Welcome to Nordic Walking East Anglia
NWEA was set up by two friends, Mary Fulton and Katharine Green who share a passion for walking and the great outdoors. With 10 years of experience as British Nordic Walking (BNW) instructors they are committed to sharing their wealth of knowledge in helping their walkers get the most out of the Nordic Walking technique.
BNW is proud to be directly affiliated with INWA (the International Nordic Walking Federation) which is the Global Governing Body of Nordic Walking.
Nordic Walking
Nordic Walking is based entirely on the body’s natural walking pattern. It is a technique of walking using specially designed poles to propel the walker along, originating in Finland in 1930s as a summer training exercise for cross country skiers. It’s a fantastic way of turning the simple act of walking into a full body exercise, working the core and upper body as well as the legs. It’s sociable and fun and can be adapted to be enjoyed by a wide range of people regardless of fitness levels, age or gender.
To learn more, take a listen to Mary’s awarding winning podcast, Walking on Air, with nearly 60 episodes covering numerous topics in depth such as the benefits of Nordic Walking on various health conditions, technique points, and equipment.
Turning your walk into a workout
Why Nordic Walk with Nordic Walking East Anglia?
We offer small friendly workshops to help you grasp the technique, from there you’re able to go off on your own or join one of our regular weekly walks. Our regular walks are a chance to make news friends and become a confident Nordic Walker in a safe and encouraging environment. We focus on helping you to develop the correct technique to get the most out of this fantastic exercise and help utilize the many Nordic Walking health benefits:
What are the benefits?
Mood enhancing
The benefits of exercising outdoors in a social environment.
Posture and tension
The technique promotes good posture, opening of the chest and lengthening of the spine. It involves gently rotating the spine, this helps you release tension in the neck and shoulders and relearn the best posture for your body.
Strength
Strengthens your back and core abdominal muscles – through the push of the poles.
Tone
Active walking tones the leg muscles, pole pushing tones the upper arms and waist.
Reduces impact on joints
The poles bear the impact of walking, not your joints. Being a weight bearing exercise it is excellent for bone health.
Weight loss
Using the poles burns up to 46% more calories than ordinary walking. By spreading the effort across 90% of your skeletal muscles you do not perceive the increased effort.
Improved back health
Through strengthening of the core and releasing neck and shoulder tension.
Improves balance and alignment
Helps achieve a symmetrical body position.
Blood Pressure
Helps reduce and maintain healthy blood pressure – the poles help you walk faster and for longer.
“Since starting with the Health walking group, I find my posture has improved, I now walk quickly and with confidence and my overall fitness is improving all the time. It has also made a big difference to my mental health, my anxiety levels have lowered considerably. I look forward to my walks and the social side of meeting and making new friends.” Anne
About Our Classes
To learn how to Nordic Walk or if you think you need a refresher course please have a look at our workshops
We run regular weekly Nordic Walking classes all year round in the Bury St Edmunds and Clare area, we also teach private lessons as far as Haverhill and Newmarket.
To join our regular walks you must have already been taught to Nordic Walk by a qualified instructor.
BEGINNERS – how to get started
Join a Beginners’ Workshop
Learn the 10 step British Nordic Walking technique from a Nordic Walking East Anglia instructor. All abilities are welcome but if you’re worried about your fitness levels please don’t hesitate to contact us via email or telephone.
If you cannot see a suitable date for a course please do get in touch to arrange a private lesson or join a small group course.
We provide Nordic Walking poles, so all you need is a comfortable pair of walking shoes or boots with a good tread, and lightweight clothing, dressing according to the weather.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel 14 or more days in advance, we will offer you a full refund. After this time, we will only be able to offer a refund, if we manage to fill your place.
REGULAR WALKERS – Classes for different levels
Walking for Health – (1 hour)
The perfect class for beginners and those who prefer to walk about 2-3 miles per hour. The focus of these classes is on progressing technique, improving balance and strength whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Suffolk countryside.
Walking for Fitness – (1 – 1½ hours)
This class is designed to work on fitness levels by walking at a pace of 3-4 miles per hour. These classes include strength, balance and cardio-vascular exercises.
“Nordic walking makes keeping fit easy and enjoyable. The whole body benefits and the camaraderie in the group is the icing on the cake.” Kate
Nordic Walking Prices
Beginners’ workshop
3 Hours £45
Upon completion of the British Nordic Walking Beginners’ Workshop you would be at a level where you can join one of the regular classes or Nordic Walk on your own.
Private lessons
£35 per hour 1:1
£50 per hour 1:2
Regular Weekly walks
Block booked walks £8 per hour