NORDIC WALKING: There are many health benefits derived from Nordic Walking. It can eliminate back, shoulder and neck pain and it can help alleviate conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and stress.

Nordic Walking has less impact on hip, knee and ankle joints than other forms of exercise. A lot of sports only workout ‘half the body’: when using nordic poles you strengthen all your upper body muscles and improves your cardio vascular system at the same time. Poles help balance and are a safety factor.

Nordic Walking has only been in Britain since 2005. Originating in Finland the exercise dates back to the early 20th century. Cross Country skiers used their ski poles to train in the summer months without snow.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that ‘exerstriding’ was developed in the USA by a ski coach. His idea was to use the cross-country skiing pulling motion to engage the muscles of the upper body while fitness walking.

In 1997 the Finnish Sports Institute launched the Nordic Walking concept. INWA was formed in 2000 with the aim of promoting Nordic Walking globally.

Today in Finland alone 20% of the population Nordic walk. Nordic Walking came to the UK in 2005 and British Nordic Walking was formed in 2008.

Ed runs five classes per week. On Mondays and Wednesdays he runs walks in three locations, all around the Blackwood area.

On Thursday it’s down to Rogerstone and the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre for a walk along the canal.

Then on Fridays he takes a walk through the forestry of Cwmcarn Scenic Drive.

Finally, on Saturday he runs a walk along the canal between Pontywaun and Risca, with a pit-stop at the Wysome’s Wharf cafe.  All walks start at 11am. Nordic poles are provided. 

Blackwood
Patricia Cook