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Ministry of Nordic Walks Community Group is working with B.O.W.S. Mental Health Forum to help provide and promote activities for gaining and maintaining better mental health in the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Week (May 13th - 20th 2019). We hope to be running a FREE talk and taster session at Glenhills Community Library on Monday 13th May at 11 am (watch this space) aimed primarily for people with anxiety issues. This session will be to promote the benefits of exercise such as Nordic walking for improving and maintaining good mental health as well as a discussion about the barriers to entry and how we can make Nordic walking more accessible to those with mental health issues. The session will allow those taking part the opportunity to try Nordic walking in the nearby nature reserve with a trained Nordic walking instructor. On Friday morning, 17th May, Penny will be delivering some Nordic walking taster sessions at Trinity Methodist church in Oadby along with other activity instructors promoting the benefits to mental health that exercise can bring. For any further information or to book your place on either of these activities please contact Penny via email or on 07502 576764. ,As many of you know, Nordic walking is continuing to grow in popularity and be acknowledged as providing significant health benefits to those of us who walk with poles!
However, I also like to know that it is not just hearsay and that proper research is being commissioned and done to back up the various statements I come across.. The following website article appears to be well balanced - pointing out the things Nordic walking does not manage to do better than other forms of exercise as well as those that it does excel at-please follow the link below to read more: https://www.verywellfit.com/walking-poles-for-health-benefits-and-therapy-4154566 Most people when they think of Nordic walking think of snowy conditions and woolly hats! But as we all know, here at Ministry of Nordic Walks, Nordic walking was actually born in the warmer summer months when Finnish cross-country skiers wanted to continue practising but didn't have the snow to do it on. There are some practical things to bear in mind, however, when Nordic walking during the hotter weather:
Firstly - because of the energy we spend (remember it is the equivalent of jogging) - we still need to remember to warm up and cool down - although this can be partly done through walking at a slower pace than normal at the start and end of the walk. Secondly - those metal tips on our poles can be sharp so wearing open-toed sandals is not a good idea - trekking shoes or breathable trainers are best. Thirdly - slip, slap, slop with a sun hat and that suncream - bug repellant can also be a good idea if you suffer badly from insect bites. Fourthly - carrying a bottle of water in a small backpack is a must as you can dehydrate very quickly especially in the heat of the day. However, if you follow these simple guidelines, Nordic walking in the summer months will be just as enjoyable as when we walk in the cooler months of the year plus we get to walk on a lot more of the footpaths we cannot access when it is rainy! So what are you waiting for? Come for a Nordic walk in the sun and enjoy the great outdoors! We all get pretty busy about this time of year so our normal timetable will resume in the second week of January. However, that doesn't mean that there won't be the opportunity for getting out and about Nordic walking this Christmas and New Year! Please feel free to email me when and where you would be free to meet up and I will endeavour to put some walks together if there are enough people about.
Happy Nordic Walking everyone! Earlier this month, Ministry of Nordic Walks was invited to give a talk and taster session at the Oadby Parkinson's Group. Research has shown that Nordic walking can improve the arm swing and gait of those with Parkinson's and as many people know it is particularly good for posture. Two members came along with me, which was excellent as we were met by a very enthusiastic bunch of people, with many wanting to have a go. The end result is that during October there will be special FREE half hour taster/beginner sessions at the Botanical Gardens on Wednesdays at 11:15 am. Parking is free and on Glebe Road (just past the Racecourse Roundabout). I would advise everyone to remain in their cars until I arrive to give out and help with poles. There are benches within the park for rest stops for those who need. Toilets are also located within the park but unfortunately there is no tearoom! As for all types of exercise, it is advisable to see your doctor and take medical advice before you begin. To book your place online please go to - https://exercise-anywhere.com/event/56513-Parkinson's%20Botanical%20Gardens Any questions please email me at [email protected] or phone 07502 576764 It's not every day you get to share your walk with a mammoth, but come along to Watermead Park and you'll find plenty of unusual and interesting animals all around the many lakes here!It seems almost unbelievable to think that Ministry of Nordic Walks was only just starting up its walks last year. So much has happened since then and the amount of walks is growing all the time. Walking at Watermead Park from both the Thurmaston and Birstall sites is now becoming a regular fixture. Aylestone Meadows is another new walking venue that has grown in popularity and this summer we are looking forward to walks around Coalville, Bradgate Park and Swithland Woods. Walks continue around South Wigston, Knighton Park and Evington Park on a weekly basis. The next taster sessions will be running at the Volunteer Day at Brocks Hill on Tuesday, June 6th so please feel free to book on for a FREE session by going to the Nordic Walking UK site - this is the direct link https://exercise-anywhere.com/event/43526-Taster%20Session%201%20Brocks%20Hill%20Country%20Park February is a great month to fall in love with Nordic walking!
Get out and about whatever the weather, embrace your adventuring spirit, have a real good natter with a whole bunch of like-minded people or push yourself to conquer new goals of personal fitness - you make Nordic walking what you want it to be. There's lots to see out there in the great outdoors and with new longer walks planned for Watermead Park (for those who want a little more adventure) as well as beginner group taster sessions then there should be something to suit everyone - so why not give Nordic walking a try this February? There are walking sessions available Monday to Wednesday so just ring 07502 576764 to find out more or drop an email to [email protected]. It's that time of year with the cold weather and long nights that makes many people feel just that little bit down. However, research has shown that walking outdoors can be very beneficial and at Ministry of Nordic Walks we whole-heartedly agree! So why not come along and join us this January and February. Remember to book a place to ensure that the correct pole sizes are available. At only £2 per session, no-one should miss out on getting fitter. having fun and banishing those winter blues. What are you waiting for?
For more information on combating SAD/winter blues please see the NHS website http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/dealing-with-winter-blues-sad.aspx |
AuthorHi I'm Penny and as a trained instructor my mission is to get more people trying and enjoying Nordic walking in my local community. Archives
January 2017
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