If you would like to give yourself a total body workout, why not try walking the Nordic way!
Nordic Walking, or pole walking, is more than just ordinary walking – it’s a fitness exercise that makes something everyone can do twice as effective.
The activity is considered particularly suitable for the over 50’s as a way of staying healthy into old age.
Now free tasters sessions of what is a fast growing activity – 8 to 10 million people Nordic walk every week across 23 countries – are taking place across the County.
Organised by Health Challenge Pembrokeshire through their Sport Wales funded Steps2Health project, the sessions aim to give the over 50s a chance to get started for free.
The sessions are run in conjunction with Age Cymru, which has the largest Nordic walking scheme in Wales.
Councillor Sian James Cabinet member for Health and Well-being tried out Nordic walking at a recent Full of Life event in Fishguard.
“It was really fun as well as a great way to exercise outdoors and enjoy Pembrokeshire’s stunning scenery,” she said.
“Because you use your arms as well as your legs you burn 20% more calories while walking at your usual speed. Even better, if you master the full Nordic Walking technique you can burn up to 46% extra calories. Yet because the effort is spread across all your limbs it feels easier, so you can walk further and for longer.”
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the International Nordic Walking Federation Steps2Health are holding a celebration 6.2 mile walk through Castlemartin Range West on October 10th.
This is a free event and open to all adult Nordic Walkers. However it is essential that you register as places are limited by MOD rules.
To find out more about Nordic walking taster sessions, lessons or the celebration walk please contact Paul Morris, INWA Nordic Walking Instructor at [email protected] or on 07747 564042
Photograph: Councillor Sian James tries out Nordic Walking with INWA instructor Paul Morris of Steps2Health
