If you haven’t caught it already, there’s only one bug local residents will be wanting to catch this winter – the Nordic walking bug! Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust’s Community Fitness Team are offering a free taster session to encourage local people to increase their fitness level and take up the popular Nordic walking.
Nordic walking 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.
In addition to the free taster session, there is also the opportunity to join a course to learn all the basic techniques needed to fully benefit from this form of exercise. All sessions are held by fully qualified instructors.
Elaine Mason, a physical activity specialist and Nordic Walking Instructor for Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust, said: “If you’re looking for a new hobby to take up, look no further than Nordic Walking. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, is simple to learn and is a great way to have fun and meet new people.
“The free taster session provides the perfect opportunity for local people to try this form of exercise. For those who enjoy the taster session it is great to then be able to invite people along to the technique course. In these sessions people can really get to grips with the Nordic walking techniques. We can also show people how to adapt their technique to their health needs, so if someone has had an injury in the past or has problem areas we can ensure that they will still benefit from and enjoy the Nordic walks.”
Free taster session:
The taster session will last approximately 45 minutes and all equipment is provided. However, participants are advised to bring a pair of trainers or flexible soled shoes.
· Saturday 14 February (10am – 10.45am). Meet at the Acorn Centre, Lummaton Cross, Barton, Torquay, TQ2 8ET.
Learn to Nordic Walk technique courses:
The technique course will provide people with all the necessary techniques to fully benefit from this form of exercise.
Upon completion of the course everyone receives a ‘Freedom Card’, which shows you have mastered all the basic techniques needed. Once a person has a Freedom Card they can attend Nordic walks and events all over the country.
The course comes at a small charge of £15, which includes the use of poles:
· Wednesdays from 11 February – 4 March inclusive (9.30am – 10.30am). Meet at Youngs Park Car Park, Goodrington, Paignton, TQ4 6LP.
· Saturday 21 and 28 February (10am-11.30am). Participants should attend both sessions and meet at the Acorn Centre, Lummaton Cross, Barton, Torquay, TQ2 8ET.
Participants must complete an application form to book their place on a taster session or technique course.
Regular Walks
In addition, we have launched a new programme of free regular walks for anyone who has completed a ‘Learn to Nordic Walk’ technique course and has their own Nordic Walking poles. These walks are led by volunteers and are graded in difficulty to allow you to choose the right walk for you.
All sessions must be booked in advance. For more information, or to book on to the free taster session or the technique course, please contact the Trust’s Community Fitness Team on 0300 456 1006 or visit www.tsdhc.nhs.uk or www.nordicwalking.co.uk
