I'm often asked who is Nordic Walking aimed at? The simple answer is that “If you can walk, you can Nordic Walk” and therefore it is likely to be for you. I appreciate that this is a little vague, and so to answer that question it may help if I list some of the different types of people that I have taught in the past few years:
- 8 year olds
- 88 year olds
- Men
- Women
- Superfit wanting a new form of cross fit training
- Unfit wanting a gentle and fun way of returning to exercise
- Overweight wanting to lose weight
- Slim wanting to maintain weight
- People wanting to improve their posture
- High leg amputee
- People who dislike lycra
- Post operative breast cancer survivor wanting to improve lymphatic drainage
- COPD sufferer wanting to maintain lung capacity
- New arrivals to the area wanting to meet others
- Pre operative hip / knee replacements wanting to strengthen muscles
- Post operative hip / knee replacements wanting to strengthen muscles
- Those wanting to improve balance and prevent falls
- Walking enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor exercise
- People looking to strengthen their lower back and core
- Parkinsons sufferers wanting to slow the rate of neuropathy
- Those who practice the adage of “use if or lose it”
- Long distance walkers attempting challenging treks
- Dog walkers who want to turn their daily walk into a workout
- Those at risk of type 2 Diabetes wanting to prevent the condition
- People who dislike exercising indoors
- Competitive types aiming to improve their walking speed
- Non-competitive types who are looking for a non-competitive fitness class
- Arthritis sufferers who want to improve flexibility and mobility
- People wanting to alleviate depression, anxiety and stress
- Ex runners looking for an endorphin rush
- People wanting to exercise their brain by learning a new skill
- Those wanting to reduce risk of heart disease and stroke
This list of over 30 is not a comprehensive list by any means; I’m sure that there are many other reasons that my clients take up Nordic Walking. However, it does demonstrate the inclusive nature of this fabulous form of fitness. If you fall into one of the categories above (!!) then come and give it a go.