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Nordic walking on Bowen Island

Bowen Islanders can now learn and experience the many benefits of walking with poles, a low impact activity that provides a full-body workout, engaging 90 per cent of the body's muscles.
Bowen Island Undercurrent

Bowen Islanders can now learn and experience the many benefits of walking with poles, a low impact activity that provides a full-body workout, engaging 90 per cent of the body's muscles.

Transforming walking into a full-body workout is easy when you add a couple of specially designed ergonomic poles and a little professional instruction. Bowen Island Community Recreation is pleased to offer Nordic walking courses this spring, with a variety of days and times to choose from. A free Nordic walking information and demonstration session is offered on Sunday, April 7, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the undercover area at BICS. This is an opportunity to learn about the many exercise and health benefits of Nordic walking and to demo the high-quality ergonomic poles made by Urban Poling, a local Vancouver company.

Nordic walking combines an upper body technique similar to cross country skiing with the lower body technique of regular walking. By engaging the core, back and triceps muscles, Nordic walking provides a low-impact activity that works 90 per cent of the body's muscles and burns 20 to 46 per cent more calories than regular walking. Many health benefits have been attributed to regular Nordic walking, including increased muscle tone, improved posture, balance, and aerobic fitness, and reduced joint pain.

"I love Nordic walking because it gives me another opportunity to get outside, to enjoy the great trails that we have here on Bowen Island," says Jody Lorenz, Nordic walking instructor. "I also like the convenience and simplicity of Nordic walking. By adjusting my pace, I can have a more or less vigorous cardio workout. This flexibility makes Nordic walking a suitable activity for most people and for most fitness levels."

Individuals may register for the Nordic walking classes at bowencommunityrecreation.com. The classes will be one hour long and are offered as a set of five lessons. There are four different sets being offered this spring. For further information, please contact Jody Lorenz at 604-947-0855.