Ian is passionate that every human being is given the opportunity to achieve their potential. Fitness goals can be achieved in a fun way and nordic walking is a full body sociable exercise for all.
Your journey with us will start with a “Learn To/Power of the Poles” induction. This is designed so that you will get the most from your exercise walks with us but also so we know you are safe using the poles.
“Adventure Walks” are fitness walks that are very sociable in nature. They are not a ramble but the onus is on “sociability with fitness” and can range from 2-14 miles.
“Workout Walks” are fitness walks where the onus is on fitness, a bit like attending a gymclass where you will work and not chat too much. They are still very sociable and a lot of fun but we are not ramblers as you will see.
“Balance, Strength & Agility Classes” are a session in the park where we work at these vital elements of your fitness. It is a fun session with likeminded people who want to be as independent as possible for as long as possible and who understand that walking alone is not enough.
“Wellbeing Walks” are for clients who are new to exercise who need to take things gently. They are a 2 mile walk with some gentle exercises included”.
“20 Minute Wellbing Online” are a short class where we work on mobility and balance.
We are a fitness company and we firmly believe that consistency is the key. One exercise session a week is unlikely to be enough and so we offer several activities that you can join in with for maximum benefit.
We are not Ramblers but Nordic Walkers who can offer you the chance to “Turn a Walk into a Workout”.
Please read about out Team to see the fantastic walk leaders we have who will guide and support you.
Your message will be sent directly. If you haven't received a response within 48hrs please contact us directly on 0333 1234 540
Take a peek at what you might get up to on one of our Nordic walks.
For more photos, visit our social media pages and see some of our member posts and stay up to date with everything Nordic walking!
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We are having a Mercian Nordic Walking trip to the Peak District in March 2022. Full details can be found at your booking diary with the event listed on 18th March 2022 but an early booking price listed on 26th Nov 21. Book early as pkaces are limited. The accommodation and setting is awesome. The
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I am really pleased to have a fantastic new look website that links in with the booking system and where I can keep you updated with all things Mercian Nordic Walking.
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Role: Owner/Instructor/Personal Trainer
Ian is passionate that every human being is given the opportunity to achieve their potential. Fitness goals can be achieved in a fun way and nordic walking in a full body sociable exercise for all.
A retired police officer, Ian used to be a police self defence instructor and is trained as a Boxercise instructor and is an indoor rowing coach.
When in the Army Ian skied for his Corps in the 15km langlauf competition. (Sounds more grand than it was – feel free to ask).
Ian holds the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector, a degree in Clinical Hypnosis, a diploma in life-coaching and various NLP and leadership qualifications.
Ian is qualified as a personal trainer, holds a L3 qualification in Exercise for the Older Adult and several other disciplines to give a rounded approach to your fitness. He is also a L3 Pilates instructor, Kettlebell instructor and a Corrective Exercise Specialist with The Biomechanics Method.
Ian was awarded a Point of Light Award from the Prime Minister and a Pride of Birmingham Award for his charity In the 2016 New Years Honours List, Ian was awarded the British Empire Medal for his charity work with his homeless charity www.socksandchocs.co.uk.
Ian is a human movement specialist who uses the Functional Movement Screen to ensure that you have efficient movement patterns.
Your fitness goals are in good hands.
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Role: Instructor/Walk Leader/Speedhyke Coach
Carol’s mobile number in case of emergencies: 07545 779474
In February 2018 I discovered Mercian Nordic Walking. My life changed almost immediately! Walking having fun, making new friends and being encouraged to improve my fitness. In 12 months I lost 2 stone. I am fitter and happier than ever before.
Being very active in my youth, participating in most sports and dance, I soon discovered health and fitness was very important to me. However, marriage and having children got in the way of me pursuing a fitness career. Once the children were off to school. I started my studies. I achieved a sports science degree and several fitness qualifications a City and Guilds adult teachers certificate also Beauty therapist qualification
This finally lead me to owing my own health and fitness centre, where I enjoyed 18 years of helping others to enjoy exercise is an environment that was controlled and stress free. Due to loss of premises the business closed.
