New course enabling the over 50s to enjoy Carmarthenshire countryside through Nordic Walking

Age Cymru is running a five week course, free of charge, that will enable the over 50s to enjoy the Carmarthenshire countryside through Nordic Walking – one of fastest growing activities in the UK.

The course, which is free of charge, will show people of all fitness levels, how to walk with a Nordic pole in each hand.   It is said that Nordic Walking provides an all body work out thereby providing even more benefits than normal walking.  The poles also provide additional stability for those who may have a fear of falling.

People who sign up to the course will be provided with a set of poles, all you need to do is turn up with comfortable outdoor clothing and waterproof footwear with good grips and follow the advice of our qualified instructors. 

The course starts on 1 October 2018 from Towy Castle Farm, Upland Arms, Carmarthen SA32 8DY during Age Positive Week.

Age Cymru’s Physical Activities Co-ordinator, Amy Lloyd says: “Nordic Walking is an ideal activity for older people because as well as improving general health and fitness, it also helps strengthen core muscles and thereby reduce the risk of falls – an all too common problem for many older people.  

“It's also very accessible activity and something that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels and therefore ideal for people who haven’t exercised for a while or who may dislike traditional sports.

“Isolation and loneliness can have a devastating effect on older people so the fact that Nordic Walking is a very sociable activity is a huge benefit as people will talk while they walk and often go for a cuppa at the end of a session.”  

For more information or to book a place contact the Age Cymru Physical Activity team on 029 2043 1555 or email nordicwalking@agecymru.org.uk 

Case studies

 1 - Debbie Calder

“Since joining the Carmarthen Nordic Walking group, my formerly creaky knees are now stronger and I can walk downstairs normally instead of always leading with my right leg.  My back is much stronger which means I can work on my garden without support.  What’s more I am now more than a stone lighter and it hasn’t been hard work at all.

“Nordic Walking has also helped me lower my glucose levels so I have ditched the medication and still manage to sneak in the odd slice of cake!

“Emotionally the support of the team of leaders and walkers is important - they are lovely people who, like you, are simply trying to improve their own fitness and mobility which makes it much more interesting than trying to do it on your own.”

2 - Jan Caroll

“I have made some very good friends through Nordic Walking and improved my health at the same time. I particularly enjoy the interaction with the other Nordic Walkers as we put the world to rights while we walk along. I also bring my dogs along who seem to enjoy the walks as much as me!”

3 - Pam McLoy

“Even though I live in Cwmbran, I drive down to my caravan in Burry Port as much as I can because I enjoy the walks so much – even during winter!  And despite being an ‘outsider’ I was made very welcome by group leader John Jones and his fellow walkers.

“Since joining the group, I have lost weight, become much fitter, and my breathing when exercising has improved.  Nordic Walking has improved my social life and I walk regularly with my new friends even the group is not meeting.

“I trained to become a Nordic Walking group leader last year and now enjoy exploring and assessing new routes across the area and enjoy sharing my love of Nordic Walking with other people I meet out on the various paths.”