Nordic sensation

Described as a full-body workout with benefits to wellbeing and core strength, Nordic Walking has recently strutted on to the scene, with groups seen cross-country skiing on fields across the country. Of course, Bristol has been at it for years already. Helen Martin catches up with Bristol Nordic Walking.

The weather is still brisk on the Downs. Bobble hats bouncing up and down, fleeces zipped up and movement keeping limbs warmed and oiled, as the Bristol Nordic Walkers stand to attention.

On instructor Ros’ friendly command, “C’mon, you can do it!” they spring to action, gliding across the expanse of green space, poles moving in unison, backs straight and a powerful sense of strength and determination in every stride. As they reached their tree finish line a rise of laughter from the walkers shot through the air, before Ros beckoned them back to us, and we discussed getting a hot cup of tea in the cafe next to the water tower.

Circled round one of Cafe Retreat’s shiny silver tables, the ladies told me how they had discovered Bristol Nordic Walking – through Twitter, Help the Aged and spotting walkers on the Downs and tracking them down. It’s a sport that has been around since the 30s, when Finnish skiers wanted to continue their training, so created cross country skiing on land. Benefits include improvement to upper and lower body strength, easing of back pain and gentleness to joints. The walking style makes heart and circulation demands similar to jogging, but the body is supported and the structure less stressed.

One of the walkers, Beate, tells me that her mother had enjoyed Nordic Walking in Germany, where only hiking and cycling are more popular and over three million people enjoy the sport, until she was 89 year-old. For Beate, she says it “changed my life”. After being in a car accident 30 years ago, she had very little use of her legs for 11 years. She discovered Nordic walking and slowly the strength in her legs returned to the point she is now able to walk unaided by poles and is entered into the Bristol 10k later this year. Tears roll down her face before she beams at her group.

Karen discovered Bristol Nordic Walking through Twitter. She’d previously taken part in many sports, including swimming and running, but now a little older, wanted something with less impact and would work around her freelance work. Bristol Nordic Walking fit the bill perfectly. “It’s so much fun – we walk whatever the weather or season, we wear head torches on the Downs in winter, we always power on!” The walkers all describe the exercise as a full-body workout, with instructors who crucially have time for one-to-one attention.

“There’s also the social aspect,” says Joy. “Which is very important,” agrees Christine. I ask the group if it’s possible to chat while Nordic walking, referencing their laughter at the tree. “Oh, it’s a necessity,” says Deirdre. Ros agrees: “They must be able to chat, or something’s not right.” They clearly all love the chinwagging, too. “Often we are told to go round a tree and we’re walking and we say to each other, what tree? Is this the tree, errr?” Deirdre laughs.

Since starting nearly four years ago, Bristol Nordic Walking have over 200 walkers. The group is very proud of the fact that Bristol is one of the first cities to adopt Nordic Walking and the first place to hold a race, last year. This year, 15 of the members are to be the first people to Nordic walk the Bristol 10k. A number of the walkers are also off on a Nordic walking adventure in Finland and are entered into several races, including the Nordic Challenge. They tell me that one of the instructors, Vicky, is reigning 20k champion. The group finish their cups of tea, still exuberant after their hour-long session and united in their passion for the sport and the genuine wellbeing that it’s given them.

For more information, visit www.bristolnordicwalking.co.uk