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Group of Nordic Walkers in Forest

Meet up with other like-minded, friendly people, whilst getting fit and enjoying a great experience in the outdoors

What is Nordic Walking?

Nordic Walking first began in Finland as an activity for cross-country skiers wanting to stay in shape outside of the skiing season. It soon became a fitness activity and has been popular in Europe for decades.

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Nordic Walking is much more than just walking with poles and is one of the fastest growing forms of fitness in the UK. It’s a safe, full-body workout and can be done anywhere, on most surfaces and throughout the year. Research has found that Nordic Walking uses 90% of a walker’s muscles, conditioning the upper and lower body and burning almost as many calories as running.

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Herts and Essex Nordic Walking teaches the globally recognised Nordic Walking technique, the International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA) 10-Step Method. It was developed by INWA and holds the highest international standards. 

 

It’s important to learn the technique as there a few things to bear in mind when starting out. Learning the proper technique will maximise the benefits and the overall enjoyment.

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Benefits

Benefits

Nordic Walking provides benefits for everybody from those with health issues to the super fit. Whatever age, fitness level or goal, Nordic Walking is suitable, effective and enjoyable.

  • Burns up to 46% more calories than ordinary walking

  • Tones the upper and lower body at the same time

  • Full body workout that uses 90% of the skeletal muscles

  • Reduces the impact on knees and joints

  • Great for the heart and lungs

  • Improves posture and can relieve tension in the neck, shoulder and back

  • Highly effective cross-training technique for athletes and sportspeople

  • Poles propel the walker along, making it easier to move faster than normal without feeling the effort

More benefits

  • It can be done anywhere and on most surfaces

  • No need to wear special exercise clothing or buy expensive kit

  • It’s very sociable; walkers can chat as they go!

  • It is easy to learn and to keep up

  • It combines exercise with nature which has been proven to boost mood and mental wellbeing

Your Questions Answered

  • Can I join one of your regular Nordic Walking groups?
    You must have taken part in one of our Beginner Introduction to Nordic Walking sessions or learnt the technique with another qualified instructor. We run regular beginner courses where you will learn the basics of the 10-step technique in 2 hours. After the workshop you will be able to join one of our regular walks or of course practice on your own.
  • Do I need to bring my own poles?
    No. Nordic Walking poles are provided for all sessions but in time most people prefer to have their own poles. These can be purchased for you at discount by your instructor. You will be asked to provide your height for your first session, so are equipped with thecorrect size poles.
  • I’d like to buy my own poles – can you recommend what I should buy and where I can buy them?
    Yes, we can recommend what type of poles would be best for you. There are lots of factors to take into consideration – where you’ll be walking, whether you want to travel with your poles, how much you are planning to use them etc.
  • What shoes should I wear?
    The best footwear is a waterproof and flexible walking shoe with a good grip. If you don’t have these then trainers are good (unless it is wet underfoot). Walking boots that support your ankles can be worn but you may find them a bit too rigid, making it difficult to roll your foot actively, which is part of the Nordic Walking technique.
  • What clothing should I wear?
    If you have them, hiking or fitness clothing is good but there is no particular type. Your clothing should be stretchy, comfortable, ideally made of a breathable/moisture wicking fabric. Waterproof jackets, gloves (not bulky) and hats are useful. Please contact us if you have any further questions as to appropriate clothing for your session.
  • What else should I bring?
    Water if the weather is warm and something to carry your phone, keys and water in. A bumbag or small backpack is ideal.
  • Do you still walk if it’s raining?
    Generally, yes, so long as it is safe. We never walk in thunderstorms or high winds.
  • How fit do you have to be?
    If you can walk you can Nordic Walk! Classes can be tailored to suit a range of abilities, with some specialised classes aimed at faster/experienced walkers or shorter/slower walks.
  • Can I use trekking poles for Nordic walking?
    No. They have a different grip and strap from Nordic Walking poles and this makes it difficult to master the correct Nordic Walking technique.
  • How big are your classes?
    The maximum number we will take in a group is 8. You need to book into a class via our Walk Schedule page.
  • I want to cancel my walk. How do I do this?
    You need to go to xxx. You can see and manage all your walks from there. You can cancel up to midday the day before your walk. Longer walks and events may have different cancellation policies – full details will be on the Walk Schedule page.
  • Where do you run your courses and walks?
    We are currently running Beginner Workshops in Hatfield Forest and Southern Country Park. Our regular group walks are held at different locations and we will vary the routes and types of walk to keep things interesting. We can also arrange a session near you if you have a group of friends who would like to form a class.
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