Sue Holden

I started walking to improve my fitness and found Nordic walking through a friend. In a ‘lightbulb’ moment I decided to train as an instructor having previously been a primary school teacher. I’m very passionate about sharing this fantastic way to get a full body workout, walking, in nature’s gym. When you push off the poles you engage your upper body muscles, push your shoulders back for good posture and engage your core. I enjoy working one-to-one and with groups, it’s very sociable, friendships are made, our community is growing.

Book a walking course through our website via the link below or email use to book onto a walk if you have already completed a course.

Qualifications

INWA Nordic Walking Instructor

Member of British Nordic Walking

YMCA Level 2 Fitness Walking

About My Class

Learn to Nordic Walk Course

We work through The INWA (International Nordic walking Federation) 10 steps to learn good technique. Various lengths of course to suit you, one-to-one (following Government guidelines). Groups when we are able to work this way again. Sessions include a warm up and cool down. Pole hire is included.

Courses take place in King George V Playing Fields, Exeter

Walks

An hours walk one-to-one (following Government guidelines.) Groups when we are able to work this way again. Sessions include a warm up and cool down. Own poles required (sue can give you advice on the right Nordic walking pole for you) (please don’t buy trekking poles)

Walks take place in Ludwell Valley Park, Riverside Valley Park and King George V Playing Fields in Exeter.

Group of nordic walkers during a class in Exeter

Sue worked at my pace and we consolidated each technique before moving on to the next one. Sue videoed my progress and she was able to advise on how to adjust my posture, and technique. I learnt some useful warm up and cool down exercises, and tips to practice the walking techniques on my own. I found the sessions enjoyably challenging and rewarding.

Having retired recently I have been walking more. As I have hip arthritis I sometimes walk with a limp. I wanted to improve my posture and gait and reduce impact on my joints when walking, and Nordic walking sounded just right for me. I took a taster session in December 2019 and, inspired by Sue’s enthusiasm and professionalism, I signed up for a Learn to Nordic Walk Course in January 2020

The Nordic walking poles were provided and I was taught the 10 basic techniques of walking and using the poles over 2, 1:1 sessions of 1.5 hours with Sue, at King George V Playing fields in Exeter.

How will Nordic Walking benefit my body?

Nordic Walking combines the simplicity and accessibility of walking with simultaneous core and upper body conditioning similar to Nordic skiing. The result is a full body workout, which means that you:

burn up to 46% more calories compared to walking without poles – increases maximum oxygen uptake and caloric expenditure
release tension in the neck and shoulders
improve your posture and gait
strengthen your back and abdominal muscles
reduce the impact on the joints