Age Cymru Nordic Walk with Exel Nordic Walking Poles

Age Cymru have been successfully running a Nordic Walking scheme since 2008. Barefoot Trading supplies Age Cymru with all their Exel Nordic walking poles and their instructors are trained by British Nordic Walking. Here some of their Nordic walkers share their story:

Richard and Susan's story

"Poor health problems at the start of this year meant my husband Richard had to take things easy for a few months. We heard about Nordic Walking and I phoned Age Cymru who put me in contact with our local volunteer instructor and we had a taster session in our local park.

Richard was skeptical, but came to watch and was impressed so we decided to take part in a course of five weekly Nordic walking lessons. Soon after we packed our Nordic walking poles and traveled to France, ready to put our training to good use and Nordic Walking added greatly to our enjoyment of the area. The Nordic walking poles helped us to walk more quickly, go up and down hills more easily and gave very good support when crossing rough terrain. We lost some weight, regained some shape, and most importantly, felt fitter - we even had a ‘convert’, an older French lady who was having problems with walking. After questioning us, she took up Nordic Walking and we watched her steadily regaining her fitness, independence and social contacts.

Thank you to Age Cymru your training has added a whole new dimension to our lives -we never imagined that exercise could be so much fun."

Molly's story

Molly, who is 73 years old, recently attended a Nordic Walking course and said this about her experience.

"I found that I have improved each week. My hips and back are greatly improved and the benefits to my heart and lungs are also becoming obvious to me. My breathing has improved and I am walking much more upright, for longer periods and with more confidence and with better balance too.I am also able to stand for longer.

Nordic Walking is a great fun activity and also a good way of getting out, meeting new people and making new friends.You also always feel safe because you're with an experienced Nordic Walking instructor. Even my friend who 'doesn't do exercise' is now eager to start as she has seen such an improvement in me"

It's clear to see the positive impact Nordic Walking has made on Molly and the many Nordic walkers at Age Cymru.