Put a spring in your step with Nordic Walking in Exeter
Published: 9 February 2022
A leading councillor is walking with a spring in his step after trying out Nordic Walking for the first time in Exeter.
Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Physical Activity, is taking part in 12 Moves in 12 Months – a challenge to try out a new activity each month during 2022.
The challenge aims to celebrate some of the amazing community groups and organisations in Exeter who are supporting people to be more active in their daily lives.
Cllr Wood is spending time each week in a group or class to try new activities for himself as a way of getting active staying healthy while having fun and making some new friends along the way.
After starting with yoga, February’s challenge is Nordic Walking.
Following his first weekly session at Cowick Barton playing fields, run by Sue Holden of Exe Nordic Walking, Cllr Wood said he felt like he was learning a new way of walking that gets more of his body active and engaged in the exercise.
He said: “It was a very interesting session and I enjoyed it. What stood out for me was when I heard that no one teaches you to walk – you teach yourself. One of the things that you learn with the poles is getting that rhythm. You learn technique and balance, and you start to incorporate more of your body in the process of walking.
“The poles help to bring the rest of your body into action, and it helps to build core muscles and upper body strength.”
He added: “We have so many beautiful green spaces here in Exeter. I’ve already been set some homework on this challenge – to go walking, and I am spoilt for choice in Exeter.”
Instructor Sue Holden said: “Anyone can do Nordic Walking - people of all ages. It enhances your normal walking technique. You use 90 per cent of your skeletal muscles and it can be done on every level – from support to sport. It is a great way of being out walking, with other people or yourself, and being out in the fresh air.
“Duncan did really well today. He got into his rhythm, he started to feel his upper body muscles and felt it in his core - he did really well.”
The course at Cowick Barton is funded by Active Devon. For more information visit the website to register your interests in different courses around the city. Sue also runs workshops and you can walk with her in Exeter’s green spaces, at Powderham Castle or at Exmouth Beach.
12 Moves in 12 Months is part of the Live and Move #ShareYourMoves campaign to help people become more active in the city.
To follow Cllr Wood’s progress through 12 Moves in 12 Months keep an eye on the Council’s news website and social media channels and Live and Move’s blog page. To share your moves use the hashtag #ShareYourMoves