A group meeting in Midsomer Norton has found a way to fitter bodies and companionship through a hobby that some of us may never have heard of. And if you have, you may just think, ‘well, it’s walking – but with sticks’!

This is the first thought I had when I was asked to go along to a Nordic Walking Workshop with local author and life coach, Yvonne Bignall, but was soon eating my words.

Whilst Yvonne has a fitness background which led her to discover Nordic Walking and learn how to lead sessions, you do not need to be any kind of athlete to take up this form of fitness.

‘Walking with Sticks’, as you may have guessed, does Nordic Walking a great dis-service. Meeting Yvonne at the Somer Centre, in Midsomer Norton, we head up to the Town Park space whilst she tells me a little about what to expect. Yvonne takes a look at my posture and how I walk, (cue panicked, ‘how do I walk?!’), something we take for granted, but perhaps realise, when under scrutiny, that we may not be doing ‘correctly’.

Thankfully, it appears I do know how to walk, and we then look at technique, including how we place our feet. Nordic Walking originally came from Finland, as a way to continue training during the summer for skiers. It is low impact, and really easy on the joints. It also makes you acutely aware of posture and how you are carrying your body, which in turn, can help to make the body stronger and avoid injury.

Yvonne tells me that Nordic Walking burns 20 – 46% more calories than walking, and uses 90% of our skeletal muscles. She has walked with people who are trying to get fitter, pre-surgery, and with women who are recovering from breast cancer. It can be for all ages and abilities – with octogenarian walkers for example, really finding benefits in keeping moving.

Personally, I have done a lot of trekking and have used poles to stop me tumbling off of mountainsides in remote places or to keep my footing in the jungle, but Nordic Walking poles are different, because of how the strap is used around your hand, and the angle that you plant them in to the ground. And, before you think that you need an expensive piece of kit, these are provided by Yvonne! She explains the importance of using your core strength and aligning your posture; for example, try placing your fingers on your hip bone and your thumb underneath your lower rib cage – it makes you taller, where we tend to slouch (I bet you are doing this now). It’s something I now do in the office as I’m hunched over my desk, tapping away for the latest deadline.

As a whole, our cores have become quite lazy. Nordic Walking combats this, by naturally bringing you upright. And ever since, when I’m walking to the shops for some milk, I’ll be watching how I’m moving and if I’m using those muscles. You also need to use your arms, swinging them from the shoulder and keeping them straight (think soldiers marching).

I simplify this massively – Yvonne tells me there are at least ten steps involved to successful Nordic walking. Nonetheless, we enjoy a very happy hour of marching around with our poles and the amazing thing is, if you are using them correctly, it almost feels effortless – the poles take the weight off of your knees and lower joints, so it makes you feel much lighter on your feet. And we all know the benefits of getting outside and being more active – whilst meeting new people. What’s not to like?

Yvonne runs five classes, Monday to Thursday, and depending on the group, can walk around two to three miles with varying terrain. Once every couple of months, she also takes some longer walks in the local area.

The group walk in all weathers, so you will need some hiking boots or a good pair of trainers, some lightweight, wicking clothing and some waterproofs. After that, you are good to go!

To find out more or to take part in a Saturday Beginners’ Workshop to see if Nordic Walking is for you, email: [email protected]