‘I became a member of Coast and Country 7 years ago. Having being diagnosed with some chest issues it was critical to find a method of exercising to assist and improve my lung function. Having worked in factory machine shop environments through my working career I thoroughly enjoy being outdoors in the fresh air come rain or shine. Denise came to the rescue with Nordic Walking which fitted the requirements exactly. The social side of the group is a serious plus and is extremely important to general wellbeing.

I am excited and looking forward to being a walk leader and helping others in all aspects of maintaining health and gaining friends along the way.’

I decided it was time to change my life, so gave up a corporate position to go and live by the sea and get my life back. No more long hours commuting and time to enjoy being outside. I have always preferred exercising in the fresh air and decided it was time to share my passion.

Since moving to Littlehampton in May 2016  I have met some wonderful people as being active outside is so sociable. I have got to know the area extremely well and found some hidden gems; there are some wonderful walks and places to explore. We have beautiful countryside as well as miles of stunning coastline in Sussex.

I have been in the fitness industry for 28 years and have taught many forms of exercise. I particularly enjoy teaching outside sessions, specifically walking as I find it to be the most social and fun form of exercise I have ever been involved in. It is also kind on my body.

I enjoy running but am beginning to find it hard on my joints. Using poles for running and walking helps me stay fit with less impact on the knees.

I have a wealth of experience teaching all levels of fitness and strongly believe that if activity is fun it does not feel like exercise.

Not only am I the WALX Coast and Country Master trainer I also train others WALX instructors and play a key part in designing the WALX curriculum.

Since joining the Coast and Country WALX group  I have been introduced to walking in many places by the sea and in the countryside. There is something different to experience on every walk, and being able to exercise outdoors with other people enjoying their company and nature is brilliant.

I have enjoyed entering some local events and recently completed the Beachy Head Marathon, which was an amazing experience.

I lead a variety of of Nordic WALX and Total Body WALX.

I really enjoy being outdoors and keeping active. I worked in education but now that I’ve stopped working, I’m fortunate to be able to get outside more during the week. In my younger days I did a lot of running and more recently loved doing Boot Camp, but my knees can’t cope with that now! For me, Nordic Walking is great all round exercise, especially with some of the Total Body WALX which add even more variety. I joined the group in 2016 and my fitness levels have definitely improved. The group is very friendly and supportive; no matter what your fitness level everyone can exercise at their own pace and you get lots of encouragement. There’s lots of chatting during the sessions so it’s a very sociable way of exercising. We are also fortunate to have some beautiful places to walk and take in the fresh air – what more could you want?

I enjoy leading the Nordic WALX sessions, I have a lot of fun.

I decided to become a WALX Coach because I wanted to get out and meet new people in the big outdoors, go exploring surrounded by wildlife and share those experiences with others. Being outside exercising, in any weather, helped to brighten my day and left me with a happy calmness that I never quite got in any other environment.

A big factor was picking up injuries just because I was sat still most of the day at a desk – the more supple I became again and I realised that not only did I not want to have a sedentary lifestyle any more, it was actually harming my health. The road back to healthy joints, ligaments and muscles was, happily, easier for me than others but I’m here to help anyone of any ability improve their all round fitness whatever that is for them.

I enjoy teaching Nordic WALX as well as Total Body WALX.

I joined Nordic Walking with the Littlehampton group in 2017 after finishing my career in the aerospace industry. I’ve always enjoyed keeping active whilst at the same time being outdoors taking in the fresh air. I took up the activity as a means to achieving both objectives, and I never looked back. I’ve now retired but in my youth I was always keen to participate in sports and maintain a healthy work and lifestyle balance. Following recent back surgery, I’ve found Nordic Walking greatly contributed to the recovery process whilst at the same time helped to enhance my fitness level.

The biggest bonus is that you can exercise whilst simultaneously having a good chat and a laugh with likeminded individuals.  Nordic Walking is not only beneficial from a physiological standpoint, it’s also good for your mental wellbeing. We are fortunate to have such beautiful coast and countryside in which to walk and escape the daily stresses of life. The group is extremely friendly and supportive, and no matter what your fitness level is there are sessions that are suited to everyone’s abilities.

