3. Helps to eliminates back, shoulder and neck pain

4. Less impact on hip, knee and foot joints

5. Develops upright body posture

Here is our current Nordic Walking group!

As well, check out the youtube video  below supporting our Marauders.  Can you find our walkers???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSWTkNFXc2s&sns=em

If you are interested in learning more about this beneficial walking
program, please contact Deb Hannah, Fitness Coordinator Ottawa St YWCA 905 5456249 ex 22. Please call ahead to reserve a set of poles to try out. Poles can also be purchased thru the instructor. Happy Walking!!!

2013…WE ARE GOING TO ROCK!

NEW! handy CALENDAR FUNCTION on the CLASSES & COURSES PAGE  and the new handy DATE REMINDER in the right hand column of  THIS PAGE.  NEW! lower prices for Nordixx equipment.  Click on Buy Nordixx Pole page. 

From now until regular season classes start in February, you can buy equipment from me anytime, or book a private lesson, or book an Intro for your group, or book me as a speaker for your function. Contact me to arrange:  Linda4success@shaw.ca  (250) 920-4005

JANUARY 26 & 27:  2013 will kick off at theVICTORIA HEALTH & FITNESS SHOW at Pearkes Arena.  Visit us at this show to DISCOVER what people LOVE about Nordic Pole walking, to ENTER to win free lessons, to CHECK OUT the quality Nordixx Poles and to SIGN UP FOR CLASSES!  An info sheet handout of all the upcoming classes will be available for you to take away. Also BUY TICKETS TO HEAR DR. SCHWANBECK!

FEBRUARY 6 (7-9pm):  DR. KLAUS SCHWANBECK, founder of Nordixx Pole Walking Canada will be speaking.  “WHY START EXERCISING NOW?  (especially since I’m probably too old, too unfit, and too decrepid!)  DISCOVER 9 COMPELLING REASON that will make you FALL IN LOVE with NORDIC POLE WALKING!   Meet the man who got 10 million Germans pole walking, and German medicare re-imbursing Germans annually for the cost of 3 months of Pole walk lessons!  At this Nordixx Canada Walking Academy presentation, Dr Schwanbeck will focus on how to prevent or reverse osteoporosis and other diseases through exercise. Hear the compelling currently published research on Nordic Pole Walking that will give you hope for your quality of life regardless of your current condition.   Last time Dr. Schwanbeck was here both evenings were SOLD OUT.  We are booking larger venues this time.  Feb 6 will be in Oak Bay…  Contact Linda NOW  to reserve your tickets.  $11 (including HST).  Linda4success@shaw.ca

FEBRUARY 7  (7-9pm):  DR. KLAUS SCHWANBECK, founder of Nordixx Pole Walking Canada will be speaking.  “USE THE TRAINING SECRETS OF ATHLETES TO IMPROVE YOUR FITNESS” (even if you think you are “too unfit, too old, or too decrepid”)  DISCOVER THE FITNESS GAME PLAN THAT WILL HAVE YOU CHEERING!  Meet the man who got 10 million Germans pole walking, and German medicare re-imbursing Germans annually for the cost of 3 months of Pole walk lessons!  At this Nordixx Canada Walking Academy presentation, Dr Schwanbeck will focus on how to start where you are and improve your fitness the smart way that will have you cheering!  Hear the compelling currently published research on Nordic Pole Walking that will give you hope that systematically you can change your fitness and health! Last time Dr. Schwanbeck was here both evenings were SOLD OUT.  We are booking larger venues this time.  FEBRUARY 7 WILL BE IN SAANICH.  Contact Linda NOW  to reserve your tickets.  THIS VENUE WILL SELL OUT!   $11 (including HST).  Linda4success@shaw.ca

