Three groups of free Learn to Nordic Walk courses start this week following successful sessions over the summer.
The courses are on offer in Ramsgate for the over 55’s thanks to SEK/KCC Wellbeing Community funding.
The sessions, which take place at Ellington Park and Spencer Square are led by Langmead guest house owner Denise Hill.
She set up Ramsgate Nordic Walking in May 2023 after a fruitless search for a Nordic Walking instructor in Thanet. Denise loves walking and wants to keep fit despite having dodgy knees and hips “that are on their way out.”
The project started in June and a total of 28 people learnt to Nordic Walk, using the International Nordic Walking Association (INWA) 10 Step method. Twenty-four of these have joined the Nordic Walking Graduates WhatsApp group enabling them to arrange walks with other Nordic Walkers using the poles from the Community Pole Libraries in Ellington Park Cafe and Vincent’s Cafe in Spencer Square.
People have arranged to walk around Ellington Park together and others, who wanted more of a challenge, borrowed the poles from Vincent’s Cafe and walked to Broadstairs and back.
Moving onto the next phase this week, there will be two regular groups for those who have already completed their Learn to Nordic Walk course. One will meet at Ellington Park Cafe and the other at Vincent’s in Spencer Square.
The Ellington Park walks are in a supported environment for people who need to build up their physical health or prefer to walk shorter distances. However, Denise does have plans to introduce some HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), which she learnt at last year’s British Nordic Walking Convention, for those who would like to try it.
The Spencer Square walks have access to the Western Undercliff which presents more challenges with varied terrain, such as slopes and sand. There is a nominal £3 charge for these walks which are subsidised by the SEK/KCC Wellbeing funding. There are now further opportunities for more people to Learn to Nordic Walk and join the growing community.
Walking has benefits for mental and physical health and Nordic Walking adds even more. Originating in Finland in the 1930s to maintain off season fitness for skiers, done correctly, using poles to drive against and push into the ground, you are working your upper body. It’s like using a cross trainer at the gym as you have something to pull against. It uses 90% of muscle groups, is a fat burner, improves posture – as the poles lift you up and you can walk faster.
The first participants have really benefited from the courses, with one saying: “Denise is a good teacher. Always cheerful and very patient. She explains everything clearly. Her enthusiasm is infectious.”
The Wellbeing Community funding is being used to get more people over 55 into Nordic Walking in Ramsgate by breaking down the financial barrier that is preventing some people from accessing it.
There are two Nordic Walking Community Pole Libraries in Ramsgate. One at Ellington Park Cafe and one at Vincent’s in Spencer Square – both community cafes. Once people have completed a Nordic Walking wellbeing course, they will receive a card which enables them to borrow the poles to use independently, with other walkers or on one of the group walks. There will not be a charge to borrow the poles but there will be a donation box.
Free Nordic Walking courses – starting with a taster session
Tuesdays Ellington Park Cafe 5.30pm – 6.30pm
September 10th, 17th, 24th, October 1st, 8th, 15th
Wednesdays Vincent’s Spencer Square 1.30 – 2.30pm
September 11th, 18th, 25th, October 2nd, 9th, 16th
Sundays Ellington Park Cafe 11am – 12pm
September 15th, 22nd, 29th, October 6th, 13th, 20th
Contact Denise on 07813 653775
Email [email protected]
Or find the group on Facebook
