Age Cymru is running a free five-week course for the over-50s to try an activity that’s growing in popularity across Europe
ON a rainy Monday afternoon, I joined Pontcanna’s Nordic walking group. Despite poor weather conditions, there was a big turn-out and spirits were high.
The course takes place in Pontcanna Fields and is available to people of all fitness levels. On completion, participants are able to join any Nordic walking group.
The activity is an enhanced walking technique that exercises the almost the entire body. Participants use poles designed to work the upper body using a technique similar to Nordic skiing. This burns around 20% more calories compared to conventional walking, strengthens back and abdominal muscles and reduces the impact on joints.
I couldn’t help but feel intrigued and had to see what all the excitement is about.
I was greeted by a group of friendly faces who showed me their warm-up before embarking on our rainy adventure.
Age Cymru’s physical activities co-ordinator, Amy Lloyd, said: “Nordic Walking is an increasingly popular activity for older people across Europe. Lightweight poles provide additional support meaning you get more from the exercise.
“It provides several benefits above that of normal walking. It exercises 90% of your muscles increasing strength in your legs, arms, shoulders, chest and back.
“Nordic walking is important to Age Cymru as not only does it improve fitness, core strength and balance, it also provides wonderful opportunities to develop new friendships.”
The pastime was developed in Finland during the 1930s and based on summer ski training. The International Nordic Walking Association arrived in the UK in 2005, and it has since become one of the UK’s fastest-growing activities.
Alan Rumble, 74, of Ely, became a Nordic walking instructor for Age Cymru after experiencing its benefits first hand.
“After my wife had her knee replacement surgery it was suggested by Age Cymru that we try it. After we trained, we joined a group and enjoyed the walks and the company.
“I get great enjoyment in seeing people develop the techniques, particularly those people who initially find it hard to master.
“The social aspect is also important. Some people have limited social interaction in their day to day lives and so a chance to meet with others is good for their mental wellbeing. Also, the fact that it is a group walk means that they are more likely to walk than if they were just going on their own.”
Jude, 74, of Cardiff, suffers from osteoporosis. “At the hospital, the doctor said her husband had taken up Nordic walking for an illness, and suggested I give it a try, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” she said.
“I have a bad back and an achy hip. When you’re walking with your poles, you walk in a more balanced way, and I walk without pain.”
During lockdown, members of the group were unable to meet for months on end so they ran Zoom sessions during which they did a variety of exercises from their homes.
Mr Rumble said: “Zoom activities were beneficial both physically and mentally as we were able to see and speak to other group members. As soon as we were able to walk together again members were delighted and the average weekly attendance was higher than before lockdown.”
With rain drops sliding from his hood, Keith James, 71, of Lakeside, told me: “I took up Nordic walking with Age Cymru about 12 years ago when I retired. I do it for fitness because it’s good for the cardiovascular system, and because of mental health issues. It’s great to be out socialising with people, especially after the last two years.
“My wife and I tried to stick to a routine with walking during lockdown, and I think that that was really worthwhile.”
