By Gill Stewart at
There’s always plenty happening in the world of Nordic walking – here’s a round up of the latest news from HQ, around the UK and beyond!
NWUK INSTRUCTORS IN SINGAPORE
This lovely group of Nordic Walkers from Singapore will soon have two new fully qualified Instructors. Mr Shu Moo Chuen and his wife Celia flew to the UK to take the CYQ qualification and having worked hard at their on line studying before flying over, managed to complete both the practical training and their assessments in only two days! Their group evolved as people stopped them to ask what they were doing in the park with their own poles and now they feel they can provide formal training and really make a difference. We are so glad that they chose NWUK for their training and are certain they will soon have an even bigger group because they are dedicated, enthusiastic and very professional.
WORKPLACE WORKOUTS!
Our Instructors have been busy delivering workplace health sessions for a number of Companies across the UK. In Bournemouth, Tasters were held for Organix, Council Employees, the Hospital and the University and local Instructors will be delivering 40 minute energiser walks that are accessible to staff during Lunch breaks. 
Halton Borough Council in Cheshire offered staff a 4 session Learn to Nordic Walk course with local Instructors Kerley (pictured) and Ted. The aim is have a regular lunchtime walk and talk session.
One participant , Kimberley said ” I personally really saw how Nordic walking helped with my posture and walking in a group meant that I kept my pace up. It’s a great sociable and safe outdoor exercise that takes it easy on the knees and joints”. Sue Bann said “You could really feel the benefits afterwards and it was great to try something new.”
WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS
Thanks to Karen Dower from CHICHESTER NORDIC WALKING who shared her story with Fit and Well magazine (a new title from Woman Magazine) which has inspired lots of others to take up Nordic Walking.
Karen before her healthy lifestyle!
Karen lost 5 stone by combining Nordic walking and healthy lifestyle choices with the support of her Instructor Sylvia May. She says the social walks motivate both her and her hubby to keep active these days!
Meanwhile these lovely Ladies , Dee and Sassaka from the ‘Our Camden’ group were delighted to receive their Learn to Nordic Walk certificates and are now regularly walking, eating more healthily and feeling great …………………..plus they lost 24lbs between them in their first month! Well done ladies, we know you will be hooked for life now!
HOSPITAL PROGRAMMES CONTINUE TO GROW
We are delighted to have trained a further group of PHYSIOTHERAPISTS at St Georges Hospital in London in order to further increase their pole walking programmes which can now be delivered across a range of rehabilitation services from Falls Prevention to Mental Health. On a recent visit, it was amazing to see so many groups out Nordic walking in the local parks with their leaders who have been trained under the scheme. Heather Watson a NWUK Instructor and physiotherapist has been working with us to create a one day training module for Rehabilitation specialists who want to use pole walking.
Martin Christie from HQ recently also visited the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital to present to staff, give them a taster session and discuss ways we can help them to both offer and recommend Nordic walking to their patients in the future.
SCHOOL’S LAUNCH NW
Four Scottish schools will be launching our YOUNG EXPLORERS programme this Spring. The fun programme combines education and physical activity and the Teachers (pictured during their training) were delighted to have such an innovative fun way to encourage children to enjoy the great outdoors!
COMING SOON…………………………………….
What have you and your group been up to or what might you be planning that you would like us to share? Send your stories to gill@nordicwalking.co.uk and remember to join in on our lively Facebook page too @nordicwalkinguk to stay in touch with other Nordic walkers and find out what is going on in your area.