Burns Night, Parking, and New Zealand baby.

Nordic Walkers parading past Hampton Court Palace

To be honest, I'm struggling to find a link between Robert Burns, and Nordic Walking, except that I was born in the same county as Scotland's National Bard.  Today is the anniversary of his birth, and Burns Suppers are held worldwide to celebrate the man.  For more information, on Burns Suppers, Haggis and the Poetry, click on the link below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burns_supper

If you want to find out more about Burns - the National Trust for Scotland has recently opened a new museum at his birthplace -

http://www.burnsmuseum.org.uk/ 

Grey Heron amongst the bracken

Meanwhile, the number of Nordic Walkers continues to grow, with several groups walking in  Bushy Park.

In fact, there is now an issue with parking on Saturday mornings.  Some time ago, we moved our meeting point from the Diana Fountain car park to the Pheasantry due to the number of runners.  But last week the regular Parkrun attracted a record 700 runners.  For more details of this event and parking advice, please see this site - 

http://www.parkrun.org.uk/bushy/News.aspx

All I can suggest, is to arrive early, or use a car park further away from the Diana Fountain.

Swan on Long Water, Home Park.  Hampton Court Palace.

Nordic Walkers starting the Long Walk!

And finally........

Three regular Nordic Walkers in our group took time off at Christmas from walking around Bushy Park to visit relatives in New Zealand.  Not only did they catch up with familiar faces, but also met the newest addition to the family - Finley!  Welcome to the world, Finley, and hope you will enjoy Nordic Walking when you are a bit older.  Looks like you've got the energy for it!

Finley - future Nordic Walker?

If you would like to see more photos of Finley, or enjoy close-up views of Hampton Court Palace and Bushy Park, whilst keeping fit, then do contact me for an introduction to Nordic Walking.

Peter

07703-404-931

January re-energising

Fallow deer stags, Bushy Park, January 2011

Nordic Walking has restarted for 2011, and the number of walkers in our groups this week have been gratifyingly large.  The Festive break has meant people realise how much they miss their regular workout.

Eager Nordic Walkers in Bushy Park, January 2011

However, the snow cover at New Year has melted and the recent heavy rain has left much of the ground waterlogged.   This shouldn't dampen your enthusiasm as we can always find a way around the puddles.

Nordic Walking in Buckinghamshire, December 2010

If you want to work off your Christmas pudding, or get fit for a ski-ing holiday, or simply want to enjoy the outdoors while toning your muscles, then do give me a call.  Walks take place in Bushy Park, near Hampton Court Palace on Saturday mornings and all levels are catered for.

Peter

07703-404-931

New Year, New You!

"New Year, New You"  can bit of a cliche, and can be found in many newspaper and magazine articles written around now.  The Christmas and New Year festivities have been enjoyed;  the tree has been recycled; and now you are  taking stock of another year.

Do you want to change something in your life?  Have you made some resolutions?  We all have over the years.  Sometimes you start down a path with good intentions, and then give up.  This is where Nordic Walking can help!

Not only will you feel better at the end of a walk, but you will have also enjoyed being outside and in good company.  All 3 of these attributes make Nordic Walking unique.  Walking outdoors is one of the best mood-enhancers going!  Use the Nordic Walking poles while you walk and you burn calories, too!

Boxing Day exercise, on a golf course near Milton Keynes!

Of course you can do it by yourself, but one of the challenges of continuing an exercise regime is boredom.  Rather than go to a gym, and watch a TV screen or heart monitor, why not get outside and see a fox or a deer; or chat to people about their interesting lives?

Fox seen in Bushy Park, by our Strollers group

 A year ago, I started offering Nordic Walking lessons professionally.  During the last year, I have lost count of the number times I've heard phrases like -

"What a great start to the weekend!"
"The walks just fly by - it doesn't feel like exercise"
"I can feel all the loose bits firming up!"
"I used to get breathless walking quickly, now I can keep going for an hour or two"

I don't claim that Nordic Walking will mean you lose weight, but if you watch what you eat, AND exercise regularly, then you WILL become fitter and, if not actual weight loss, your body will tone its muscles by dint of the repetitive use of upper body muscle groups.

Specific programmes can be tailored to help with weight loss, as well as programmes for improving fitness levels, perhaps to prepare for a ski-ing trip.

But these depend very much on the individual and their motivation.  I can help tailor Nordic Walking to suit your needs, and have successfully worked with people trying to get fitter as well as those looking for rehabilitation after surgery.

Another key ingredient of Nordic Walking is the regular and social activity.  Walking with other people is an incentive in itself to continue an activity.  And Nordic Walking regularly will mean more chance of you reaping  its benefits -

- upper body muscle toning
- using almost 50% more calories than normal walking
- reducing stress on knee, ankle and hip joints
- good aerobic workout for heart and lungs

No special kit is required (poles are supplied) -  just outdoor clothing and trainers or walking shoes.

Nordic Walkers at Virginia Water on January 2nd.

If you feel you want to try Nordic Walking, taster sessions only cost £5, and the regular longer (90 minute) sessions, not much more.

Please give me a call to arrange an introduction or go here to find an instructor near you -
http://www.nordicwalking.co.uk/find

Hope you have a Healthy 2011

Peter

07703-404-931