Crossing the Line - a Nordic Walking Case Study

By June Stevenson
Nordic Walking Coach

Jenny Wills turned 67 years old this year.  She lives with her husband in a retirement village South of Auckland.  Throughout her life she has been a sideline supporter to her family for the myriad of sports they have participated in.  In her own words, Jenny says that she was "not one iota interested in doing anything physical myself."  While attending a Positive Ageing Expo, she was intrigued by the Nordic Walking Activity.  She had a brief trial with the poles and was immediately aware of her improved posture when walking.

Jenny arranged a further trial and was hooked.  She bought her own set of poles and arranged demonstrations at the retirement village, where the manager and a number of her friends have participated.

Within four months of taking up Nordic Walking, Jenny has entered into three 10K events.   The first of those involved a climb up One Tree Hill, in Auckland.  Jenny says, "The greatest pleasure I had was at the end of one of the events, all my family were on the sideline, where I used to be.  What a turn around, after all these years!"

"I am hooked on Nordic Walking.  I love the sense of well being it gives me.  I have had a broken ankle and suffer from a sore hip, but I have found that these areas are improving all the time.  My clothes are looser and my posture around my shoulders and neck is so much better.  I have now taken up tramping as well, and I can certainly feel how strong my arms have become."

A Nordic Walking group meets at Acacia Cove Retirement Village, Wattle Downs, most Friday afternoons and is open to all interested people.