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I read an article in Metro a few weeks ago about the latest fitness craze – Nordic Walking.  This latest craze to take the UK by storm was described as something vaguely Pythonesque as the journalist got to grips of the walking technique which uses poles to increase the calories you burn whilst walking by up to 40%.  On the back of the article nordicwalking.co.uk were offering £5 taster sessions so I thought I’d give it a go.

With the jokes from my husband and brother-in-law ringing in my ears, I rocked up to Richmond Park a little dubious about what to expect.  I was met by some other nervous-looking newbies who had also been tempted by the Metro article, a few experienced Nordic Walkers and our friendly instructor, Elin Sandal (who discovered the delights of Nordic Walking whilst training for a marathon).  Armed with hiking poles, we set off dragging our poles behind us trying to copy the movements of those in the know who had stormed off ahead at a real lick!  Self-conscious in their wake, we quickly got into the swing of things and were soon marching through herds of deer into the depths of the Park.

Our taster session was only supposed to last 45 minutes but we returned to our starting point an hour and a half later feeling like we had got real value for money.  I was surprised by how much of a workout I had undergone and how relaxed I felt.  I resolved there and then to set up a regular class with Elin and a few of my mates after work once a week.

If you want to have a go at Nordic Walking, check out www.nordicwalking.co.uk to find an instructor near you.