the parts fit together and work in harmony. But and it is a big BUT you must not abuse it and you must look after it. Sadly we in the Western hemisphere do not(and it’s now spreading to the East!) Too many people suffer from the “sitting disease” (they just don’t move around enough and get active) and eat too much food and in particular processed, food full of sugar.

What is Nordic Walking?

So what is Nordic Walking? It is not walking with trekking poles leaning forward for a start and many people you see out on a walk have one or two of these and lean forward as they walk for support, balance or use just one if they have a bad hip or knee. In very simple terms it is walking with specified Nordic Walking poles with straight arms swinging and pushing backwards into the ground for resistance, resulting in the toning of muscles and improved posture.

Where it all began

Nordic Walking began in the 1930's when super fit competitive cross-country skiers in Finland started using poles in their off season training when there was no snow. It gave them a great advantage as it was a perfect training aid which kept their heart and lungs in top condition and ensured their upper and lower body muscles remained in excellent shape. It has developed since then as a recreational physical activity in its own right, which gives a full body workout for the able-bodied and is used as a great tool for exercise referral, to aid those with medical conditions to become more active and manage their health.

Walking the Surrey Hills

So where do I do this Nordic Walking? In and around the lovely Surrey hills and downs just south of The London Borough of Croydon, with some walks taking in the North Downs Way and The London Loop. Have a look at my website at www.go-nordic-walking.com to find out more. I teach all ages and abilities and lead walks for those who want to continue once they have learned the technique.

Does it work?

Yes it helps with fitness and posture, the toning up of core muscles which support the spine, uses and tones most of the major muscles in the body, helps with back, hip and knee issues by giving support and enabling sufferers to walk further and more energetically than before. It’s great for lifting the spirit too as you walk taller, expand your lungs and get more oxygen to every part of your body and as with all exercise helps with the release of serotonin — the “feel good factor” chemical in the brain, which lifts the mood.

Is it easy to learn?

Well it is an acquired technique taught over 4 lessons with the aim of building up the technique as you progress but ensuring plenty of repetition of the basics. I also teach some basic muscle strengthening exercises as we go along to help make the body stronger, most of which can be done at home as well! It takes time for most people to get their body coordinated as you use the top and bottom half of the body in unison to Nordic Walk, whereas you use only the bottom part when walking normally. It’s a bit like riding a bike or driving a car — there’s a lot to think about but eventually it all slips into place and you develop a good rhythm.

Walking and talking

My lesson times are long enough to practise the technique and also enjoy just the walk as well, taking in the changing scenery from week to week through the seasons and there’s time for chatting as we walk, encompassing about every subject under the sun! So it’s not all high speed activity at a breathless pace — it’s sociable and there’s time to talk and make new friends while keeping fit. What more could you ask for? Come along and have a go!

Carol