Bedford

Nordic Walking

You need to be a member of Bedford U3A to join this group

Our programme:

Nordic Walking uses specially designed poles to enhance your natural walking experience. With a technique that is similar to the upper body action of classic cross country skiing, Nordic Walking becomes a genuinely whole body exercise that can be enjoyed at many levels, at low, medium or high intensity. More than 10 million people globally enjoy this outdoor activity all year round.

How will it benefit my body?

Nordic Walking combines the simplicity and accessibility of walking with simultaneous core and upper body conditioning similar to Nordic skiing. The result is a full body workout, which means that you:

· burn up to 46% more calories compared to walking without poles

· release tension in the neck and shoulders

· improve your posture and gait

· strengthen your back and abdominal muscles

· reduce the impact on the joints

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

Nordic Walking is a very accessible activity and something that can be shared by people of different fitness levels. It’s an ideal activity for people who haven’t exercised for a while or who dislike traditional sports or gym activities. An injured person can use the poles to support and guide, working to improve fitness as part of their rehabilitation. Athletes can use Nordic Walking for cross training and incorporate Nordic running. Community groups find it a sociable way to keep fit. If you’d like to shed a few pounds, then Nordic Walking is an enjoyable way to do this. It’s great for fitness enthusiasts who like to try new things. Whatever your age from 8 to 80+, you’ll probably enjoy discovering the benefits of Nordic Walking that improve your quality of life.

The walks are are 1 hr long. The length depends on who is there. We go at the speed of the slowest as I tell all it is inclusive not exclusive.

Members need to be trained and with their own poles. Training can be done through North Beds Nordic Walking Group web site or ring Theresa on 07758205455 if you have any medical problems which may affect your walking.

Members need their own poles.

We normally meet near a café and have refreshments after the walk. There is one where we walk to the café have refreshments then walk back and a couple we have the refreshment near the end of the walk but there is always refreshments somewhere along the way.

The group is a very friendly bunch and it is as much a social gathering. Everyone is open to changing the route as we go along if a path looks more interesting or someone has done a different route before and enjoyed it as long as the terrain is inductive to Nordic Walking. This has led to some very interesting and enjoyable walks and adventures. Any suggestions of new walks from the members are greatly welcome and all walkers have an input to walk listings.