Nordicymru have launched the first of a series of Nordic Walking Workshops at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Llanarthne Carmarthenshire, promising to aid fitness as well as mental and physical well being. Age Cymru mentioned Nordic Walking in an online article in April 2021 as an ideal activity for keeping active, as participating means exercising 90% of your muscles as well as being less tiring than other forms of walking and physical exercise.
Qualified Nordic Walking instructor Catrin, who runs Nordicymru says that Nordic Walking worked for her after a shift in mindset after the pandemic and wanting to try something new and get outdoors more. Being a previous skier and walker, it seemed the logical option to her.
“Nordicymru is my small business that I started in January where I offer Nordic Walking instruction. I am a qualified instructor with British Nordic Walking and a member of INWA (International Nordic Walking Federation).”
She says
“Nordic Walking is a walking technique where specially designed poles are used to work both the upper and lower body, giving a full body workout. It is a very accessible form of exercise as it is based on walking- so if you can walk, you can give Nordic Walking a go! It can be enjoyed at a range of intensities from slower paced walks, to competitive levels. There is something for everyone!”
There are many benefits including improving posture and gait, reducing joint impact and strengthening muscles. It also burns about 20% more calories than walking without poles. As well as physical benefits, it’s great for mental wellbeing too. It is a social and fun activity in the outdoors- and the benefits of being in nature are well documented.
I hold regular walks at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. To attend any of the regular walks, clients first attend a beginner workshop session to understand the basics of Nordic Walking and to learn some basic techniques. Regular walks will then build and improve technique while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Botanic Garden. Most sessions end up with a coffee at the end- it’s a very sociable and friendly environment to do exercise in.
Sessions are on Mondays or Fridays and must be pre-booked on the website where the full calendar can be accessed.
In addition, I also offer bespoke sessions at a location and time suitable to the client. Anyone can drop me an email at nordicymru@outlook.com where I can then look to tailor sessions to meet individual needs. I am also on Instagram and Facebook .”
The scenic backdrop of the National Botanic Garden of Wales is a perfect fit for the sessions and the team are delighted to be hosting the sessions.
David Hardy, Head of Marketing and Communications, at the Botanic Garden said
“It is fabulous to have Catrin here at the Botanic Garden leading our sessions. Nordic Walking is an excellent way and a proven method of improving physical and mental well-being, and it is certainly helping our visitors explore the wider landscape, the newly-restored lakes, cascades and waterfall. Spending time in the Great Outdoors is always rewarding on so many levels and the accessible nature of Nordic Walking makes it a great option to have on our menu of events and activities.”
If you might be interested in giving Nordic Walking a go here are 5 ways in which it could benefit your life.
5 reasons to Nordic Walk
- Everyone can try it – As Nordic Walking is based on the natural movements of walking, it’s a very accessible activity that people with different fitness levels can share.
- Mental wellbeing – The positive connection between exercise and reducing stress and anxiety is well known. Add to that being outdoors in nature along with the social aspect of Nordic Walking and you can see how it adds up to a winning combination.
- Using great Nordic Walking pole technique will burn more calories than walking without poles.
- Stay healthy – Nordic Walking exercises 90% of your muscles.
- Reduces joint impact – by using the specifically designed poles, Nordic Walking minimises joint impact, making it great for prolonged activity, or if recovering from too much running.
Nordicymru offer beginner sessions for £15 which cover the basics including some technique, and poles supplied free of charge after which participants can book onto the 1-hour sessions for £8. Sessions need to be booked and paid for in advance. Please note that if you are not a member of the Botanic Garden, an entry fee of £11.25 also applies.
The National Botanic Garden of Wales have many sessions available which focus on fitness, health and wellbeing, including family welly walks, landscape tours and garden/wildlife talks as well as birdwatching sessions and breadmaking classes.
To find out more about Nordicymru and to book visit them here.
To find out more about Nordic Walking sessions and other opportunities visit the What’s on section of the National Botanic Garden of Wales website.
