Nordic Walking courses for 2010

What is Nordic Walking?

Nordic Walking was invented in the 1930s in Finland, when it was found that cross country skiers were fitter in summer than in winter. They were using their ski poles to traverse land with no snow, walking instead of skiing, and their muscles and cardio vascular rates improved. We now use redesigned poles to walk today.

What are the benefits?

If someone takes up Nordic Walking in their 60s, it has been suggested that they will be walking a good 10 years longer than they might otherwise have been, providing other health aspects hold up. Using the special lightweight poles (provided during classes), older people can enjoy a new stability, giving them the confidence to walk at a good pace, without the fear of falling. The poles are strapped on, even allowing arthritis sufferers to take part.

This versatile way of walking, also has the benefit of allowing mixed fitness groups to walk together. For example, a fit 30 year old, can walk alongside a less fit or older person, and both will attain the level of fitness they want to achieve. This is because the upper body takes a big part in helping the poles propel you forward, so the fitter person, will put in more effort, gain greater cardio vascular function, whilst their legs will walk at the pace of his less fit neighbour.

Because it is performed outside in the fresh air and with other people, there is also a feel-good factor bonus to the exercise. Walkers can chat and enjoy the scenery, whilst improving their fitness.

• More about Nordic Walking on the British Nordic Walking website (new window)

Nordic Walking courses for 2010

All courses are for beginners unless otherwise stated.

If you would like to sign up for one of the courses or would like more information please contact Suffolk Sport on 01394 444289.

• Nordic Walking 2010 courses flyer (new window PDF 110KB)

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