Enjoy a variety of beautiful walks in the company of others.
Nordic walking action encourages whole body awareness, enhancing an upright yet relaxed posture, improving the quality and mindfulness of walking.
“On low tides we enjoy the beauty of the Tutukaka Coast and smooth soft propulsion from the poles. At high tide we meander in the bush on single tracks appreciating native trees, sharpening our judgement and neural pathways.”
Based on the Tutukaka Coast in Whangarei District, the Nordic walking group gets out and about all year round on a variety of beautiful walks along beaches, in the bush and on farmland.
Linda walked Te Araroa, the 3000km length of New Zealand trail in 2012. Her background includes editing a national fitness magazine and as a health reporter. She is enthusiastic about the benefits of walking and the calm nature can bring. More…
Nordic walking helps:
- balance, stability and co-ordination
- posture, upper body strength and flexibility
- reduce impact on lower limbs
Special Nordic poles encourage use of our upper body and arms as well as our legs when walking. They give a relaxed twist to the mid spine and ribcage with a longer arm swing from the shoulder. The action requires whole body awareness, enhancing an upright yet relaxed posture, improving the quality and mindfulness of walking.
The poles can add propulsion and, for older people, give extra stability. The opposite arm and leg pattern is good for our brain: our gait pathways.
The action is a bit like cross country skiing and snow skiers in Europe and Scandinavia use it for cross training. The poles strike the ground 45 degrees behind the body like an extension of a straight arm. The action differs from that of a tramping pole or walking stick which are placed in front of the body with bent elbow.
Going uphill, two poles together are helpful and good for our core. Downhill, two poles together add stability on rough terrain.
Linda’s classes are suitable for all ages and include exercises for warming up, technique and cooling down stretches, all with an emphasis on alignment, balance and co-ordination.
Tutukaka Coast Group Sessions
There are two group sessions on a Wednesday at 9:15am and then 10:30am, the first for those who enjoy lingering over scenery and the second for those who like a good workout!
Also available on demand:
Individual sessions: initial training – feel comfortable using poles
Small group sessions: get together with a couple of friends
Trail guiding and Tailored Group hike packages
Why Nordic Walking?
- Be proactive with your fitness
- Improve quality and mindfulness of walking
- Enjoy various beautiful walks in the company of others
What You Need
- Good walking footwear, rain jacket and sunhat
- Poles are initially provided – test various ones to decide which suit you best
- Prior registration is required