Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking for Fitness and Fun

Energize (Oldham Primary Care Trust) are holding regular weekly sessions for beginners to try this unique activity.
 Nordic walking provides:
 

• a full aerobic workout for whole body
    
• burns up to 40 % more calories than normal walking
    
• is more effective than jogging and swimming
    
• improving posture and muscle tone. 

A Nordic Walking Convert

I would just like to say that I joined the Nordic Walking group at Alexander Park for the first time this week. I had no previous experience of the activity and i was looking for a good competent introduction - which I certainly received. As well as being an excellent fitness activity which appears to be accessible to people of all abilities, as a keen hillwalker in the past, I was looking for a way of training that would regain, maintain and improve my level of fitness and this activity seems to fit the bill perfectly. I'm addicted already !

 
Thursday 10-11.30am
Alexandra Park (main car park),
Enjoy the sights of Alexandra Park
 
Work your upper body whilst walking by using specially designed Nordic Walking poles. It's an enjoyable way of getting fit and gives walking a new sense of purpose.
 
No equipment needed (£1 to hire poles)
Suitable footwear is recommended such as a running shoe or a specific walking trainer.
For more information email
nordic@oldhamoutdoorpursuits.co.uk

Qualified International Nordic Walking Association (INWA) instructors
Alan Keane and Samer Badriya.

Support local shops. You can buy Nordic poles and sport clothing from Mountain Feet and Up and Running

Affiliated with

The above photos were supplied by Mr John Norman

Nordic walking press articles

Background of Nordic walking

History of Nordic Walking
 
Nordic Walking started in Finland in the early 1930`s, as an off season training method used by competitive cross-country skiers.
 
The development of Nordic Walking into its current form
 of recreational physical activity for all started in Finland
in the early 1980`s.
 
Developments of Nordic Walking
 
The international Nordic Walking Association was established in 2002 and the activity was introduced globally.
 
By the end of 2004 the estimated population of Nordic Walkers reached 3.5 million. Nordic Walking is one of the fastest growing recreational fitness sports in the world
 
Trainers involved with rehabilitation were invited to think about possibilities to implement Nordic Walking into rehabilitation programs.

What is Nordic Walking
 
Nordic Walking is fitness walking with specially designed Nordic Walker poles and it offers a very different, aerobic and easy way to improve one's physical condition irrespective of age, sex or physical condition.
 

Three levels of Nordic Walking: Health, Fitness and Sport.
 
Irrespective of age or physical condition Nordic walking can be done by everyone who wants to work on his/her condition and wellbeing in the fresh air.
 
Walking with poles gives extra safety for elderly people with disequilibrium and in circumstances such as snow and ice. Further more, loss of weight can also be achieved by Nordic Walking regularly.
 
For people in good physical condition and athletes, Nordic Walking provides an extra element of challenge, effectiveness and variety to the training.
 

Target group: Health
 
The Health level is applicable for everyone with bodily restrictions it enables them to work on their health and condition at a low level of intensity in an enjoyable way.
 
When walking with the specially designed poles the joints are unburdened, leading to release of tension in the neck and shoulders, the spine is supported. For anyone with restrictions or complaints of the spine, hip joints, knees or ankles, Nordic Walking provides relief.
 
Because of the extra stability of the poles, complaints caused by excessive strain can be avoided or delayed. In the treatment of instability of the pelvis, whiplash, Repetitive Strain Injury and chronic back problems, experience has shown that Nordic Walking is a beneficial practice.
 
Similarly, cardiac patients, people with over weight, diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder and rheumatism have a perfect opportunity to improve their condition in Nordic Walking.
 
 When Nordic walking you use your legs, your arms, the rear part of your shoulders, and your chest and back muscles. Using more muscles in Nordic Walking means on average you burn 20% more calories than in normal walking at the same walking speed
 
Current participants of local Health walk groups have expressed interest in Nordic Walking, and take up would encourage a more "brisk" element and more consideration to posture on the existing health walks.
 

Alan Keane
Nordic Walking Instructor