What to Expect . . . .

Taken Lessons?

If you are reading this, you have probably already taken a course, and have learned the “technique” that is Nordic Walking. However, with the best will in the world, we all slip, and lose what we have learned. Perhaps you have not got an active group to walk with near you, or you have never got around to buying your poles. Whatever the reason, this is bad news in Nordic terms. Walking incorrectly can bring about strain or injury, and you will gain nothing more than a burst of fresh air and a walk, whilst just possibly, putting areas of your body at risk, through incorrect technique.

But, at the same time, you will also be shown how to adapt your Nordic Walking for less than perfect, or uneven terrain, whilst slipping right back to the correct way once the ground levels. We will do “double poling” in longer grass or narrow pathways, learn to walk with the poles pointing at odd angles, and in fact, use them much as they did in Finland when it was first used for the cross country skiers. Remember, in 1933, those skiers had better muscle tone and fitness in Summer, Nordic Walking, than in Winter when they just did skiing! They had no perfect disused railway lines to walk, or wide flat grassy tracks, and yet they gained huge fitness. With Maggie’s help, you will be able to work your heart muscles, lengthen your stride, gain more speed, tone those core muscles and improve your balance, all whilst having a wonderful holiday, in a beautiful part of the country, with other like minded Nordic Walkers.

If you have had lessons, and feel you are ready to walk, but have not yet bought your poles, then don’t worry, we can supply you with poles for the holiday. If you are already Nordic Walking on a regular basis, then just use this break as a chance to meet others, and walk with your poles in a lovely area you may not have visited before. Use the relaxed atmosphere and prolonged walking time to revisit your Nordic skills and improve any areas you may feel are lacking.

A typical day will start with Warm Up exercises, and then our walk of approximately five to eight miles. Don’t forget, this is not a frog march! More a way of building Nordic Walking into an every day lifestyle, or holiday. We will be stopping to look at the wonderful views, having a laugh, eating plenty of good food, in fact all the normal things we all do on a great holiday! We will NOT be wearing glittering Lycra suits, and going for the burn … you can do that back at home in the Gym if you like! However, we will be working those muscles, building up a sweat and stamina. The muscles may be under a certain stress, due to the fact that the terrain will be different, and we will be exercising each day, so walks will end with the Wind Down exercises. These can be found on the web site to help you remember them at home. They are simple and easy, so that they don’t get forgotten!! It makes a huge difference to the cramps if we do them at the start and end of every Nordic Walk.

Remember, Maggie will be on hand to help with any of those nagging queries you may have. There’s not a lot that can’t be ironed out over a cup of tea!

Not taken Lessons?

lf you are reading this and have not yet taken lessons, then book on one of our Beginners Courses. Here you will learn all the basics of Nordic Walking and what it can do for you, and at the end of the course, will be ready to join a class near your home, and then bring them all along and join one of our holidays! Poles are supplied on the course.

The first lesson — walking with the poles

What to bring on your holiday?

Remember, it is not easy to Nordic Walk, with a jacket tied around your waist! You will spot the odd picture of me with a sweatshirt tied around, but believe me, a large wet coat is another matter! So wet coats need to be light enough to roll up into a fairly small day sack. Shoes can be walking boots or good, wet proof trainers depending on weather and time of year. Gloves need to be slim fitting, to be able to be worn with the straps of the poles. Trousers, shorts, hats and scarves as for normal walking, and several thinner layers of clothing are better than larger chunky ones. Don’t forget a bottle for water, if it is hot, and you work hard, you will need to take on more water than normal. Snacks or fruit if you like to have something en route … AND don’t forget the camera!!

On these breaks, we will walk with our poles amid stunning scenery, look at the views, stop for a chat, a rest, or maybe to take a picture.

For more information click here for a pdf leaflet about Nordic Walking.