Here’s our usual round up of Nordic Walking news from around the UK – check out what our Instructors and their groups have been up to!

TRANSPLANT HOSPITAL CHOOSES NORDIC WALKING

Nordic Walking is used extensively for rehabilitation but now it has been found to be the perfect solution for PREHABILITATION too – Transplant Surgeons at the Newcastle Freeman Hospital have worked with Nordic Walking UK to introduce exercise sessions that will help transplant patients to build their cardiovascular fitness and be in the best condition possible both before and after their surgery. In this picture NWUK Tutor Graeme Baxter is  leading one of the patients (Keith Vickers) Read more about the project and why Consultant Surgeon Colin Wilson believes this is the way forward for his Liver, Kidney and Pancreas transplant patients.

TONY SAVES THE DAY!

Tony Pattinson was one of the first people in the UK to train as a NWUK Instructor and has become an iconic figure at our Conferences and events over the years. A former PE teacher in his seventies, Tony has battled ill health in recent years and his regular Nordic walking classes in Roundhay park, Leeds are on hold while he regains his former energy. However, when the local Haven Breast Cancer charity called us to ask if they could borrow some poles for their regular group walks…we knew exactly who to call. Tony rose to the challenge and within days had lent them his pole pack – what a Gent!

WORKPLACE SCHEMES GROW IN POPULARITY

We all know that Nordic Walking is a great workout for the workplace too. It works the whole body, eases tight shoulders and boosts energy levels – all without having to get changed in fitness gear too. In this picture the staff of Oxford Brookes university certainly look like they are having fun and making the most of getting outside with local Instructor Anthea Osborn – Jones. In Bournemouth, both the university and the Borough Council now offer Nordic walking UK programmes to their staff too via a central contract managed by NWUK which provides regular work for local delivery partners.

ON THE NW CATWALK…………………..

Nordic Walkers have once again proved they are a jolly bunch with an eye for style and fashion, this group from Ridgeway Nordic walking and their Instructor Karen Lem definitely win the prize for most innovative ways to wear a neck warmer!

Mike Aspland sent us this picture of two ladies from his group in Swansea who were trying to keep their feet dry after completing a Macmillan event and devised a new style of waterproof footwear with the charity branding on! Some work needed before these prototypes are suitable for Nordic walking as it’s not easy to hold the handles and poles at the same time!

We love seeing pictures of what’s going on around the UK so please do pop them on our Facebook page or send them in to gill@nordicwalking.co.uk so we can feature you in our next issue of OUT and ABOUT!

RADIO STARS

Karen Lem has had a busy Autumn as here she is promoting NW on her local radio too. Check out our media pages for up to date news on promotional activity generated by NWUK HQ and Instructors around the UK and don’t forget to call if you need help with articles or interviews

Ian Northcott from Mercian Nordic walking also spread the word on his local radio station (BBC Hereford and Worcestershire)  He was featured taking a roving presenter on a Taster session although we’re not sure she really dressed for the occasion. The session was featured throughout a show and Ian managed to get the key points across and promote the NWUK website so listeners could find their nearest Instructor.

HALF MARATHON HEROES

Finally,  23 Nordic Walkers turned out for the Chichester Half Marathon this year and what a great effort they all put in! Pictured are the winners, Instructor Sally-Anne Salter and one of her group. Chichester half marathon welcome Nordic Walkers and NWUK would like to see at least take part next year – find out more here