Health and Fitness
For many years I have searched for some kind of fitness activity that I would really enjoy, that takes place outdoors, gentle but still a good work-out, and that I can do with my husband. He is taller, stronger and walks much faster than me so it was often difficult to keep up. I also wanted something that I could teach my clients to help them to heal their bodies. Something that would help them with different physical challenges and aliments and promote good health. I have often used different yoga stretches and though I think yoga is fantastic for the body, I wanted something more- something more physical.
Then February 2006 my husband I were watching the BBC program Countryfile and we saw people walking with what looked like sticks. It intrigued us and the people doing it were obviously enjoying themselves and this was our first introduction to Nordic Walking. We then trained in March and April to become International Nordic Walking Instructors (INWA). It has been a great success. I have been able to teach a physical activity to my healing clients and it has helped many people with their physical balance-posture, pains in the back, shoulder pain and much more. It has also helped many healing clients that have wanted to lose weight and get fit and it is brilliant for stress relief.
Here are a few more of the documented benefits-
Nordic Walking burns up to 40% more calories than normal walking.
There is 30% less strain on the joints- especially the knees.
It increases upper body strength.
Relives muscle tension of the neck and shoulder region- lateral mobility of the neck and spine increases significantly.
Burns more than 400 calories an hour- compared to 280 calories with normal walking.
To find out more about this wonderful new activity please go to:
www.nordicwalkingsurreyhills.co.uk
or email me on nordic@jodechi.com
Telephone 01306 731816
"This is the best exercise that I have ever done and I've tried everything. I know I'm working hard because I've been told that it is a full body workout and I can feel my body really working but because it is so fun, (especially with Jodechi- she's very funny)- it just doesn't feel like I've worked as hard as I have. I've just been for a two-hour lesson in the pouring rain and I want to turn around now and go back out. I love it and I'm buying the poles now so that I can do this every day."
Melinda- mother of four
"Nordic Walking is so much fun. I usually hate going walking with my mum. I'm always dragging my feet but today I had so much fun. We went for two hours and it seemed like it was only a half-hour. I want to do this again and again. Jodechi was great as an instructor- I couldn't understand at first how to use the poles but she was very patient with me until I learned what to do and now it feels very natural."
Sophia age 16
