Nordic and Fitness Walking

Having recently qualified as a Nordic and Fitness Walking Instructor, I thought I would add a short entry to my blog about Nordic Walking:

Nordic Walking originated in Finland in the 1950’s and is increasingly recommended by the medical profession (Click here for the NHS website).  It is a specific fitness technique and should not to be confused with trekking, hill walking or trail running as the poles are not planted in front of the walker/runner but in a specific way that increases the use of the upper body. It can be done by anybody, anywhere and does not require expensive equipment or clothing. 

Nordic Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity 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!

Nordic Walking is quite unique in that it provides benefits for everybody from those with medical problems to the super fit.

Whatever age, fitness level or goal; Nordic Walking is suitable, effective and enjoyable.

Physical Benefits:

• Tones the upper and lower body at the same time
• Uses 90% of the skeletal muscles
• Burns up to 46% more calories than ordinary walking
• Reduces the pressure on knees and joints
• Great for the heart and lungs
• Ideal for neck, shoulder and back problems
• Poles propel the walker along, making it easier to move faster then normal without feeling the effort.
• It is one of the most effective cross training techniques for athletes and sportspeople who require ultimate cardiovascular and endurance conditioning.

Other Benefits:

• Can be done anywhere – no need for hills, country paths or even snow!
• It appeals to all ages and fitness levels.
• No need to wear special exercise clothing
• It is very sociable - participants can chat as they go!
• It is easy to learn and to keep up.
• It combines exercise with the nature which has been proven to boost mood.

"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"

 All the fun of the fair and spirit of Christmas were abundant at the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park this last weekend.  Despite the damp weather, we had a successful family outing to London to enjoy the circus and rides, along with the traditional German food and drink.
The real Santa was there, but the queues were a little too long so I didn't bother sitting on his knee.....I'm sure he will still deliver tonight though and I did get a photo (below) for those of you who are non-believers.

If you have never been to this event, it is well worth a visit and you can easily fill your day wandering around the traditional market stalls and taking in the sights and smells of Christmas. 

 
Merry Christmas to all the regular views to my blog and I wish you a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year - have a great one!! 

The Night Before Christmas

By Clement Clarke Moore

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"

Just in case you missed it.......

It Couldn't Be Done
Edgar Guest 

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
  But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
  Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
  On his face.  If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
  That couldn't be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
  At least no one ever has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
  And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
  Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
  That couldn't be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
  There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
  The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
  Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
  That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.