What is Nordic Walking?

Nordic Walking is an enhanced walking technique that uses specially-designed poles. The technique works your upper body as well as your legs, engaging 90% of your muscles and giving you a highly-effective, whole-body workout.

Nordic Walking is a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels all year round in town or open countryside.

How will it benefit me?

By combining walking with core and upper body conditioning, Nordic Walking gives you a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like one!

According to British Nordic Walking, correct Nordic Walking technique can:

• burn around 20% more calories compared to walking without poles
• release tension in your neck and shoulders
• improve your posture and gait
• strengthen your back and abdominal muscles
• reduce the impact on your joints

And because Nordic Walking doesn’t feel like hard work, you’ll be happy to walk further and for longer.

Who is it for?

Nordic Walking with Fitmums & Friends welcomes adults (aged 16+) of all fitness levels – if you can walk, you can Nordic Walk! In fact, because the poles spread the effort between the upper and lower body, Nordic Walking can actually feel easier than fitness walking, particularly uphill.

Nordic Walking is suitable for everyone: it will improve overall fitness, tone muscles, strengthen the core and burn calories.

Because Nordic Walking reduces strain on joints, it can be very effective for people with mobility or joint issues, those who haven’t exercised for a while, and those recovering from illness or injury.

Nordic Walking workouts can be enjoyed at different intensity levels – low, medium or high – so you will be able to work at your own level during these sessions.

(We always recommend that you consult with a health professional before beginning any new exercise programme to ensure it is suitable for you, particularly if you have a medical condition, are taking medication or have related concerns. By taking part in the sessions, you are agreeing that you take full responsibility for monitoring your own physical condition at all times, and that, should you develop a condition that affects your ability to exercise, you will inform the leader immediately and stop exercising if necessary.)

How can I try it out? When and where are sessions?

To try out Nordic Walking, we invite you to come along to a taster session. This session will help you to develop the correct technique and gain the most effective fitness impact from Nordic Walking. The first* taster sessions will take place:

• 7.15pm, Monday 10 February, St John Fisher Catholic High School, Hookstone Drive, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 8PT
• 7.15pm, Monday 24 February, St John Fisher Catholic High School, Hookstone Drive, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 8PT

Once you have completed a taster session, you will be able to join our regular Nordic Walking sessions on Monday evenings from March.

To sign up for a taster session, please complete this form.

(*More dates will be scheduled from March.)

Who leads the sessions?

Our Nordic Walking leader has been trained by British Nordic Walking. She will help you learn the world-recognised Nordic Walking technique developed by the International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA). This is a tried-and-tested method which ensures Nordic Walkers adopt the best posture and technique to get the most out of Nordic Walking.

She will also make sure that everyone enjoys a good workout while keeping the group together.

Do I need any special equipment or clothing?

If you have your own, please bring Nordic Walking poles (not trekking poles). If you don’t have poles, don’t worry, we can lend you poles for the sessions.

Taster sessions will be on hard ground which may be uneven, wet or slippery, so please wear flexible walking shoes with a good tread. Walking boots that enable your foot to roll are also suitable.

Regular Nordic Walking sessions may be off-road where the terrain can be wet, muddy or slippery. Again, walking shoes, trail shoes or walking boots are suitable; trainers are not.

We advise you to bring a small rucksack or waist bag to carry water and any belongings you may need during the session.

During the darker months, please wear hi-vis and bring a head torch or body light if you have one.

How much does it cost?

The taster session and Nordic Walking sessions are included in your Fitmums & Friends membership.

If you are not already a member, the taster session and your first two Nordic Walking sessions with Fitmums & Friends are FREE. If you wish to continue Nordic Walking with us after those first three sessions, you will need to become a member of Fitmums & Friends. Membership costs £36/year (1 April-31 March) and discounts are available for those joining late in the year, students and second claim members. If your financial situation makes paying for membership difficult, please look into the Mike Barlow Memorial Fund which might be able to help.