Sociable, fun, enjoyable, and with fitness benefits for all ages and abilities, Nordic walking is a popular choice for members at the Sandpiper Club, Lancaster House. If you are looking for a healthy start to your New Year, look no further.
One of the most effective all-round exercises, Nordic walking provides a vigorous muscle workout for the whole body. Gary Tennant, Sandpiper Club Manager, tells us more about this sport and its benefits.
How does it work?
Specialist Nordic walking poles are used to support and propel the walker forward. This allows the movement to be faster than ordinary walking and the movement easier. The poles take much of the strain, whilst the body gets a full workout.
The Benefits
Nordic walking combines cardiovascular exercise with a complete muscle workout for shoulders, arms, core and legs, with the added benefit of being a low impact exercise. Ordinary walking uses muscles below the waist, whereas adding Nordic poles activates upper body muscles as well.
Not only does Nordic walking provide a work out for 90% of skeletal muscles, whilst reducing the pressure on knees and joints, Nordic walking also burns up to 46% more calories than ordinary walking. Perfect for those wanting to work off any Christmas excess!
This is a sport that is enjoyed in the great outdoors, and getting outside is certainly good for the soul and for our mental wellbeing. Add to that the sociable element – participants chat as they walk – and the benefits are significant.
Who’s it for?
Whilst Nordic walking is used by serious athletes who use cross training techniques, it is also recommended by physiotherapists and doctors for those with certain medical conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis. So, whatever your age, fitness level or aspiration, Nordic walking is certainly a sport to consider.
Nordic walking at Sandpiper Club
Gary and the qualified instructors at Sandpiper love the Nordic walking classes which they take out and about in Lancashire. Popular routes include the Morecambe promenade, Lune River and Lancaster Canal path, and Williamson Park in Lancaster. They even take part in the Morecambe Prom Parkruns – an enjoyable 5 km Saturday morning session.
The Nordic walking sessions are free to Sandpiper Club members. Our Sandpiper Club special offer membership deal to end of January 2021 make it easy to have a go – 6 weeks for £60, or 4 weeks at £12.50 per week.
For more information about Sandpiper Club membership or a show round the health club facilities, call in or contact Gary and the team on 01524 585185.