What is NORDIC WALKING?
Nordic Walking is more than just a walk in the park.
It can be a full body workout. By swinging your arms from the shoulder, and angling your poles backwards, you propel yourself forward. Add the warm-ups, the stretches afterwards, the fresh air, views and social interaction and you’ve gained an all-round physical and mental wellbeing experience. The great thing about Nordic Walking is that it’s for everyone at any level. You can easily adjust the intensity of the exercise and take things at your own pace, even if you’re walking in a group.
Nordic Walking poles are specifically designed for the left and right hands with either a snug, wide strap (cuff) or a ‘core ledge’ to lean the side of your hand on. The ledge-style poles are very suitable for beginners or those worried about balance/tripping, as you’re not attached to the pole in any way. You grip the handle loosely, but rest the side of your hand on the ledge. When you plant your poles in front of you and lean into these ledges with your hands, it’s surprising how you feel your core muscles engaging, and as you start to walk, you are mostly unaware that your core is getting this secret work out!
THE YORDIC WALKERS
Have you spotted us striding past with our poles?
It all started with some encouragement from a friend (thanks Jill!) and the kind donation of 9 pairs of walking poles from Age UK.
I qualified as a Nordic Walking instructor as I wanted to offer the local community fitness sessions, and working outdoors was the safest way to exercise during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since I started in June 2021 with just 6 Nordic walkers, the group has grown in size and there are now thirty-four members!
Fitness levels and confidence have improved, friendships have been made and support networks have sprung up. Not everyone likes stiles or rougher paths. Some prefer tarmac. Others, softer surfaces, but with three weekly walks to choose from, there is usually something for every level.
Everyone is very encouraging and we generally tend to pair up with someone of a similar speed, waiting for the group or doing an extra loop if we are ahead.
BIGGER ADVENTURES
Group members often make suggestions or requests for something they’d like to do. In 2022 we had a special Nordic walk around Rydal Water, guided by one of the group, Liz Andrew, who is the Author of ‘The Lake District, 40 Favourite Walks’. The following year, we were again treated to a guided walk by a group member Sue Thompson, who volunteers as a walking guide at Sizergh Castle. A small group of us did a 6 day walk in May 2023 called The Friends Way tracing the steps of George Fox, founder of Quakerism. This year, eight Yordic Walkers have already started training for The Friends Way 2, from Sedbergh to Ulverston to complete this journey. (This adventure deserves an article of its own – watch this space!).
But back to our local weekly walks… these are about an hour long, and happen all year round.
We are itching to venture out onto more challenging paths but the weather this winter has often dictated choice of terrain.
Some favourite winter routes include the Foredale Moss round from Helwith Bridge, the Austwick-Wharfe-Feizor bridleways, Stackhouse Lane and the Langcliffe High Rd, and the lovely lanes towards Kingsdale from Thornton-in-Lonsdale.
In the summer we have enjoyed going up High Hill above Settle, often called ‘Iffil’, into Crummackdale above Austwick, up the Pen-y-ghent track from Dalehead and there is talk of tackling Ingleborough this year!
Joining something new can be daunting, but being part of a group is motivating. If you’d like more information, you’ll find it in the Community Directory section.
Jo Wulf
