Instructor training
What people say about Nordic Walking

INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

Spring / Summer 2008 training courses

Spring / Summer 2008 training courses to become an INWA-qualified Nordic Walking Instructor will be held on:

Please email education@nordicwalking.co.uk to be kept updated on future training courses and courses in Scotland, Ireland and the Midlands.

For more details contact:
Martin Christie, Education Director of Nordic Walking UK, on 020 8878 8108.

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT NORDIC WALKING


We thought you may like to read the experiences of some of those delivering and participating in Nordic Walking all over the UK.

CHARLOTTE REHN – PERSONAL TRAINER

Personal trainer, Charlotte Rehn, first became interested in Nordic walking when taking part in a marathon in Germany. Originally from Denmark herself, she had thought it was a uniquely Scandinavian pastime but huge numbers of people of all levels were using the technique in German parks and streets and she was struck the excellent posture of these enthusiasts

On her return to London, she immediately trained to be a Nordic Walking Instructor with Nordic Walking UK and quickly established a base of loyal clients who attend both one-to-one and group sessions in a variety of London parks.

“I love the adaptability of Nordic Walking,” she reports. “I can use it to help clients with MS, osteoporosis, etc., and as a cross training tool for marathon runners and cross-country skiers.”

Charlotte also helped to train Jan Meek, who at 62 became the oldest woman to reach to Magnetic North pole by foot when she took part in the Polar Race earlier this year.

“Correct Nordic walking technique uses 90% of the skeletal muscles and can burn up to 46% more calories than ordinary walking so it was just what Jan needed in order to develop all over fitness and endurance.”

Charlotte adds, “Nordic walking has gone from an addition to my personal training and sports massage business to a major part of it; I love being outdoors and I call the stunning parks ‘my gym’. The sociable aspect of Nordic Walking is a bonus too, as my regulars have established quite a network and we often get together for more challenging walks and weekends away.”

“To be honest the best thing is how cheap it was to get going,” she laughs. “All you need is the correct training and poles and you’re up and ‘walking’ – I love it!”

SUE McDONAGH – NORDIC WALKER

"Nordic walking has given me my life back! I suffered ovarian cancer at 24 and although given the all-clear, I later endured crippling pain and required a hip replacement in my forties. I was so unfit but I knew I needed a project to get me back on track and my Nordic walking instructor suggested training for a 45-mile hike! I trained hard and completed the walk: I have lost weight, got a lot more energy and have gained an enormous sense of achievement!"

ANN INMAN – MANCHESTER Primary Care Trust

When Manchester PCT first introduced Nordic walking as part of their PACE (Physical Activity Community Exercise) programme in 2006 they saw it as a way to ensure participants on their walking for health initiative could keep progressing.

Ann Inman, manager of the project, had seen Nordic walking whilst holidaying in Austria and realised it would be a perfect way for gently increasing the workload of those who were finding the walks easier whilst keeping them and the beginners together as a group. Now, Nordic walking has become a major part of the project, with a team of 6 qualified Nordic Walking Instructors regularly leading classes.

“Nordic Walking is perfect for the cardiac rehab patients, weight management groups and those with joint problems or replacements. The Nordic walking poles help people stand taller, reduce the pressure on the joints and help with balance. One arthritic gentleman who always walks with a stick finds he can keep up with the group when he uses the two poles. The biggest surprise of all though has been Sheila, one of our cardiac rehab patients, who was really quite frail when we first took her out – she actually completed the Manchester 10k recently with a group of us who Nordic walked the event!”

Ann and her team encourage the social aspects of Nordic walking and are delighted when little groups go out walking together as they gain confidence.

“Many go on to buy their own poles or we are happy to loan them out,” says Ann.

Other PCTs, leisure trusts, local councils and other government organisations now working with Nordic Walking UK include:

Oldham PCT
Sportspace, Dacorum Sports Trust
Salford Leisure Services
Homefirst Team, Ballymena
Antrim Borough Council
Worthing Borough Council
Poole Borough Council
Mansfield District Council
Gwynedd Council
Harringey Council
Queens Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham
Newham Hospital

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