R
Ros Ingleby
Guest
- Thread Author
- #1
We’re constantly reminded that regular exercise is important, but finding an activity that ticks all the boxes – effective, fun, and easy to stick to – is easier said than done.
Enter Nordic walking!
We believe movement should be something you look forward to, not dread. Nordic walking is one of the most accessible, powerful, and enjoyable ways to get a total body workout. You don’t need to be super fit, sporty or experienced to get started, and you’ll probably meet some lifelong friends.
We run hour-long Nordic walks in some of the most beautiful green spaces in our area, including Clifton Downs, Ashton Court, Victoria Park in Bath, and Fishponds. So whether you’re looking to shrink your waist, clear your head, or sort your back out, Nordic walking is a fantastic option – the benefits reach far beyond stretching your legs!
Here’s why building regular exercise into your routine, especially through Nordic walking, is one of the best things you can do for your often-neglected body:
1. Builds Strength and Supports Your Body
Nordic walking uses poles to engage your upper body, turning a walk into a full-body workout. It tones muscles, strengthens your core, and supports posture, all without putting stress on your joints. Great for improving strength to pick up the shopping, and the kids.
2. Boosts Heart Health and Stamina
Getting your heart rate up is key for cardiovascular health, and Nordic walking does just that, way better than regular walking. And as 7.6 million people in the UK live with heart and circulatory disease, it’s a low-impact way to keep your ticker in great shape.
3. Improves Balance and Coordination
The technique behind Nordic walking helps with posture, alignment and balance. The poles offer extra stability, making it ideal for those who want to feel more confident on their feet, especially on uneven paths or hills. To keep being mobile you need to keep walking – do not stop!
4. Supports Joint Health and Mobility
Staying active helps keep joints mobile and pain at bay. The smooth, flowing movement of Nordic walking encourages flexibility without strain. It’s gentle but effective, perfect for keeping you moving, whatever your age.
5. Lifts Your Mood and Reduces Stress
Exercise is one of the most powerful ways to boost your mental health. Combine that with being outdoors in beautiful green parks, woodland, or riverside walks, and you’ve got a real mood-lifter. Plus walking in a group brings that extra social spark we all need – it can be better than therapy!
6. Encourages Better Sleep
About half of all people over 50 in the UK have problems with sleeping, and we know how important sleep is. So adding regular movement during the day will help your body wind down at night, and many of our walkers report improved sleep quality after joining us, feeling more rested and energised for the day ahead.
7. Supports Brain Health
Exercise is just as important for the mind as it is for the body. Nordic walking keeps you mentally engaged – coordinating movement, learning new skills, and staying focused. Boosting blood flow to the brain can reduce the risk of dementia by 30% and Alzheimer’s by a whopping 45%!
8. Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
Nordic walking burns more calories than regular walking, as you go from a two wheel drive to a four wheel drive (using your legs and arms). But it doesn’t feel harder, and that’s magic!
9. Easy to Stick With
We walk in all seasons, from crisp autumn mornings in Blaise Estate Bristol, to sunny strolls in Rainbow Woods Bath. The variety of routes, friendly faces and the natural rhythm of walking with poles make it something people want to keep doing.
10. You’re Not Doing It Alone
One of the biggest motivators for getting off the couch is having a community around you. Our groups are friendly, supportive and welcoming. Whether you come on your own or with a friend, you’ll be met with encouragement and good conversation. Had a bad day? Tell your fellow walkers about it and you’ll leave a little lighter.
Start Where You Are, And We’ll Meet You There
You don’t need any special skills, gear or prior experience. We welcome beginners all the time and offer friendly guidance to help you get started. All you need is a willingness to try something new – we’ll take care of the rest.
The thousands of Nordic walkers we’ve trained can’t be wrong!
Bristol & Bath Nordic Walking Team
The post The Benefits of Regular Exercise, And Why Nordic Walking Is Top Tier Stuff! appeared first on Bristol Nordic Walking.
Enter Nordic walking!
We believe movement should be something you look forward to, not dread. Nordic walking is one of the most accessible, powerful, and enjoyable ways to get a total body workout. You don’t need to be super fit, sporty or experienced to get started, and you’ll probably meet some lifelong friends.
We run hour-long Nordic walks in some of the most beautiful green spaces in our area, including Clifton Downs, Ashton Court, Victoria Park in Bath, and Fishponds. So whether you’re looking to shrink your waist, clear your head, or sort your back out, Nordic walking is a fantastic option – the benefits reach far beyond stretching your legs!
Here’s why building regular exercise into your routine, especially through Nordic walking, is one of the best things you can do for your often-neglected body:
1. Builds Strength and Supports Your Body
Nordic walking uses poles to engage your upper body, turning a walk into a full-body workout. It tones muscles, strengthens your core, and supports posture, all without putting stress on your joints. Great for improving strength to pick up the shopping, and the kids.
2. Boosts Heart Health and Stamina
Getting your heart rate up is key for cardiovascular health, and Nordic walking does just that, way better than regular walking. And as 7.6 million people in the UK live with heart and circulatory disease, it’s a low-impact way to keep your ticker in great shape.
3. Improves Balance and Coordination
The technique behind Nordic walking helps with posture, alignment and balance. The poles offer extra stability, making it ideal for those who want to feel more confident on their feet, especially on uneven paths or hills. To keep being mobile you need to keep walking – do not stop!
4. Supports Joint Health and Mobility
Staying active helps keep joints mobile and pain at bay. The smooth, flowing movement of Nordic walking encourages flexibility without strain. It’s gentle but effective, perfect for keeping you moving, whatever your age.
5. Lifts Your Mood and Reduces Stress
Exercise is one of the most powerful ways to boost your mental health. Combine that with being outdoors in beautiful green parks, woodland, or riverside walks, and you’ve got a real mood-lifter. Plus walking in a group brings that extra social spark we all need – it can be better than therapy!
6. Encourages Better Sleep
About half of all people over 50 in the UK have problems with sleeping, and we know how important sleep is. So adding regular movement during the day will help your body wind down at night, and many of our walkers report improved sleep quality after joining us, feeling more rested and energised for the day ahead.
7. Supports Brain Health
Exercise is just as important for the mind as it is for the body. Nordic walking keeps you mentally engaged – coordinating movement, learning new skills, and staying focused. Boosting blood flow to the brain can reduce the risk of dementia by 30% and Alzheimer’s by a whopping 45%!
8. Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
Nordic walking burns more calories than regular walking, as you go from a two wheel drive to a four wheel drive (using your legs and arms). But it doesn’t feel harder, and that’s magic!
9. Easy to Stick With
We walk in all seasons, from crisp autumn mornings in Blaise Estate Bristol, to sunny strolls in Rainbow Woods Bath. The variety of routes, friendly faces and the natural rhythm of walking with poles make it something people want to keep doing.
10. You’re Not Doing It Alone
One of the biggest motivators for getting off the couch is having a community around you. Our groups are friendly, supportive and welcoming. Whether you come on your own or with a friend, you’ll be met with encouragement and good conversation. Had a bad day? Tell your fellow walkers about it and you’ll leave a little lighter.
Start Where You Are, And We’ll Meet You There
You don’t need any special skills, gear or prior experience. We welcome beginners all the time and offer friendly guidance to help you get started. All you need is a willingness to try something new – we’ll take care of the rest.
The thousands of Nordic walkers we’ve trained can’t be wrong!
Bristol & Bath Nordic Walking Team
The post The Benefits of Regular Exercise, And Why Nordic Walking Is Top Tier Stuff! appeared first on Bristol Nordic Walking.