THE NORDIC WALKING EXPERIENCE

If you have been to our classes and are a Nordic Walker we would welcome your views, opinions and experiences. Please write to joy@nordicwalking.ie

Tara

"A brain haemorrhage means my right side is affected by weakness and a lack of muscular coordination (ataxia). As a result I often avoid using it, particularly my right arm which remains limp when I walk. Nordic walking encourages an awareness of the whole body and how all the parts fit and work together. It helps to remind you to use the whole body, re-creating a balance which you feel has been previously missing. "

Carmel

"I thought initially it was just a walk with sticks, but it's a very subtle working on all the muscles. What I like is the varied use of the poles to focus on different body areas. And it just feels like a good healthy walk with good, but not painful results."

Anna Denise

"My introduction with Nordic Walking was with Joy, she had already warmed me up to the total and gentle body workout you'll have with Nordic Walking. When I first tried it with her instructions, I could feel what she was talking about. I felt my upper body straighten out, my torso and stomach working with my legs and arms to move forward. It seemed my whole body was involved in walking instead of my legs only, a new and totally enjoyable walking experience to me."

Moira

I was introduced to Nordic Walking while on holiday in Switzerland. I enjoy it very much and feel great after a walk. It is great to be able to achieve more fitness while doing something I enjoy. I do receive odd looks at times but I ignore these and enjoy the walk. Unfortunately I have not done much recently.

Ide

The thing I like best about Nordic Walking is the extra muscles that get exercised while I'm out enjoying a walk at my own pace in the fresh air - and that for a geriatric is a great bonus - like getting 2 for the price of 1!

Sarah

"I was a little sceptical about walking with 'sticks' at first, but during my first lesson it felt great working more upper body muscles whilse walking and on subsequent walks of longer duration there was less fatigue on my legs."