FEBRUARY 10:  CLASSES BEGIN. Intro class $10; Tune-Up class $10;  Technique/Confidence 3-wk Course $60; NEW for 2013 10-SESSION PUNCH CARDs ($80) for weekly structured Nordixx  Fitness Building program (5&10km with Linda or 10&20km with Tom); New for 2013 10-SESSION PUNCH CARDs ($50) for weekly gentle Nordixx Fitness Building/Pedometer program.   In addition you can book private lessons for 1-2 people with Linda $60, private intro for your group with Linda ($10/person), free neighbourhood Nordixx walking groups,  free monthly Nordixx adventure walk with Linda.    FOR YOUR PERSONAL ANNOUNCEMENT of the 2013 schedule of classes, EMAIL LINDA NOW at  Linda4success@shaw.ca

APPRECIATING 2012: For me the best thing about 2012 is that I officially joined forces with Dr. Klaus Schwanbeck and became Nordic Pole Walking Canada’s MASTER INSTRUCTOR in Victoria.  Dr. Klaus Schwanbeck’s vision is to create a legacy of health through fitness with Nordic Pole walking. This is my vision too.  I have instructed about 500 people now and certificed 5 new instructors.  The biggest thrill I get is when people exclaim, “POLE WALKING IS SOMETHING I CAN DO!”  Inch by inch, life’s a cinch…. people are now starting to report in to say how posture is improving, weight is dropping, energy increasing, blood pressure and diabetes numbers are changing for the better. People tell me they have HOPE!   I am most excited about the seeds planted in these EXISTING COMMUNITIES:  Oak Bay United Church Walking group, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Vancouver Island Tech Park, and Kiwanis Village.  These seeds continue to grow because long term success is more likely in community. I know dozens and dozens of other people have found walking buddies and contine to pole walk regularly.  Inch by inch, life’s a cinch.  Nordic Pole Walking is a Revolution that can’t be stopped.  Nordic Pole Waling is here in Victoria to stay!  If you would like a special free presentation for your office group, health or social group, email Linda at linda4success@shaw.ca

Hi Linda, Thanks so much for organizing the walk yesterday.  We were a small but mighty group.  I loved the walk and talking about building community – can’t wait for more.  Leila

PHOTOS FROM FALL 2011 5KM EVENT.  It was really fun for all the team!

One of the instructors, Janet, is a nurse. She discovered NPW at a conference where she was looking for exercise ideas for her diabetes patients. Dr. Klaus, who brought NPW to North America, was looking for someone to help bring the activity to cancer survivors. Then Janet met Marianne, through a mutual interest, and talked about NPW. It turns out Marianne is a fitness instructor. This combination lets one focus on the warm up and cool down period and the other on the actual technique (more on that in a future post).

The first session was on Monday, and was more of a meet and greet with about 20 minutes of outdoor time to introduce us to the technique. Yesterday’s session saw us poling around a neighbour for 40 minutes.

I have to admit I was a bit worried on Tuesday morning when the pain in my right deltoid had returned. I’ve been trying physiotherapy, but the problem keeps returning when I increase to 5 lb. weights. Grrrrr.  So I decided to stop the weights and look for activities to strengthen my muscles in other ways.

Enter NPW …. In a comparison with brisk walking or slow jogging, NPW burns twice as many calories in the same amount of time because it uses 90 percent of your body instead of 50 percent. And it also has the social benefit of the “walk and talk”. If you’ve ever had a running partner with a different gait, you’ll know what I mean when I say it’s hard to have a conversation when you’re heads are at different levels.

Yesterday’s NPW route was fun. We meandered through a residential neighbourhood checking out Christmas lights. I was able to have conversations with most of the women in the group. And I’m glad we’re all women. It allows for a better bonding experience.

So far my muscles aren’t sore. Well except for the usual letrozole stiffness when I sit for too long.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW by phoning Linda at (250) 920-4005.

Join Coach Linda  Fee $10.  Equipment supplied. See current listings.

Need more info?  Phone me:  250 920-4005.

EMAIL ME:   linda4success@shaw.ca to let me know if you can participate.

