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 8: Fitch's Bridge Ice Line Trail - Meet at Fitch’s Bridge Parking lot near Pepperell Rd Apr 15: J Harry Rich Oxbow Loop - Meet at off-street parking near the intersection of Nod Rd and Common St. Apr 29: Groton Town Forest - Meet at Town Forrest Road Parking May 6: J Harry Rich Nashua River Trail - Meet at Sand Hill Road Nashua river Rail Trail Parking May 13: The Throne Hill - Meet at the end of Castle Drive May 20: 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."
