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 also a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed 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 normal walking, particularly uphill.

Nordic Walking puts less strain on joints than other activities, so 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.

It’s also great for cross-training, for toning problem areas such as the upper arms and abdominal muscles, and for losing weight.

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 instructor 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 1-hour introductory workshop to learn the correct technique and how to gain the most effective fitness impact from Nordic Walking. Workshop dates are announced on our Nordic Walking Facebook page or email us at nordicwalking@fitmums.org.uk.

Once you have completed the workshop, you will be able to join our regular Nordic Walking sessions. These last 60 to 90 minutes and take place in Beverley on Monday afternoons. We also have ‘away’ sessions in local areas of natural beauty.

Who leads the sessions?

Fitmums & Friends Nordic Walking instructors have been trained by British Nordic Walking, which means they will be able to help you get the very most out of your exercise, while enjoying yourself in the process.

Our instructors will teach you the world-recognised 10 Step 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.

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.

Our sessions will be off-road and the terrain is often wet, muddy and slippery, so please wear flexible walking shoes, trail shoes or walking boots that enable your foot to roll. Trainers are not suitable.

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 (we have a limited number of head torches you can borrow if you need to).

How much does it cost?

The introductory workshop 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. Current membership costs for the year (1 April-31 March) will apply; 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.

If you have any questions about Nordic Walking with Fitmums & Friends, please email us on nordicwalking@fitmums.org.uk or message us on our Nordic Walking Facebook page.