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Written by Kate Dawe
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Tuesday, 13 November 2012 10:47 |
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 Kdence Nordic Walking is helping people to use the Herefordshire countryside to improve their fitness. Visitors to Ledbury and the surrounding area may have noticed people walking with what look like ski poles. It's called Nordic walking. Worldwide there are over 10 million enthusiasts now regularly taking part.
It’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels, simple to learn and really sociable. By using the specially designed poles, you can use all the major muscles in the body and burn up to twice as many calories as ordinary walking. However the best thing about Nordic walking is that the poles actually propel you along so it feels really easy.
The poles also reduce the pressure on the knees and joints and the gentle upper body movement is great for easing back and neck pain too. It’s so effective that it is being used for weight loss, rehabilitation and sports specific training all the over the UK.
However it is not simply a case of grabbing a pair of poles and walking with them! It requires the correct technique in order to get the whole body.
Kdence Nordic Walking offers free taster sessions, 4 week technique courses and guided walks in Ledbury and the surrounding areas all year round.
Contact Kdence Nordic Walking: T: 07977 593211, www.kdence-nordicwalking.co.uk or
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Editor: Kate Dawe is a local, accredited Nordic walking UK Instructor. |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 13 December 2012 10:30 |
"Tesco for Terrorists" (0)
Kate is a competent experienced fitness instructor and easy-going. As a teacher, I found her patient enough to cope with my special needs. We started with some warm-up exercises and then I was introduced to the poles, and the special gloves. The poles are adjustable to one's height. Unlike trekking where the poles are in front of you, the Nordic walking poles are positioned behind you so when you walk you push back on the poles and get an extra propulsion which means you can vary your walking pace from ambling to running, skipping even, but whatever pace you choose or push you exert you still get some extra oomph.
The ground was muddy in places and I was aware I was walking confidently through it, without feeling I was going to slip or fall over, as I would've felt without the poles. Without the poles I know I would've been much more careful, tentative and since I was wearing light-weight trainers I probably wouldn't've attempted it at all. I imagine Nordic walking is a bit like being a dog: 4 legs to rely on!
Ordinary trainers are not recommended and nor are walking boots: instead one should wear light-weight waterproof shoes, for maximum flexibility and around the ankles.
Gradually, I realised I'd spent much of the walking looking down at my feet and I wondered if it were safe to look up. I did and almost immediately I found walking with the poles much easier. When I walk 'normally' I don't look down at my feet, except when on an uneven or slippery surface. As the time passed, and we were chatting generally, I realised I'd been so engrossed that I'd been completely unaware of the ground surface and that the poles and my way of walking had become second-nature. Occasionally, the rubber tip of the poles would slip slightly which is a good way to avoid becoming complacent!
For much of the session, we walked on grass but sometimes on a made-up concrete path. At one point, I got a bit breathless and realised we'd been chatting whilst walking up a hill but when I stopped for a few moments and looked around I was amazed just how effortlessly walking up the first part of the hill had been.
By the end of the session, I'd had enough in the sense of wanting to get back to work, but by then I felt that the poles and me had got on really well together. I think I remember being told at the start that the poles exercise the upper body muscles, arms, shoulders, etc but I didn't have any aches or pains afterwards and the Nordic Walking passed my test of how I'd be feeling next day.
After work that day, I browsed the web for Nordic Walking info. Like most sports(?) it has accessories, clothing, etc and I daresay that one could spend a fortune on all the kit. But for the cost of two poles (between £20 and £100 depending on the design and ergonomics) and maybe some proper shoes, I for one would really enjoy Nordic Walking regularly. [The only real draw-back for me is when to find the time, and how to use the poles whilst carrying a heavy camera/bag.]