I then embarked on a career in Hotel management. Over 15 years, I became the text book image of an over worked, stressed, overweight adult.
At 63 I discovered Mercian Nordic Walking. Thanks to Ian and his team, I have rediscovered my love of exercise. Even better than that I have now discovered the great out doors and an very enjoyable way of keeping fit and healthy. I have completed the Virtual London Marathon for Ian’s Charity www.socksandchocs.co.uk.
I am so excited that I have been asked to join Ian’s team as a walk leader and nordic walking instructor. Funny how life goes around. I shall enjoy many years of helping others to enjoy exercising out doors being fit having fun and making new friends.
My speciality within Mercian Nordic Walking is to run the wellbeing classes, the hill conditioning and the slightly higher intensity adventure walks.
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Role: Instructor/Walk Leader
Malcolm’s Mobile in case of emergency – 07855 2683330
I started Nordic walking in January 2016 and quickly decided that it was the type of activity that could offer everything that me and my wife Janet were looking for in order to keep in shape, meet new people and enjoy the lovely countryside. Like most of the other members we started with the now renowned 1 mile down the towpath walk, a 20 minute coffee break and 1 mile back down the towpath after which saw us “on our last legs”.
If anyone had told us then that we would be Nordic walking up to 16 miles in any 1 day we would have laughed and said no way, but with the professional instruction and encouragement that we have received this became a reality. I am extremely proud to have walked the Virtual London Marathon for Ian’s charity www.socksand chocs.co.uk.
I have enjoyed and appreciated the effort that all of the Instructors have put in to make Mercian Nordic Walking as successful as it is to date and would like to help in any way that I can to take it to the next stage of its development.
I qualified as an Accredited Walk Leader in February 2017 and have since qualified as a nordic walking instructor with NWUK.
My walks focus on increasing distance/endurance for members whilst still walking at a moderate pace.
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Role: Walk Leader
Janet’s number in case of emergencies: 07790 128658
Janet joined MNW five years ago and she has not looked back. In her previous career as a health professional in public health and adult education she often came across the consequences of lack of both exercise and social interaction. Janet realised that these challenges can easily be overcome when joining a group like MNW. Janet says “Guess what folks – it is fun”.
Janet explains “I am so pleased to be asked to join the team as a walk leader and I am looking forward to the challenge”.
Janet is currently in training ready to help MNW help you to achieve your goals and her specialism within Mercian Nordic Walking is to help people increase their endurance from 2-4 miles in her sociable adventure walks.
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Role: InstructorWalk Leader
Carolyn’s mobile number in case of emergencies: 07773 352434
I passionately believe in the healing power of exercise for mind, body and spirit!
Living in Great Malvern, gives me not only the wondrous Malvern Hills, AONB to enjoy and explore but some of the most beautiful countryside in the country, extending out across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.
I have always enjoyed being outdoors finding it wonderfully therapeutic after the stresses of work and Nordic Walking gives me a workout that keeps me fit and allows me to walk further, more comfortably and really make the most of this gorgeous area.
I love sharing the Malvern Hills and surrounding areas with others, offering the opportunity to further strengthen Nordic Walking technique whilst enjoying a mix of panoramic views and hidden pathways touching upon the past with Iron Age Forts and Victorian and mystical influences.
I also spend time in Wales – Dolgellau, Barmouth area – within Snowdonia National Park where I offer walks with spectacular views and fabulous energies in the glorious Mawddach Estuary area.
Ruskin, the renown Victorian Art critic, opinioned ‘ there is only one walk in the world equal to Barmouth to Dolgellau and that is Dolgellau to Barmouth”
from members of Mercian Nordic Walking
“Had a great time learning nordic walking plus some muscle strengthening exercises. Why pay gym memberships when you can be outside exercising under the expert guidance of Ian Northcott. Top bloke who thankfully likes to have fun too. Highly reccommended”. – BN
“I really enjoy nordic walking. Ian is a great instructor and the bonus is I have lost 8lbs and 1.5 inches off my waist”. – MT