PARK:  On Michigan west of Menzies for free 90 minute street parking.

MEET: 8:15AM at Linda’s car parked on MENZIES STREET beside the Legislature building.

POLES:  Bring your own poles or sign out poles from Linda.

WALK:  8:30AM  We will walk around the back block of the Legislature, and with a mini Nordic Pole walking lesson we will all be looking good.

JOIN:  9:00AM We will walk around the front street of the Legislature and up the driveway to the steps of the Legislature….speeches by Heart & Stroke.

BIG PHOTO OPP:  9:30AM  The H&S Big Bike takes off with the Nordic Pole walkers right behind.  Media Photo frenzy.

END:  9:45AM approx.  Return to Linda’s car to return poles and receive  FREE NPW COACHING COUPON & Linda’s DVD as thank you gifts.

COFFEE ANYONE?

EMAIL ME:   linda4success@shaw.ca to let me know if you can participate.  Feel free to invite friends.  Let me know how many are coming by Wednesday…June 1.  That’s THIS WEDNESDAY.

HOW DO PEOPLE FIND OUT ABOUT NORDIC POLE WALKING WITH LINDA?  Invitation from Linda 27.58%, referral from a friend 27.58%, Social Media: Meet-Up 20.68%, Newspaper calendar of events 10.34%, Business alliance 10.34%.

WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY ABOUT NORDIC POLE WALKING WITH LINDA?   This comment from Laurie is typical: “Nordic Pole Walking is so different than I had thought!  I look forward to more training with Linda and just getting out with people.  Linda is a great coach and full of enthusiasm.  I had a great time.  I would recommend everyone to try it out no matter what level of athleticism.”  And Bill says, “Walking is boring.  This is fun!”

Several months ago a group of us Nordic walking instructors based in the Twin Cities – Rhea Kontos, Linda Lemke, Brian Glader and myself – got together and started dreaming about an event that would energize and feed the enthusiasm for Nordic walking that already exists in our area. Those dreams soon found a form when we approached Michael Gottschalk of the Three Rivers Park District about holding a Nordic walking event in conjunction with National Get Outdoors Day. Three Rivers has embraced the concept and is providing full support for our Expo at their outstanding Hyland Park Reserve in Bloomington. Until recently I had never been to this park, and was blown away by the sheer size of the park and trail system, and its beautiful range of terrain – rolling hills, wooded areas, lakes and wetlands!

As if this weren’t exciting enough, Malin Svensson and Gary Johnson, the founders of Nordic Walking North America and the organizers of the first North American Nordic Walking Expo last year in California have come on board as coordinating partners for our event.  With their involvement, we expect not only local but a range of national vendors and Nordic walking specialists. There will be group walks, special presentations on a variety of Nordic walking topics, and information on walking resources, equipment, and instruction opportunities.

A recent planning meeting at Hyland Park

Rhea, Linda, Brian and I have formed an organization called Great Lakes Nordic Walkers to help coordinate the event and everyone who comes to participate. On our blog you can find more information on the Expo, and sign up to receive updates with further details. We are looking for volunteers to help with the event, and trained instructors who can help lead intro lessons and short walks. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact me and we will get you plugged in!

Please mark your calendars and spread the word!

Nordic Pole Walking Canada certifies instructors and provides a new business with this wonderful physical activity.

We educate, how to walk properly with walking poles and train people at all ages and fitness levels right.

To learn more go  to www.NordicPoleWalkingCanada.com

Dr. Klaus Schwanbeck brings Nordic Pole Walking to Canada and Ginger Quinn of GEM Health Care Services Halton (The one with the ear muffs) was amoung the first Canadians to join his “Wellness Team.”

“A car accident back in 2006 left me with chronic neck pain as well as Piriformis muscle syndrome in my right leg.  While running is still out of the question, Nordic Pole Walking allows me to safely increase my mobility.  The socializing is an added plus!”

