THOSE wanting to get out and about can join free five-week Nordic Walking beginners’ courses starting this September.

Previous Summer courses offered by Herefordshire Council booked up within a day, so anyone interested should sign up without delay.

The courses are a great way to learn a new skill in a fun and friendly social atmosphere and are led by the council’s Nordic Walking UK qualified instructor Alison Gaster.  

Two new courses planned for September in Hereford will take place at Bishops Meadow on Fridays from September 6 at 10.30am and Aylestone Park on Mondays from September 9 at 10.30am, with each course session lasting an hour.

A council spokesperson said: “Walking has so many benefits for our physical and mental health and wellbeing and the courses have been organised to encourage people to build more walking into their daily lives and give confidence that they could swap a car journey to the shops or work for a walk. 

“Nordic walking is a full-body exercise that's easy on the joints and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It's based on using specially designed walking poles in a way that harnesses the power of the upper body to propel you forward as you walk.

“While Nordic walking you'll start to use 90% of your major muscles, compared to the 45% used while regular walking, and you’ll burn around 46% more energy, so it’s a great way to get fit and even lose weight.

“The courses held earlier in the summer were certainly popular with participants who enjoyed the companionship of the group, taking exercise and learning a new skill.

“One person said the course “exceeded expectations and made for a whole new experience that was totally unexpected”.

“Another person commented that they were “really thrilled to have enjoyed this as much…it has changed my life as I was very sedentary before”.

To book a place visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/nordicwalking or contact Alison Gaster if you have any questions about the courses – Tel:  07837 743087 or email [email protected]