Put your best foot forward in 2013Go out Nordic walking

Trusted article source icon
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Profile image for Herald Express

Herald Express

WITH the clear, crisp winter days now well upon us, there's never been a better time to step out in the fresh air and take up a new hobby. Residents are being offered a free taster session as part of a drive to encourage local people to take up the popular Nordic walking.

Nordic walking is currently being enjoyed worldwide by around 10million enthusiasts and is thought to burn twice as many calories as normal walking.

The use of poles propels you along your walk, making it feel easier, reducing strain on knees and joints, and suitable for anyone who experiences back or shoulder problems.

Organised by Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust's Community Fitness Team, there have been a number of free taster sessions on offer, as well as the opportunity to join a four week course to learn all the basic techniques needed to fully benefit from this form of exercise. All sessions are held by fully qualified instructors.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

Nordic walking requires the correct technique in order to get the whole body working and it is essential to learn this from a qualified instructor who will ensure participants get the full benefit and fastest possible results.

Free taster sessions last approximately 45 minutes and all equipment is provided.

However, participants are advised to bring a pair of trainers or flexible soled shoes.

The next free taster session is on Monday, February 4, from 1.30pm to 2.15pm. Meet at the Acorn Centre, Barton, Torquay.

Learn to Nordic walk technique courses run for one hour a week, for four weeks, and provide people with all the necessary techniques to fully benefit from this form of exercise.

Upon completion of the four-week course, everyone receives a competency card which shows you have mastered all the basic techniques needed.

Once a person has a competency card they can attend Nordic walks and events all over the country.

The four-week course comes at a small charge of £15, which includes the use of poles.

Participants must complete an application form to book their place on a taster session or technique course.

Elaine Mason, Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust's physical activity coordinator and local Nordic walking instructor, said: "If you're looking for a new hobby to take up as part of a new year's resolution, look no further than Nordic walking.

"For anyone who hasn't yet tried Nordic walking, I would fully recommend it. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, it is simple to learn and is a great way to have fun and meet new people.

The trust is also looking to recruit willing volunteers to lead regular walks for those acquiring their competence card through the 'learn to' courses.

If you would like to become a volunteer with the trust, and can spare a couple of hours a week, contact the community fitness team on 01803 321867.

For more information, or to book the free taster session or technique courses, contact the trust's community fitness team on 01803 321867 or log on to www.tsdhc.nhs.uk or www.nordicwalking.co.uk

0
Tweet this article
Report

Your comments awaiting moderation

Be the first to comment

max 4000 characters
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tell us about your area

Got some interesting news? Write about it and let your whole community know.

  Write an article