My greatest Nordic Walking achievement thus far has been putting in a respectable time at the Chichester half marathon. I’m presently doing the Walk 1000 Miles Annual Challenge, and hope to complete The Beachy Head half marathon next year.

n 2017, I was watching a BBC Breakfast report by the sports presenter Mike Bushell, who always tried a new sport once a week. It showed the benefits of Nordic Walking, whilst enjoying the open air of the countryside or coastline. It then became a case of; I must try this. So I searched online and luckily came across Denise Page at Walx Coast and Country. I completed my induction course on how to use the poles and since then  loved being outdoors and joining in on group walks. I have loved meeting new people. I lost weight and became a lot fitter. One of my best achievements of recent years was to be voted ‘Members Choice Coast and Country Walker of the Year 2019’ a trophy which still stands proudly on my mantlepiece.
I have recently completed my Walx Guide Course and I am now really looking forward to leading walks in the Mid-Sussex area and being in the great company of other Nordic Walkers enjoying the outdoors of the countryside. Hope to see you on a walk soon.

I have always enjoyed being active, having been a keen runner, specifically cross country.

Over the years I have had injuries, Nordic Walking allows me to keep active without impact which has really benefited the health of my joints.

Having always been interested in wild flowers and nature in general; Nordic Walking allows me to enjoy these and the changing seasons.

Nordic Walking helps me to stay fit at the same time feel the benefits of spending time in the fresh air. It is the first activity which I have met so many nice people with diverse interests and backgrounds.

I have recently decided to change my career to something I truly enjoy. I decided to start my own group because I want others to feel the same benefits as myself and experience the same enjoyment.

As well as teaching the Nordic WALX I enjoy teaching the Wellness and Total Body WALX.

I recently moved to Rustington from Horsham having been born and bred in South Wales.

Following a career in logistics I got out of the ‘rat race’ in 2007, retrained as a Fitness Professional and for the last seven years have run an outdoor fitness business in Horsham.

Having taught many forms and exercise to individuals and groups both indoors and outside Nordic Walking has always been the constant activity I return to. The combination of the benefits of being in the great outdoors with the natural movement of Nordic Walking cannot be beaten in terms of health and wellbeing and offers something for everyone.

It can be done anytime, anyplace, anywhere, individually or with friends and can range from a leisurely social stroll to a full on fitness session, trek or challenge.

I am really looking forward to joining the Walx community and exploring this wonderful part of the country.

I wasn’t particularly sporty in my younger days and even managed to get out of PE at school by doing a Photography O-level instead. Having studied Nutrition at university, I understand the importance of exercise in maintaining your health and well-being. I’ve tried working out in a gym, swimming once a week and even a bit of boxercise but it was only when I started Nordic Walking early in 2018, that I found an activity that I really enjoy.  There’s nothing better than being out in the open air in the company of your fellow walkers with the option of a leisurely stroll or a faster challenge. My fitness levels and flexibility have improved and I’ve completed the Chichester half-marathon as well as the Beachey Head Marathon and taken part in a number of charity walks.

I have been qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist for 39 years. Initially I worked in a number of different acute hospital settings, but for over 20 years I worked in local NHS Worthing Community Teams, specializing in treating Neurological patients. I have specialists most recently in treating people with Parkinson’s disease.

I’m now retired from the NHS and work as a Private Physiotherapist. I treat clients in their own homes; and I also instruct a weekly exercise class in Worthing and a monthly Washington class for the  local Parkinson’s UK branch.

Nordic walking for people with Neurological disease

I want to enable people with reduced mobility as a result of Parkinson’s disease, and other Neurological conditions, to have the benefit of experiencing Nordic walking to help them to improve their stamina and ability to walk further. Also to give them the opportunity of getting outside to walk more regularly, and to experience the benefits of walking in a group.

The benefits of Nordic walking are many. Here are some that are more specific for Parkinson’s disease.

• it allows for more fluid movement
• helps to loosen stiff joints and strengthen muscles
• it promotes better posture by improving core strength
• encourages arm swing during walking
• promotes a more rhythmical and reciprocal gait pattern
• increases aerobic activity
• it improves balance
• it may increase walking speed
• enables people to walk further outside, and to socialise.

I teach the ACTIVATOR/RE-HAB class as part of the Wellness WALX programme.

