We will be walking with unique Nordic poles on our beautiful local trails. This creative walking technique originated in Norway and is now very popular across Europe. It boosts your cardio walking, plus the benefit of providing an upper-body resistance-strength workout, now using 85 to 90% of all body muscles you activate. The special poles are adjustable, shorter than ski or trekking poles, and they are secured with tightly attached hand straps that allow you to propel yourself forward. The poles and hand straps are helpful for stability, so anyone can do this! The unique walking technique requires a small learning curve that I will spend the time teaching to everyone. At the beginning of the first class, we will do some basic training. After the first class and we’ll quickly refresh our previous classwork and add some new suggestions for good results!
Below are the trails for each week where we will meet.
Apr 9: Fitch's Bridge Ice Line Trail - Meet at Fitch’s Bridge Parking lot near Pepperell Rd
Apr 16: J Harry Rich Oxbow Loop - Meet at off-street parking near the intersection of Nod Rd and Common St.
Apr 30: Groton Town Forest - Meet at Town Forrest Road Parking
May 7: J Harry Rich Nashua River Trail - Meet at Sand Hill Road Nashua river Rail Trail Parking
May 14: The Throne Hill - Meet at the end of Castle Drive
May 21: TBD - We will repeat everyone's favorite trail!
** CLASS REQUIREMENT: You must purchase a set of Nordic Walking poles. I suggest poles that are adjustable for height as this is key for optimal setup. Some adjust in three parts and I don't recommend them. Just a simple adjustment in the middle is good. I bought mine on Amazon and did NOT spend top dollar on them! The brand I have is FIZAN, but any that you can find that suit your budget is fine. Our first class will require you to have them in hand so we can get adjusted and learn how to use them before a trail trip. Ski or trekking poles do not work for the resistance control that this requires.
**All proceeds benefit Prescott Community Center.**
Here is what they are saying about Nordic Walking:
"I liked the small group and being active outdoors on unfamiliar trails."
"The instructor was very helpful and patient in teaching the use of poles. Each walk was different and enjoyable."
I have had a long career in computer technology, and many years in youth outreach, Teen Challenge, prison outreach with young girls in the state’s most secure facility, women in MCI Framingham and South Middlesex and recently working in Manchester, NH with exploited women on the streets and in shelters. I am married with one daughter and now have a three year old granddaughter! I have lived in Pepperell for a long stretch and love walking, biking, rebounding, strength training, and just about anything that keeps me in motion!! My favorite place to be is in nature, among the trees and especially along the rivers and ponds nearby.
I've been using the Nordic Walking approach for my own health for the past 4 years. I have cervical stenosis and at the time I began this adventure I also had intermittent vertigo. It was the perfect fix for getting my posture straightened up and neck and back muscles strong.... Walking quite a bit faster than my normal pace boosted my heart rate and lung capacity! A great benefit. I hope you'll join me in discovering new pathways to better health and beautiful nature!!
Gail Holland
No Class Apr 23
