|
If you're interested in finding a new fav sport or exercise,  but are just a little bit nervous about actually taking the plunge and want a few pointers first, Active nzgirl is perfect for you!
Julz Darroch (you might have seen her on Good Morning), our resident fitness guru, will try out a range of new and different fitness classes and bring you her very own verdict.
It's a little like trying before you buy - without you having to ever step foot outside your home! This week she explores the mysterious sport of Nordic Walking… Background
It feels like just a few weeks ago I was at the café at Karori Park wondering what those people with the funny pole things were doing striding round the field. Wait, that was a few weeks ago, this week it’s me striding round the field because this month I’ve been Nordic Walking. Nordic Walking has been the off season training choice of European cross country skiers for years but has only hit NZ recently and is now an exercise option for those of us who’s last cross country experience was running round the fields at primary school. So what EXACTLY is Nordic Walking? In a nutshell, it’s walking, with funny pole things.  Before the class...The lovely Sabine, a Nordic Walking instructor here in Wellington has been trying to get me along to a class for a while now, and I finally committed to the weekend before Easter only to find out she wasn’t teaching! It’s taken me so long to get motivated that I’m not letting this stop me, I’m off for a beginner lesson with Sandro. I have to confess I’m not sure if I get it. It’s walking. With poles. We’ll see. The class... I arrive and prepare for the excitement. Overhearing a woman greeting a man called Sandro I figure that chances are, I’m in the right place. Sabine has warned, I mean told Sandro I’m coming so he’s ready to set me up and make me feel welcome. He has poles.  After the class...It turns out that Nordic walking is pretty much walking with poles. BUT WAIT... Nordic walking is fun! The session was instruction and action at the same time so no standing around waiting for the real stuff to happen. The poles aren’t just for show; they make your walking style longer and add on an upper body workout, no strength workout needed for me that day!
By the end my back was saying thanks for the workout and though my shoulders didn’t say thank you I could feel they were trying to say something but it’s probably too rude to print here. But best of all- I can do it! And I’m not bad at it. Finally something I can do!
Okay so it was only the beginner class, but I’ll enjoy my moment anyway and next time I’m going intermediate level all the way. I can see the advantages of Nordic walking- I get it. But best of all - it gets me. It’s not a party workout, no music, no swishy outfits but if you are looking for something a bit different and don’t mind ladies at the café watching you work out then this could be for you. I am totally recommending it for people who are looking at improving their fitness, and are the walking types or who can’t do more gung ho exercises due to injury. Now it’s your turn I went to a class with the Nordic Academy. Ah ha! I can see why Sandro knew what he’s talking about; (I’m looking at his business card) he’s the national training manager - lucky me. With the Nordic Academy, your first class is free and they provide the poles - sorted! Nordic walking is making its way all over the country so if you want to give it a go then get googling!
Julz |
