ARU Writtle is launching a new series of its popular Nordic Walking group sessions this autumn.
Earlier this year, ARU Writtle became the first university to offer sessions to students and the public in association with British Nordic Walking.
Promoting health and wellbeing amongst students, staff and the wider community is one of Anglia Ruskin University’s key objectives, and ARU is ranked fifth in the UK and 66th in the world for its work in this area.
Over 100 local people took part in Nordic Walking groups this summer, which gave participants the opportunity to explore ARU Writtle’s stunning 150-hectare campus near Chelmsford.
The gardens and open fields at ARU Writtle are the perfect setting to experience Nordic Walking, which uses poles to provide a workout for the upper and lower body.
Nordic Walking has been shown to improve gait, posture, and muscle strength, particularly in the back and abdomen. The use of poles helps to reduce stress on joints and studies have shown that the exercise burns significantly more calories than traditional walking.
Nordic Walking also helps improve mental wellbeing, as the sociable group sessions encourage people to explore natural surroundings together. Research carried out by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has found that being amongst nature can boost our sense of wellbeing and promote positive body image.
The cost per session is £2 and new participants are encouraged to join a workshop on Wednesday, 18 September to help them master the technique of walking with poles.
The sessions are led by British Nordic Walking instructor Anne Mills, who said:
"Seeing how everyone in the group has progressed over the last few months has been such a rewarding experience. It's been a privilege to teach such a lovely group of people how to Nordic Walk, as well as watching friendships develop.
“We are now at the stage where the group is established and new people can join us after they have attended one of our workshops to learn the basic technique. These workshops will be twice a term, and our walks will be continuing every week, subject to the weather."
Lu, who has been taking part in sessions over the summer, said:
"I love the Nordic Walking sessions led by Anne as it's a really good aerobic workout and also great fun.
“I've learnt so much about how to walk correctly and with better posture, and it's been lovely to chat with other group members as we stride through the countryside."
For more information about the sessions this autumn, or to register to attend the workshop, please email communityhealth@aru.ac.uk
