‘If you can walk, you can go Nordic Walking’ - I joined new Kirkcaldy group for a walk

It’s not the steepest of hills, but simply using two poles took so much pressure off my legs as we headed upwards.

The equipment was supplied by the Lang Toun Nordic Walkers, who I joined last week to find out more about the activity.

Nordic Walking is huge in Norway where it started out as off-season conditioning for cross-country skiers. You’ve probably seen footage of them powering their way through the most scenic of wintry countrysides.

What started out as a serious sport has since evolved. Developed for top flight athletes. It has grown well beyond Scandinavia, and been embraced by groups across the UK as an outdoor activity which is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

In short, if you can walk, then you can do Nordic Walking.

The new Kirkcaldy group has a ‘come and try’ invite to its regular walks, and they are all free of charge.

Last Thursday, I joined the group at Beveridge Park - its current meetingplace, although it has also hosted walks at Ravenscraig and Dunnikier Parks, with plans to expand further.

Instructor Giuseppe Cincin, from Rosyth, took us through some simple warm up exercises and explained the technique behind Nordic Walking - and it is different to strolling along with a walking stick.

The lightweight poles, all supplied, are used to propel you along. They come with straps which can be taken off as needed, and you quickly get into the stride of left leg, right hand moving in sequence.

The poles trail behind you, and really make a difference. They add to your momentum, and going up hill was significantly easier. It felt like a good workout but one that was also low impact - underlining how important the technique is to Nordic Walking, and how much it can benefit you.

Caroline Morrison, who chairs, the Lang Toun Nordic Walkers, said: “You can go anywhere to do Nordic Walking. We have chosen parks and have stuck with routes where people can meet and there are facilities and a cafe - but we could easily use the coastal path as well.

“Nordic Walking really is open to everyone of all ages and abilities. If you can walk, you can go Nordic Walking. It is so accessible to anyone with joint issues and is really good for balance.

It is great for young people who want to stay fit as you get a full body work out for your arms and legs.”

Group members are currently training to be instructors and leaders and hope to expand their locations outwith Kirkcaldy - with Burntisland firmly in their sights. It staged its first taster session in the town this week with more to come.

The aim is to build up the membership and promote their events as widely as possible to encourage people to come along.

“We are running free sessions,” said Caroline. “There is no cost to anyone who wants to come along and try Nordic Walking. We have poles which people can use and we have leaders and an instructor.

“As well as enjoying the benefits of Nordic Walking, there is a social side as well, meeting up with a group of folk and maybe enjoying a cuppa afterwards. It’s a slow start building up numbers, but there has been a lot of positive reaction from people who have come along.”

Greener Kirkcaldy initially launched Nordic Walking in town but couldn’t get funding to continue - Lang Toun Nordic Walkers was set up to keep the momentum going, and it has won backing from the council to buy the equipment needed.

The group is keen to welcome new faces, and stresses the health benefits it can offer.

Added Caroline: “It is very accessible to people with joint issues, and Nordic Walking is also good for people with Parkinson’s. By holding the poles and using them it can help with their tremors as they join for a walk.

Nordic walking is now established in many towns across the UK with the activity finding new audiences. Many are over 50 and enjoy being outdoors rather heading to a gym to exercise, and find it a good way to get back into physical activity that is low impact.

As an activity it gets many different muscles moving, helps you walk faster and gets your heart rate going, and boosts circulation - but is easy on those old hip and knee joints.

> To find out more about future walks this Spring and summer, go HERE