Nordic Pole walking was first developed in Finland back in 1997, and the exercise uses 90% of the body’s muscles in every stride not including the smile it generates having fun!  With 50% of the bodies muscles being located above the belt, Nordic Pole walking takes walking to a higher level

To find out more about the health benefits of Nordic Pole walking read “The Ultimate Nordic Pole Walking Book,” by Klaus Schwanbeck.

At GEM Health Care your wellness is our business.

• Friday evening social and presentations by local experts
• Nordic walking lesson: How to build strength and reduce strain by relaxing MORE!
• 3 guided walks on trails in the Cascade/Grand Marais area
• Time for shopping/sightseeing in Grand Marais
• Saturday evening Nordic walking entertainment
• Digital photography option – for those of you who’d like to get a little more familiar with your digital camera in an inspiring and scenic area!

Cost is $89 (meals not included), and beginners and non-Nordic walkers are also welcome. This is a great chance to try Nordic walking and bring your friends! The walking technique lesson I’ll be doing is based on instruction and experience I’ve had recently that has really transformed how I walk – with and without poles – and I’m eager to share it with you. Since the idea is to relax more in the way you walk (while still building strength), doing this during a weekend getaway seems like the perfect setting!

Lodging is available at Cascade Lodge for the special fall room rate of $55/night for a standard double lodge room (cabin upgrade also available). Guests receive 10% off at the Lodge restaurant. Call (218) 387-2911 or visit www.cascadelodgemn.com to make a reservation.

For a detailed schedule and registration form, go to http://www.nordicwalkforlife.com/Trips.html

Questions? Please e-mail me at info@nordicwalkforlife.com or call (651) 468-1878

I am looking forward to spending time with you and really hope you can make it!

Prairie grasses

A group of us walked there today and ran into a rafter (Wikipedia tells me this is the correct term, though I’ve never heard it before!) of turkeys – about 30 of them – poking along on the trail and taking cover in the grasses (as are most of the ones in this shot).

Turkeys on the trail

The misty grey weather was actually quite pleasant for walking our 2.5 mile route. Covering over 400 acres, with wide grassy trails, this park is a walkers delight! If you live in the Twin Cities metro area, check this park out if you can!

Many thanks to my fine walking companions, Laura, Mary,  Cheryl and Terri!

Happy trails

Thanks to Cathie Reasoner for the turtle shots!

If you’ve been out walking lately, you know that the ground is stirring with new life – tender grasses and other plants, beetles, and an astounding number of anthills. These last especially often affect my experience Nordic walking, as I feel guilty disturbing all of the ants’ painstaking work.

This morning I took a walk on the Sucker Lake trail in Shoreview – a beautiful wooded trail whose red pines reminded me of Itasca State Park. As I savored all the manifestations of nature, I also tried to take care to avoid the anthills – not an easy or entirely achievable task.

Classic Nordic walking technique emphasizes a firm and forceful pole plant, but this morning I started thinking about how differently we walk when we are barefoot – more carefully and gently, more aware and respectful of the earth underneath us. We may step on things, but we are less likely to kill them. I started walking with this barefoot sensibility, and tried applying that to the way I used my poles as well. I found that planting precisely and deliberately, and keeping gentle, sustained contact with the ground all the way through my backswing did a number of things. My shoulders relaxed even more. I felt an even greater sense of centeredness and strength, radiating from the lower abdomen. My feet were lighter on the ground. I felt more peaceful.

Studies of barefoot running suggest that actual running without shoes leads the body to compensate by landing more softly, thus putting less shock and strain on joints. This also suggests to me that the muscles are doing more work, in a more finely tuned way.

So now I am thinking more than ever, that wearing softer soled shoes, planting your pole with care, and being more sensitive to the earth underfoot can be a way to bring both greater strength AND peacefulness to our minds, our bodies and our relationship to the world around us..  including the ants.