Saturday Sport

Have these energetic troops mislaid their skis?  Well,  no it would actually appear that hundreds of people are taking up the exercise known as ‘Nordic Walking’ – walking with the aid of poles - to work their upper and lower body in tandem.

Nordic Walking was first used as summer fitness training for cross country skiers, but it fast  gained in popularity with sports science teachers and exercise enthusiasts keen to leave the confines of the gym and take in the freest medicine in the world – fresh air.

Enjoying the countryside

The exercise first started gaining in popularity in the South East in the early part of the decade.  Classes began springing up in South London, Blackheath and Bromley, and now with over 100 trained instructors the exercise is becoming a more current sight in Kent.

With the help of two local Sevenoaks based instructors, Kirsty Meynell and Scot Hillman, I took to my poles to find that Nordic walking is in fact just an enhanced form of normal walking.  It’s as easy as putting one foot in front of the other – the movement required is the same  – so no ministry of funny walks. 

Scot Hillman told me "it’s important to warm up, begin Nordic walking slowly and build up gradually."  Keeping my shoulders relaxed was a slight problem, but after a few minutes I was beginning to lean slightly forwards, as I endeavoured to keep my poles close to my body.  Scot showed me "‘as your right foot moves forward, so does your left hand and vice versa".  And despite my protestations about lack of coordination, maintaining the pole thrust behind the line of my pelvis brought about surprising synchronization as I matched pole to alternate foot – look mum I’m skiing.

Nordic Walking is popular with all ages and in particular with young mothers keen to regain their figures and have some fun – one of the benefits of Nordic Walking is that it’s a social exercise.  You can chat as you walk, take in the beautiful Weald scenery and burn off some calories and fat into the bargain.

The exercise is accessible to all due to its low impact on the joints and is good for working both upper and lower body at the same time.  By taking the impact off your lower limbs it’s great for  helping to strengthen  back, legs and arms, and reducing neck and shoulder tension – as well as improving the general health of your heart and lungs. 

Nordic walking groups are generally offered in three classes, ranging in fitness level – Health for rehabilitations and those who haven’t exercised for a while. Fitness for those keen on toning and pushing themselves slightly harder, and Sport for rare individuals who enjoy hill training and cross country.