Becoming a Nordic Walking Instructor
Having taken up Nordic Walking nearly a year ago because of pain in my leg from an old skiing injury and after completing a number of long distant walks in 2009 (Oxfam Charity Walk – 26 miles, and Pathfinder March – 46 miles, to name just two), I became hooked on walking with poles – NORDIC WALKING.
My introduction to Nordic Walking started when I attended a number of walking classes organised by Neal and Mel Thomas of FitHaven (www.fithaven.co.uk). After skiing using Nordic Walking poles was easy for me but it does have its challenges, so it is always advisable to have instruction with a qualified instructor who can advise and correct your technique.
Having benefited from Nordic Walking, seeing other walkers losing weight, getting fitter, and just having fun. I decided in December 2009 that I would like to become an Instructor, and signed up to attend an INWA (International Nordic Walking Federation) Instructors Course conducted by British Nordic Walking.
My course was held at Nottingham University Sports Centre with Catherine Hughes (National Coach for England).
The course consisted of two days intensive training and teaching, culminating on the second day with a written test and a practical assessment of the students teaching each other the techniques and benefits of Nordic Walking. The course leads to a qualification as an INWA Nordic Walking Instructor where students learn to teach Nordic Walking safely and effectively for health and fitness.
The course covered the understanding and history plus benefits of Nordic Walking. Students had to demonstrate good personal techniques, planning and delivery of a safe session, teaching the 10 steps of Nordic Walking, developing observation skills, use of corrective drills and finally teach dynamic warm up and cool down exercises.
Nordic Walking uses specially designed poles to enhance your natural walking experience. With a technique that is similar to the upper body action of classic cross country skiing, Nordic Walking becomes a genuinely whole body exercise that can be enjoyed at many levels, from walking for health to athletic Nordic running. Globally, more that 10 million people enjoy this outdoor activity all year around and it is growing weekly.
I am passionate about Nordic Walking and wish to see more people enjoying the benefits of this activity. As a qualified INWA Nordic Walking Instructor I will be organising Introduction/Basic classes in the St Ives, Huntingdon and Fenstanton area, so keep looking as I shall be posting start dates and timings soon….
Mervyn S Foster
INWA Nordic Walking Instructor
mervyn@nordicwalkingcambs.com or Tel: 01480 878111
