Nordic Walking Classes: are great whole body enhanced walking workouts, originating from Cross Country Skiing in Finland, using specially designed poles/sticks! Suitable for all fitness levels; enjoy the great outdoors and improved health & fitness of body & mind.
It is outdoors, or ‘green exercise’, therefore increases well-being, Vitamin D and more vital health boosting opportunities….
Come along to this FREE Nordic Walking Taster Session & learn the basic Nordic Walking Technique.
Join us for a Fitness Walk, stride your way to faster health & fitness in Alexandra Palace.
Take your Nordic Walking Further!
Explore more of North Londons green spaces or join a weekend walking break.
Nordic Walking is an enhanced total body version of ordinary walking and is easy on the joints so it can be enjoyed by anyone who wants, or needs, a low impact exercise to improve their cardiovascular fitness/stamina; to get fitter without having to jog, or to improve strength and stamina for a walking holiday, or to tone and strengthen arms and core muscles (stomach, back, shoulders and hips) without having to go to the gym….
Nordic Walking is a great health-promoting activity, using around 46% more calories than regular walking, and is great for increasing energy, fitness, toning up and improving your sense of wellbeing.
The poles help to propel the walker along – this means you can walk faster, working harder than usual, therefore, increasing your fitness/stamina, yet the support given by the poles makes it feel easier! And it is easier on the joints.
Note: Nordic Walking is a specific fitness technique and is not to be confused with trekking, hill walking or trail running as the poles are not planted in front of the walker/runner but in a specific way that increases the use of the upper body.
Nordic Walking technique is best learnt correctly if you are to get the most out of the activity – the full technique that ensures the whole body works efficiently is only taught by qualified instructors.
In these classes, you will learn and practice a variety of ‘techniques’ learning how to use the poles with greater efficiency and effectiveness; meaning, improving posture, hip mobility, general total body tone and strength and increase your cardiovascular (heart and lung) fitness.
Finessing your arm swing, use of your feet, greater use of the poles and your arms/upper body and challenging your cardiovascular (heart and lung) fitness even more, and hip strength and flexibility.
Also improving your posture and core muscles.
Whatever your reasons for joining Johanna Green and the team in a Nordic Walking Class, it is really important to learn the technique correctly so that you get the most out of your Nordic Walking.
After a short warm up mobilising our joints, we walk briskly for 45-50 minutes, with a 5-10 minute stretch to finish.
The walking route varies each class. Everyone can walk at their own pace as you are regularly given options to walk ‘further and faster’, or a ‘slower and shorter’ route. This can vary for you throughout the class, and each class, depending on how you feel at that moment.
At the end, to promote a healthier lifestyle, we often discuss a topical health/fitness question. This provides tips and guidance on such questions as, healthier eating, how many steps to walk each day, or to remind you to take a Vitamin D supplement during the winter.
Johanna Green runs regular weekly hour-long walks, FREE taster classes, Technique classes and longer half-day and day long walks as well as weekend walking breaks. Check our schedule page for full details.
Janet was introduced to Nordic Walking whilst on holiday in Scotland. She attended a taster session and enjoyed the experience. Returning home she discovered Johanna’s classes at Ally Pally in October 2012 and has been Nordic Walking ever since. In February 2013 Janet qualified as a Nordic Walking Community Instructor/Walk Leader and now helps Johanna.
I’d been interested in Nordic Walking for some time before I found Johanna’s session over 3 years ago. Her Tuesday evening session worked perfectly with my work schedule at the time. I gave up my Primary school teaching job 18 months ago and decided to train as an instructor which I completed in spring 2015. On a recent holiday my husband remarked on the more toned nature of calf muscles and derriere. Way to go!!!!
Have a Question About Nordic Walking Classes?
The poles help to propel the walker along – this means you work harder than usual yet the support given by the poles makes it feel easier!
Why do you use ‘poles’/’sticks’ ?
The poles help to propel the walker along – this means you can walk faster, working harder than usual, therefore, increasing your fitness/stamina, yet the support given by the poles makes it feel easier! And it is easier on the joints!
Is Nordic walking a good exercise for me ?
This enhanced total body version of ordinary walking is easy on the joints so can be enjoyed by anyone who wants, or needs, a low impact exercise to improve their cardiovascular fitness/stamina; to get fitter without having to jog, or to improve strength and stamina for a walking holiday, or to tone and strengthen arms and core muscles (stomach, back, shoulders and hips) without having to go to the gym…. Nordic Walking is a great health-promoting activity, using around 46% more calories than regular walking, and is great for increasing energy, fitness, toning up and improving your sense of wellbeing.
What are the benefits of Nordic Walking ?
What is a Nordic Walking Class ?
You walk using poles. The Free Taster Class and Technique classes cover a variety of techniques which teach you to use more muscle groups, increasing the intensity and your walking speed, to improve overall body tone, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and stamina.
Outdoors! What if it's raining, snowing or blazing sunshine ?
I don’t want to hold the group up, or have to try and keep up !
I don’t want to hold the group up, or have to try and keep up…. In the Nordic Walking classes, the routes are planned with walkers with different walking speeds and paces in mind, and those who can, or want to, walk further and faster, have options to do so. Equally, those who want to walk at a slower pace, or not walk as far, can choose to do so, at any time ….. throughout the class….
I don’t have any poles, can I borrow some ?
Yes, book your place and poles.
I have trekking poles, shall I bring them ?
It is best to borrow the Nordic Walking poles for the free taster/your first class. In that class you will see and experience the difference between Nordic Walking and trekking poles and techniques. You will discover how Nordic Walking poles and techniques can be more flexible and how differently the poles are used, hence, the poles are different.
Can I do the class if I am pregnant ?
Can I do the classes if I have just had a baby ?
Yes, once you have had the all clear at your 6 week check. We will advise and coach you regarding various changes, suitable intensities and movements recommended for your post-natal recovery. Nordic Walking classes are easily adapted and made suitable.
Who goes to the Nordic Walking Classes ?
Groups are small, typically 6 – 15 people. We are a friendly mix of locals with a wide variety of backgrounds, who dislike the gym; however, essentially anyone who enjoys getting fitter in the great outdoors. We’re sociable and welcoming and love to encourage others.
Do I need to learn Nordic Walking technique before I join a class ?
What should I wear? Do I need special shoes or to bring anything ?