Sandra is our newest and most welcome member of the team. Sandra says: ‘I was looking for something different, that included being outside, exercise and meeting new people.  I found it in Nordic Walking.  After completing the introductory session, I thought this is for me and although I felt apprehensive about joining the walks, I had no worries – everyone was very friendly and welcoming.

Thanks to Mike and Jo, finding and checking out the walks thoroughly, I know the walks are safe and I can enjoy the Nordic Walking experience.

I started Nordic Walking in December 2020. The walks are very varied, following footpaths and bridleways, along the side of rivers, disused railway lines and climbing up to be greeted by stunning views.

Earlier this year (2022) I decided to do the training to become a Back Marker and after doing an online course and first aid course, I qualified not only for that but also to be a Walk Leader.

I would whole heartedly recommend Nordic Walking for exercise, meeting new people, seeing some wonderful views and, of course, the coffee at the end of most walks is very welcoming!

Mike is a Nordic Walking UK Accredited Instructor and Delivery Partner. He started up Positively Nordic in April 2015, after first coming across the activity whilst on holiday in Austria. ‘You see people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels over there out Nordic walking, and I started to read up on it, and watch videos about it, and realised what a brilliant form of all-round exercise it is. So I learned how to do it. Then I trained to be a NWUK qualified instructor, and then set up our venture. Without doubt it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.’

Mike runs Power of Poles Introductory sessions, the optional, more advanced Power of Poles 2 session, as well as leading regular walks. He particularly enjoys seeing how people progress, from feeling a bit awkward (and perhaps a bit self-conscious) when they first start to learn to Nordic walk, to then seeing them confidently striding out on the walks, looking very natural, and enjoying it. ‘On the face of it’, Mike says ‘Nordic walking looks dead easy and you wouldn’t necessarily think there’s much to learn. But to get the many benefits, it needs to be done properly. As everyone who’s learned the technique knows, the brain and the body tend to do strange things when we’re suddenly walking on all fours again!’

‘I love being outdoors, in all weathers, and keeping fit surrounded by our beautiful countryside, and introducing others to Nordic walking. And I have Jo, Cas and Jane to support me and keep me in check. Marvellous!’

Jo is an accredited NWUK instructor, and delivers Power of Poles sessions 1 and 2, as well as leading regular walks.  Jo started Nordic walking in April 2015 and has been walking several times a week since then (with the occasional break for holidays!).

Jo says:  ‘To be honest, I didn’t know much about Nordic walking at all when I signed up for a taster. I was really attracted to the thought of getting fit, in the outdoors, and with other people wanting to do the same. And I haven’t looked back! I noticed very early on how my posture and muscle tone (especially in my arms) started to improve. It’s hard to imagine life without Nordic walking now, and I get a real lift from seeing other people discovering its benefits – and having a good laugh along the way.’

Jo strongly believes that people learn best when they are helped to feel at ease, and once people have learned the technique her aim is help them towards their health and fitness goals in a fun and social environment. ‘I love what I do’, says Jo. ‘I just want other people to love it too!’

I joined Positively Nordic in February 2016. In January 2016 I decided to try a new activity every month until I found something I really liked doing. I booked a Nordic Walking Taster Session that month and was hooked! There was no need to try anything else!

Here’s my list of the positives of Nordic Walking:

• Enjoying the beautiful outdoors, the seasons, the fresh air, the flora and the fauna!!
• Improving posture, core strength, fitness and mental health and wellbeing.
• Making new friends, great conversation, laughter and being made to feel at ease and welcomed.
• Anyone can do it!

In 2018 I trained as a Walk Leader because I love Nordic Walking so much and wanted to be part of this very special group of people introducing others to this activity.

Jane, who is relatively new to the team, says: ‘I started Nordic Walking in 2017 because I wanted more exercise. I didn’t really know much about it, apart from it originated in Finland as a complement to cross country skiing. To my slight surprise, I loved it – despite a perceived lack of coordination at first.  I’ve explored so many parts of North Yorkshire that I didn’t know previously, made some great friends – and got fitter!  Sometimes this is countered by delicious coffee and cakes after the walks – a tradition that we have continued safely where possible.  I volunteered to take on the Walk Leader training in 2021 so that I could act as a back marker on busy walks and I really enjoyed learning more about what happens behind the scenes and what efforts Mike, Jo and Cas put in to make sure we all have a great, safe, fun experience.’

Sandra is our newest and most welcome member of the team. Sandra says: ‘I was looking for something different, that included being outside, exercise and meeting new people.  I found it in Nordic Walking.  After completing the introductory session, I thought this is for me and although I felt apprehensive about joining the walks, I had no worries – everyone was very friendly and welcoming.

Thanks to Mike and Jo, finding and checking out the walks thoroughly, I know the walks are safe and I can enjoy the Nordic Walking experience.

I started Nordic Walking in December 2020. The walks are very varied, following footpaths and bridleways, along the side of rivers, disused railway lines and climbing up to be greeted by stunning views.

Earlier this year (2022) I decided to do the training to become a Back Marker and after doing an online course and first aid course, I qualified not only for that but also to be a Walk Leader.

I would whole heartedly recommend Nordic Walking for exercise, meeting new people, seeing some wonderful views and, of course, the coffee at the end of most walks is very welcoming!