Nordic Walking
Nordic walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking – it turns something that we can all do into something twice as effective. Nordic walking uses poles in order to add two major benefits to walking:
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The use of poles means that the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs
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The poles help to propel the walker along – this means that the walker works harder than usual yet the support given by the poles makes it feel easier
Nordic walking is a specific fitness technique and is not to be confused with trekking or hill walking because the poles are not planted in front of the walker but in a specific way that increases the use of the upper body. It can be done by anybody, anywhere and does not require expensive equipment or clothing.
Nordic walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in the world, and is used by individuals, personal trainers, health clubs, physiotherapists, doctors and health promoters because it is highly effective, affordable and fun.
Nordic walking technique must be learnt correctly if the participant is to get the most out of the activity – the full health technique which ensures that the whole body works efficiently is only taught by qualified instructors. Zest Fitness's nordic walking instructors are trained and qualified by Nordic Walking UK.
For those new to nordic walking, we offer a Nordic Walking Training course of four 1-hour lessons to take you through the fundamentals of nordic walking. The cost of this course is £50.00 in total, inclusive of pole hire. After completing this introductory course you are free to join any of our regular Fitness Walks, as and when you wish. The price of these is £6.00 per 1-hour walk. Our Fitness Walks are designed to help you keep improving your fitness and get noticeable results.
A great way to save money is to buy a booking card. This costs just £45.00 and allows you to join any 10 of our Fitness Walks whenever suits you - sessions are marked off on your card every time you attend. Booking cards are valid for six months from date of purchase. Payment for our sessions may be made by cash, cheque (cheques made payable to Debra Goss) or by bank transfer.
Our nordic walking programme is based at Rushmere Country Park. This is a beautiful location set in one of the largest deciduous woods in Bedfordshire and contains some undulating paths through the trees and along the greensands of the ridge by the same name. Please note that we meet at either the Rushmere or the Stockgrove Entrance to the park (see table below for details) and that Rushmere Country Park charges £3.00 per visit for car parking (although discounted season tickets are available for regular users).
Our current nordic walking programme is as shown below. We will be adding additional dates during the coming months. Please note that these walks are currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
