Council launches rural Nordic walking group

The group has been set up in partnership with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, and will be based at the Jim Watt Sports Centre in Garvagh.

The first meeting will take the form of a taster session, and will be held next Monday, June 18 from 6.30 to 8pm. The cost of each session is £3.00 or £25 for 10

Richard Dennison, Rural Facilities Assistant Manager at Coleraine Borough Council explains more about the benefits of Nordic Walking: “Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking – it makes something we all do, twice as effective!

“Nordic Walking uses poles in order to add to the benefits of walking and recruits upper body muscles as well as the lower limbs. It is one of the fastest growing fitness activities in the world and is used by individuals, personal trainers, health clubs, physiotherapists’ doctors and health promoters because it is highly effective, affordable and fun.

“As the first ever Nordic walking club in the rural areas of Garvagh and Kilrea, we are encouraging people of all ages to enjoy some exercise in a fun and sociable environment.”Nicola Brown from NHSCT added: “I am delighted that Coleraine Borough Council will be providing a new walking programme in Garvagh.

“Nordic Walking is a great form of physical activity for a wide range of ability levels.

sessions.

If participants wish they can avail of a session in the Gym at Garvagh after their walk at no extra cost, provided they complete an induction with one of the qualified fitness instructors. (Inductions will be carried out each night after the walk on a needs basis).