I have a real passion for exercise and training in the outdoors. I have always enjoyed walking, especially with my dog in the countryside, so when I was introduced to Nordic Walking I took to it straight away.
Nordic Walking is great for your physical health but I also  appreciate how good it is for your mental health. You can benefit from being in the fresh air as well as the social aspect.
One of my favorite walks is Ditchling Beacon, with the lovely views of the South Downs, but I still I have so much more of the Downs to explore.

I have a background in YOGA and designed the YOGA WALX programme for Exercise Anywhere.

Yoga in the outdoors environment brings a whole new feeling of relaxation and wellbeing.

For the last 14 years I have suffered from a few chronic conditions which have been quite debilitating at times and all of the exercise I used to be able to do, netball, swimming, dancing, seemed in the long distance past!

I started Nordic Walking after being told of all the health benefits that walking with poles could give me and it isn’t wrong.

The pressure it takes off your feet and other joints is amazing and has enabled me to go out and walk again, something a year ago I didn’t think possible.  When I first started I thought I would never make it up a hill without stopping but 9 months on I can manage a hill with no stop.

The benefits have been immense for me, I feel fitter, more able to do things and it helps clear my mind too, I feel I can achieve anything!

I have now got to a point where I am doing my own walks which will be social walks, 2-3 miles in length and at an easy pace where we can walk and talk whilst enjoying our lovely surroundings.

Hi I’m Rachel a recent recruit to Nordic Walking Guiding.

I came to NW after a foot operation and wanted to give myself a much-needed emotional and physical boost to tackle an Alpine walking challenge. It worked I felt amazing, so strong!

Through my training as a counsellor as well as my personal experience, I take a holistic approach to my health and wellbeing noticing how my physical, mental and emotional states are impacting on each other and my overall wellness. This is low key, personal and non-directive. I am really excited to bring this into my WALX Coast And Country activities and share this with you; a sort of Mindfulness Your Way WALX.

See you out there.

I joined Nordic walking about a year after the group started and it has given me many hours of healthy enjoyment. I love walking in the countryside with new and not-so-new friends and the treat of coffee afterwards. I am looking forward to taking on my new role as a walk leader and hopefully will introduce a few new walks to the mix.

Hello, I am Sushma, and I am looking forward to walking with you soon. Nordic Walking is the only exercise type I love, being outdoors in the fresh air, its sociable, and my whole body is having a full workout whilst I am having fun. Through WALX there are a range of activities and locations on offer, so its flexible, versatile, and never boring- it suits my lifestyle!”

Many of you already know me as I am Denise’s partner. When she first tried to drag me along to specific events, I was not keen. I have always enjoyed running and walking but I had mainly done that as a solo effort. Walking in groups had not appealed to me until I started walking with WALX Coast and Country. I now love a walk and a chat but more surprisingly I have realised how much more effective walking with poles can be. As a cyclist I have good breathing and strong legs, but all cyclists will tell you core and upper body strength can be weak. The poles have made a real difference.

For many, many years I was a keen participant in a wide range of outdoor activities which gave me great pleasure and enjoyment. I was also fortunate that many aspects of this outdoor life were absorbed into my 31 year career in the fire service. Over the years I gained a lot of experience both through participating in outdoor activities and sharing that experience with others.

Then, in 2006 and without any previous indication, I had a bit of a wobbler that resulted in my balance, coordination and stamina being somewhat compromised. My days of enjoying the outdoor life came to an abrupt halt.

Recovery of my lost capabilities was slow, but steady. I even managed to complete the Great North Run 5 more times (albeit rather slowly), but my lack of balance and coordination severely limited my ability to walk on unmade ground or safely negotiate hills.

I was lucky to have access to the amazing rehabilitation services of the Firefighters Charity and subsequently an excellent specialist neurological physiotherapist who helped me progress in many ways. Walking other than on a properly laid footpath, however, remained very challenging and then my physio suggested that I try Nordic Walking.

WOW! What a difference. For the first time in over ten years I was able to enjoy the beauty of our coast and countryside first hand with the Coast and Country group who are friendly motivating and inclusive, irrespective of age or ability.

I’ve now been Nordic Walking for over 5 years and am delighted to have the opportunity to participate as a walk leader. As a walk leader I hope to share my enthusiasm, support wellbeing, maintain the ethos of the Coast and Country group and help all taking part have fun.

I have always loved walking, and since discovering Nordic walking have enjoyed it even more. I fully retired from working in NHS mental health services two years ago and looking forward to my new venture.