Training for Charities and Community Groups

Why is Nordic Walking right for your community project?

The health benefits of Nordic Walking are widely recognised and we have worked with over 100 different community focused organisations to develop Nordic Walking projects addressing issues as varied as

  • Obesity
  • Active ageing
  • GP referral schemes
  • Cardiac Rehab
  • Mental health issues
  • Heart health awareness
  • Obesity in young people
  • Inactive communities
  • Stroke rehabilitation
  • Parkinson's
  • Increasing participation in walking for health schemes
  • Accessing green space

Such benefits are widely researched in conjunction with our international partners in INWA – you can read more about relevant research on our site here.

Why does Nordic Walking work for these projects?

Nordic Walking is a safe, natural, dynamic, efficient and suitable-for-all form of a physical activity that trains the body in an holistic, symmetric and balanced way. Nordic Walking uses specially designed poles to enhance your natural walking experience. It is a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed in town centres or open countryside throughout the year.

The Finnish Government were the forerunners of using Nordic Walking to improve public health and have included it as part of their national policy to improve health and wellbeing. Nordic Walking is now a national pastime in Finland.

Community projects in the UK report high participation numbers and good retention when compared to other activities they have offered. Nordic Walking engages people who would not traditionally participate in any kind of exercise. The health benefits are considerable and yet the perception of effort is low: in other words people enjoy Nordic Walking and so stick at it. Nordic Walking is sociable and can help to build a sense of community amongst the participants.

Nordic Walking is kind to the joints, increases the stability of the walker and works nearly all of the muscles in the body. Nordic Walking is taught in a way that develops improved walking and posture as well as good pole technique. The benefits to the body are functional and so transfer into everyday life.  

The way we teach Nordic Walking with the INWA 10 Step Method TM makes it easy to learn and teach.

If you are a community or health project looking to add Nordic Walking then please ring one of our team on 01332 504949 to talk through your ideas.

We can offer in-house tailored courses and advise you on:

  • Equipment
  • Insurance
  • Costs
  • Models of delivery
  • Resources needed
  • And all the factors you need to consider when setting up a community Nordic Walking project.

As a not-for-profit organisation ourselves we understand the objectives of the health and voluntary sectors and have many partnerships with organisations with which we have a shared ethos.

Our courses