Walk your way to health, Nordic style

Do you enjoy sociable, fun and easy- to-learn exercise techniques?  Fancy making every step really count towards your health?

If the answer is yes, Three Rivers District Council's brand new Nordic Walking courses could be just the thing to help you kickstart your fitness.

Nordic Walking is one of the most sociable and effective exercise techniques around, involving walking with specially designed poles to improve fitness. First used as summer training for cross-country skiers, Nordic Walking works the upper and lower body at the same time, strengthening the back, legs and arms and reducing neck and shoulder tensions; and all this whilst exercising the heart and lungs. Nordic Walking can burn up to 400 calories per hour, compared to 280 per hour for normal walking!

The District Council will be providing Nordic Walking courses for all levels of experience and fitness from Beginners to Advanced. The Beginners and Intermediate/Advanced courses cost £20 per person, including six weeks of one hour sessions with poles provided.

Free taster sessions will run on August 21, September 4, December 11 and January 8 2009 from 11.00am - 12.15pm, with participants meeting  in the main car park at Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Frogmoor Lane, Rickmansworth. 

Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Community, Councillor Chris Whately-Smith, said:

"One of the best things about the increasingly popular Nordic Walking is that people of all ages and fitness levels can take part and really reap the health benefits. Nordic Walking offers a fun and sociable yet effective way to improve fitness and overall health, whilst also enjoying the lovely open spaces the Three Rivers district has to offer."

The Beginners level course will also run from the Aquadrome for six weeks, with the next course running on Thursdays from September 11 to October 16. The Advanced level course, also based at the Aquadrome, will run on Tuesdays for six weeks, with the next course running from October 28 to December 2. 

Places on all courses are limited, so early booking is advisable. For further information or to book, residents can ring the Leisure department on 01923 779392.

Other course dates for all levels are also available throughout Autumn/Winter 2008 and Spring 2009 - for full details and course dates residents can ring 01923 779392 for a brochure or visit www.threerivers.gov.uk.