New Parkinson’s Instructor Course – Learn, Support, and Transform Lives
New Parkinson’s Instructor Course – Learn, Support, and Transform Lives
Description
We’re excited to introduce our brand-new Parkinson’s Instructor Course, designed to equip Nordic Walking instructors with the knowledge and skills to support people living with Parkinson’s.
This comprehensive course, led by Chris Stanley and Sarah McCracken, covers:
✔ Understanding Parkinson’s – What it is and how it affects movement.
✔ Nordic Walking & Parkinson’s – The science behind how Nordic Walking improves mobility, balance, and confidence.
✔ The Research – Evidence-backed insights into the benefits of exercise for Parkinson’s.
✔ Lived Experience – Chris shares her personal journey of using Nordic Walking to manage her condition.
✔ Practical Application – Drills, games, and techniques to adapt sessions for participants with Parkinson’s.
✔ Partnerships & Support – How to connect with Parkinson’s UK and local networks to expand your impact.
✔ Getting Started – Steps to integrate Parkinson’s-friendly sessions into your Nordic Walking offerings.
Sarah McCracken is a Parkinson's Nurse specialist with over 20 years experience in Parkinson's. She qualified as a British Nordic Walking Instructor in 2019 and has been researching the health benefits of Nordic Walking for the last 6 years.
Chris Stanley is a retired PE teacher who has lived with Parkinson's for seven years. She qualified as a British Nordic Walking Instructor in 2023 and brings lived experience, energy, motivation and her excellent teaching skills to this course.
This is an incredible opportunity to broaden your expertise, make a real difference, and empower individuals with Parkinson’s to stay active and independent.
📅 Sign up now and be part of this pioneering course!
Not an INWA Instructor yet? You can train with British Nordic Walking and qualify through the INWA Instructor Course. This gives you the foundation to teach using the INWA 10 step Method™ and access CPD like this as part of your ongoing professional development. Find out how to train as an INWA Instructor at INWA Nordic Walking Instructor Course – British Nordic Walking
Why Walk With Us
Nordic Walking is an enhanced walking technique that uses poles to work your upper body as well as your legs. It gives you a highly effective all over workout that doesn’t feel like one! Nordic Walking is a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed in town centres or open countryside throughout the year.
Nordic Walking uses specially designed poles – not to be confused with trekking 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 is a genuinely whole body exercise that can be enjoyed at many levels, at low, medium or high intensity. More than 10 million people globally enjoy this outdoor activity all year round.
Nordic Walking for Everyone
If you can walk you can Nordic Walk! It really is for everyone. The poles mean that effort is shared between the upper and lower body so it actually feels easier than normal walking, particularly uphill. Nordic Walking puts less strain on joints than other activities and can be very effective for people with mobility issues or those recovering from illness or injury. It’s also great exercise for toning problem areas such as the upper arms and abdominal muscles.
- It’s an ideal activity if you haven’t exercised for a while or dislike traditional sports or gym activities.
- It is helpful if you have had an injury as the poles can support and guide you while you work to improve fitness as part of your rehabilitation.
- It is great for athletes for cross training.
- It provides community groups with a sociable way to keep fit.
- And it’s fantastic if you’d like to shed a few pounds.
Whatever your age, from 8 to 80+, you’ll enjoy discovering the benefits of Nordic Walking that improve your quality of life.
