Norman (Whangarei)

Eighty two year-old Norman has severe Parkinson’s which has progressed over 15 years. He is unable to speak clearly so his wife June, also 82, spoke for him.

We have only been Nordic Walking for three weeks but I think Norman is loosening up a bit in his shoulders and arms. He was very stiff but his arm swinging is getting looser. He is also walking better, and is more stable than he was with just his walking stick.

Sometimes he needs a rest and can’t quite do the hour, but he enjoys the group too, getting out with others, and so do I.

Nancy (Kapiti Coast)

I thought that I would let you know about my recent visit to the osteopath this week. This is the first time I have seen her since I started Nordic Walking.

She was greatly impressed with the looseness of my lower back and the huge improvement in my neck and shoulder area. I told her what I had been doing and she was very interested that I had only been doing nordic walking for one month and the improvement was so great within that time.

Having a sedentary job I have really found it great and can actually feel the improvement in my posture and I must say that my outlook on life has taken a turn for the better.

Anne (Whangarei)

I am in my early eighties and have been Nordic Walking for over two years now. It is a great fitness exercise for a full body workout and I love being outside in the fresh air.

Also, putting weight on the walking poles takes the pressure off my hips and knees easing discomfort in my joints.

Many thank to my trainer Barbara for introducing me to this form of sport.

Elke (Waipu)

I am in my mid-forties and have done sport my whole life. Being a dog owner, outdoor training is my favourite kind of fitness training so I can exercise my pets too.

NordicWalking gives me the benefits of high impact whole body training without risk of major injury.

I have a sedentary job so I appreciate the simplicity of NordicWalking during my breaks, which also helps me “free” my mind.

Ron (Waipu)

Nordic Walking was recommended to me as a means of unloading my acute arthritic knee joint problem whilst gaining the benefits of Nordic walking. I started the course shortly after having minor knee surgery (Arthroscopy) and found that while still painful the method did off load the weight on my knee joints considerably and allow me to complete the course prior to my scheduled total knee replacement.

I had been Nordic walking, although still painful, right up to the time I had the operation. No way would I have walked to this extent with out the Nordic Walking system. I feel that by keeping as fit as possible prior to my operation has aided in the healing process. I was back on the poles within 12 days of the op. doing gentle circuits of the house.

Nordic Walking has certainly helped me in a big way both prior and post operation. Nordic Walking is certainly a good way to recover from this rather major surgery and to keep up a good standard of physical fitness and well being.

Thanks Barbara, you have opened a new door, see you on the beach or hills sometime."

Sue (Auckland)

I had a frozen shoulder so my shoulder girdle was very stiff when I started Nordic Walking in June 2006. Barbara showed us shoulder strengthening and stretching exercise with our poles and I soon realized that my shoulder was becoming more flexible. I can now move both shoulders without any restriction or pain.