We are running a Nordic walking sessions on a Friday from 1.15 -2pm at Whitehall recreation ground, with the leisure centre as the meeting point.
The sessions are led by our qualified instructor Emma, and cost £6 a session (this is subsidised by the branch). Emma has poles that she can lend to you initially for the sessions, but if you have your own please bring them along. The sessions also usually include a work out with Smovey rings, but at the moment due to Covid this is difficult. To book a session please contact Emma on
mobile 07759 120 811
to book via email (as before) emma.white@nwuk.netvia web page website address is as before for booking, and getting in contacthttps://exercise-anywhere.com/instructor/32189-Parkinsons%20UK#contact-form
For insurance, risk assessment and bookings etc anyone who would like to join the session will need to do so via the booking system where payment will be taken. Emma will send all the members a pdf of all the suitable classes each week. Some may be interested in Zoom sessions, they have proven to be very popular. Emma appreciates some of you may not have a laptop etc so will work around that should such situations arise.
What is Nordic Walking?
Nordic walking was originally used by elite cross country skiers to keep fit in the summer months. It is a safe form of exercise that exaggerates normal movement patterns, but in using two poles it exaggerates the shoulder swing, elongates your stride length and increases the rotation of your spine. These are all things that become limited in a natural Parkinson’s type walking pattern, so by helping these, and by using the rhythm of the pole walking, people with Parkinson’s find this walking very beneficial.
Nordic walking also, by using more muscle groups, has a greater cardiovascular benefit, but as it uses the poles the person feels lighter on their feet, the posture is improved, taking pressure off joints, reducing pain and helps to maintain that muscle strength, so important in fighting the effects of Parkinson’s on the whole body. As the sessions is outside, in a social group, and aims to be fun, the effect on your mental health is also very good
Smovey Rings.
As part of the warm up to the session Emma will use Smovey rings. These are a spiral tube, which has an oscillating system, comprising four steel balls and a handle. The movement of the balls within the ring, hitting against the ridges within the ring, produces a noticeable vibration of a specific frequency. This has a damping effect on Parkinson’s tremor.
The ring was invented by Salz Hans Salzwimmer, a fellow Parkinson’s sufferer, and for some people, the rings have great benefit.
The sessions
The sessions are based in Whitehall Recreation Park on a Friday . The way the system works, is that you register with the Nordic walking site, fill in a medical questionnaire, and then when you want to do a walk, you sign up for the walk for that week. You pay as you book, as directed on the site, and we pay an additional fee for each walk you do. You cannot just turn up, as Emma for insurance purposes has to know who is coming and limit the numbers. If you need a carer to come with you that is fine (they are free).
Poles will be provided for the sessions, but can by purchased with Emma’s advice, as there is a pole specifically designed for Parkinson’s, which increases the benefits, and is safer to use.
There are seats at the venue, and you can rest if you need to. Just wear good shoes and comfortable outdoor clothing.
If you have any queries you can contact Emma aa above
or the branch at Chair@parkinsons-rugby.org.uk.
Smoveys and Wellbeing Sessions…That Friday Feeling
A great start for these weekly Friday Sessions which have now been available since the summer. There has been regular attendance from 8 members and carers, and we have had so much fun and laughter for the duration of the session. All those who attend have played a key role in supporting and motivating each other and this has had a noticeable positive impact in both physical and mental wellbeing. It has been so rewarding seeing the progression made from general health and overall fitness to improved mobility for all of you.
During the hour we spend the time focusing on mobility, balance and coordination. Each member can borrow poles as the technique I encourage everyone to learn encourages maximum range of movement in the shoulders and legs, and using the Smoveys stimulates neuropathways throughout the body. The Sessions are adapted to the individual, so everyone is welcome to join in and have a go. We have only had to cancel the sessions once due to torrential rain, and there have been many occasions where we have enjoyed being out either in the sunshine as well as in short sharp showers. Exercising outside is second to none there is nothing quite like it
If any of you would like to come and have a go and see and feel for yourselves the fabulous feel good factor during and after the session please do not hesitate to contact me.
All are welcome.
EMMA’S ZOOM CLASSES.
Emma has now developed some sessions that can be accessed via Zoom, which are specifically helpful to people with Parkinsons. These are:
Well Being on Fridays at 10.am
Non-stop Smovey Wednesdays at 10a.m-this is an intensive workout using the rings and your nordic walking poles.
For further details and to join in, contact Emma on 07759120811