Testimonials

In January 2008, Catherine Hughes attended the Nottinghamshire Sports Review of the Year award ceremony. She had been nominated for Community Coach of the Year award for her work in setting up Nordic Walking in Nottingham and was then pleased to find out that she was short-listed to the final four by the judging panel made up of people from Sport England, Sport Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham Trent University and SportscoachUK. This shows recognition for Nordic Walking and for Catherine's contribution to coaching in the community by organisations normally associated with traditional sports like football and cricket.

To celebrate this occassion, Catherine has gathered testimonials from people in her classes to create a roll of honour

Since taking up Nordic Walking in November 07 I have become much fitter. I have just returned from a skiing holiday where I spent around 7 hours a day on the slopes and for the first time in 9 years confidently ski the black runs!! I would not have been able to do this if it wasn't for Nordic Walking giving me the strength and stamina.
Thank you.
Carolyn, Nottingham

Congratulations - a well deserved recognition for your unstinting commitment to excellence! I always considered that I was fortunate to have met you as a coach. You combine wonderful inter-personal skills with the Nordic walking expertise that gives the absolute beginner, as I was, a feeling of being in safe hands! Your coaching has enabled me to achieve the level of practice that gives me the freedom to just walk, as and when I wish. And indeed I do! Looking forward to celebrating my 70th birthday in July and to the many, many years of walking with my poles thereafter.
Barbara, Nottingham

Nordic Walking is a great form of exercise and I'm a big fan. It's fun and sociable to do in a group but easy to squeeze in a session on my own whenever I fancy. I've certainly seen a marked improvement in my fitness over the past year, as well as having shed (and kept off) a few pounds. I just can't think of a reason not to Nordic Walk.
Francine, Clarity Marketing

I 'enjoy' Nordic Walking because it helps to propel the arthritic limbs round Shipley Park somewhat faster than they could do on their own.
Martin, Belper

I love Nordic Walking because it is such a flexible sport, which can be done in a variety of terrains, in the city or in the countryside. It lends itself to independent exercise as well as the fun and companionship of group walking. In addition the health benefits are significant because of the upper body exercise it provides. For people who sit at computers or office desks or similar sedentary jobs, the upper body becomes stiff, Nordic Walking can offset the problems of frozen shoulders, and stiff backs etc. that are so common among sedentary workers. I have found that the Nordic Walking has improved the strength and mobility in my arms and shoulders, toned up my muscles, so that my waist is now visible again, and in general has improved my sense of physical well-being. I would not describe myself as a 'sporty' person, but Nordic Walking has captured my interest and enthusiasm!

For me I have found that Nordic Walking is less tiring and it is my theory that this is due to the fact that the body is moving is harmony - like our four legged friends - and that overall movement engenders a more even distribution of and use of energy, it also soothing to the 'spirit', in other words it has the essence of harmony to give to mind and body!
Ann Davies, Nottingham

I like the alternative to the gym and the prospect of consuming more calories than some other forms of exercise. Also, it was outside and in scenic areas and with other people.
Norma, Nottingham

• It has given me the opportunity to meet like minded people, with interesting careers and ideas.
• It has improved my energy levels and given me a new found interest in being outdoors to exercise.
• I have entered various sponsored events that I would not normally have considered myself allegeable for.
• It has made exercise fun and a by-product has been enjoying the lovely countryside that we have and not seeing it as a chore to be out and being healthy.
• In one sense it is like driving, I do the walking, but that is not now the reason I am walking, it is to visit new places, meet new people and experience new areas of the countryside.

Dawn Savage, Principal, ASW2 College

Nordic Walking got me exercising again after I was diagnosed with Addison's Disease. It was easy enough to learn and I could take it at my own pace. It really built my confidence that despite the illness I could really have a good workout and get fit again!
Vicky, Derby

You have certainly got me hooked on Nordic Walking and I am hoping I can do the Half Marathon again this year.
Di, Chillwell

Nordic Walking gives you a good workout without feeling like it's hard work (or even exercise at all); done outdoors - so you get a dose of fresh air too and sunshine if you are lucky - with no negative impact on environment; sociable - meet new people...
Sonia, Nottingham