We are loving the feedback from you all about these videos and will shortly make a couple of exercise films inspired by requests from some of you. We so enjoy hearing from you all, particularly as it means we know that you are all still well and surviving the lockdown.
I'm sure many of you are now walking on your own, so please do use this time to focus on your technique. Each day, try and pick one technique point and run through all the visualisations that you have been taught and the points that go with it until you feel that you have really mastered it; notice how different parts of the body feel when you have mastered it, as this will make it easier to replicate the movement next time you pick up your poles.
Today's exercises have an emphasis on the technique point Extension. This is one area that can continually be improved when out walking. I filmed this on a sunny day, when there were strong shadows, which enabled me to check my shadow to see whether or not I was extending fully.
- Keep the elbow fairly straight, as this will enable you to fully extend and still have time to swing the arm forward without hitting the ground.
- Are you taking your hand behind your hip? Can you swing your hand an inch or so further back?
- Remember that by extending you are really switching on the upper body muscles, which in turn is good for releasing neck and shoulder tension; something we could all do with in these uncertain times.
DISCLAIMER
These workouts have been designed for clients of Nordic Walking East Anglia, who have all been taught the correct Nordic Walking technique by a qualified British Nordic Walking Instructor. They have also been shown how to perform these exercises in face to face lessons; this film is merely a prompt. Individuals participate in these exercises at their own risk and must ensure they have adequate and non-slip floor space in which to participate and agree that they have no health concerns that prevent them from taking part. These exercises are designed to be carried out outside, however, if individuals perform the warm-up and cool-down sessions indoors there is a danger of collision with or damage to furniture, light fittings, etc. as well as potential for injury.