Nordic sport is finding a new home in town (From Ledbury Reporter)

Nordic sport is finding a new home in town

8:50am Monday 29th October 2012 in Ledbury

A SPORT with more than 10 million dedicated followers worldwide has found a new home in Ledbury.

Nordic Walking originated in Finland in the late 1990s as a way for professional cross country skiers to keep in shape during the summer months and sees participants using poles to propel them along and engage the upper body as well as the legs.

Now Kate Dawe, from Ledbury, is offering a chance for people closer to home to sample the emerging sport.

Her business, Kdence Nordic Walking, offers free taster sessions, four-week technique courses and guided walks around Herefordshire all year round.

She said: “It’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels, simple to learn and really sociable.

“By using the specially designed poles, you can use all the major muscles in the body and burn up to twice as many calories as ordinary walking.

“However the best thing about Nordic walking is that the poles actually propel you along so it feels really easy.”

While it may look an unusual pursuit for the Herefordshire countryside, nordic walking can be used for weight loss, sports-specific training and rehabilitation, as the gentle upper body movement can ease back, and neck pain.

For more information and to book a free taster session, call 07977 593211, go to kdence-nordicwalking.co.uk or e-mail kate@kdencenordicwalking.

co.uk.