Nordic Walking makes you feel better!

Marble Hill House.

I read recently that exercising releases chemicals in the brain called seratonins that can reduce anxiety, stress and depression, so if you don’t feel like exercising, remind yourself how good it makes you feel afterwards. It’s recommended walking 10,000 steps per day to maintain a healthy body weight. But even without weight loss, it’s almost certain that you will feel better for having performed some exercise. Added to that, the nature on our doorstep makes walking a real pleasure.....

Despite the occasional shower, a varied and interesting walk was enjoyed this week. The daffodils at Hampton Court Palace are out and they really do show that Spring is here. The formal gardens are in fine trim and the statues have had their winter covers removed.

Our route was around the Palace, along the Thames towpath towards Kingston, and then around the Home Park golf course: a secluded and tranquil spot. Watching the herd of fallow deer ignoring the golfers, you would hardly guess you were within a mile of bustling Kingston-upon-Thames.

Part of the walk is up a kilometre-long avenue of centuries-old lime trees, and the walking seems almost effortless as we approach the uplifting view of Hampton Court Palace. Once we entered the Palace's formal gardens, we found a pair of Egyptian Geese guarding their new family of 4 tiny goslings. An energetic walk of over 3 miles on a Saturday morning, and, apart from the geese, no other visitors to the Palace were seen!

(NB - some gates on this route will be closed from April to September. Check the maps at gates for details or send me an email).

For more information on Nordic Walking - benefits, deals, walks, etc visit here -

http://www.nordicwalking.co.uk/

Nordic Walking prevents southerly migration!

Hampton Court Palace.

I was going to list some aspects of how Nordic Walking is beneficial for our bodies, but I was shown a great article on Nordic Walking which provided a couple of more memorable observations:

"Everyone claimed to have smaller waists, tauter thighs, higher bottoms and firmer chests (men included), since they've been Nordic Walking!"

And - "It's a great way of arresting the southerly migration of bums and boobs."

The full article -

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1257778/Can-really-drop-dress-sizes-Nordic-walking.html

I don't normally believe everything I read in the papers, but the reporter does seem to have done her homework, and spent some time looking into the sport. And despite the article's title, there's some insights about the fitness level that can be built up using Nordic Walking.

Anyway, here are my (less provocative) insights into why Nordic Walking is good for you -

Back health: Everyone can benefit from a healthy back. The human back was not really designed with upright walking or longevity in mind! Walking is a good exercise and Nordic Walking improves the abdominal ‘core’ muscles that support the spine.
Stability and Support: The Nordic Walking poles are used to enhance and improve upright stability and mobility. Your upper body is supported and your breathing made easier. Fill your lungs.
Heart health: Nordic walking is the perfect cardiovascular activity for any person of any fitness level from couch potato to seasoned athlete. Originally designed by cross-country skiers to retain fitness in summer, Nordic Walking can give your heart and lungs a personalised workout.
Weight loss: Besides wanting to improve our looks, many of us are trying to improve our health. The calories used in Nordic Walking can help when dieting. Even if you don’t lose weight, your legs, arms and torso will be toned and firmed by the repetitive Nordic Walking action
Bone density: Nordic walking strengthens bones. The use of major muscle groups help fight osteoporosis.

As mentioned in my last post, Spring is certainly here now. It's been short sleeves and light layers this week. There might be showers on Saturday, so do remember the rain jacket.

A walk will start from Bushy Park (the Diana Fountain car park) at 9:15. If you haven't tried Nordic Walking before, please contact me to arrange a taster session.

Peter

07703-404-931

peternotyoung@blueyonder.co.uk

Spring is in the air

Spring sunshine and snow in Glenshee.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8552225.stm

The deep and lasting snow in Scotland has allowed a record attempt on the number of skiers in kilts at Aviemore.

Maybe one day I'll be brave enough to try that...

Meanwhile, back in leafy south-west London, some fine walks have been enjoyed - Home Park at Hampton Court Palace is rightly popular, largely because it is so quiet, even at weekends.

And Richmond Park to Teddington is a treat, either through the Park and Ham Common or via the Thames Path.

Nordic Walking and Health

Several people have asked me if Nordic Walking can help with Osteoporosis. As my mother has suffered from this, I have looked into it, but don't claim any specialist knowledge. My understanding is that the extra exercise of large muscle groups will help combat this disease, and there has been some research done.

Nordic Walking UK have a summary of studies of the many health benefits of Nordic Walking, including an Austrian study into Osteoporosis -

http://www.nordicwalking.co.uk/?page=about_nordic_walking&c=24

Next walk - meet at 09:15 (new time!) at Diana Fountain car park, Bushy Park, Saturday, March 13th!

Call 07703-404-931 for more details.

Peter

Snowdrops in Hampton Court Palace.....