Join James (Jim) King beginning September 3, 2025 for six weeks as we explore the
benefits of Nordic Pole Walking for seniors. This physical activity began in Finland over
thirty years ago as a training method for the Finnish Cross Country Ski Team during the
summer months. Nordic Pole Walking became very popular in Europe where it has
been adopted in school programs and the general populace. It has become popular in
Canada, especially for seniors as a beneficial and rewarding physical activity.
Nordic Pole Walking has many health benefits for seniors when adapted to various
abilities. There are many stretching exercises which can be incorporated into ones
routine as well as the health benefits of getting out in nature with friends and walking.
Here are just a few of the identified benefits one can realize when one takes up Nordic
Pole Walking:
Walking with poles provides increased stability and balance.
NPW burns up to 25 to 46 percent more calories than regular walking, because 90% of your muscles are being used.
NPW provides about 26% less impact on hip, knee and foot joints.
NPW supports the development of an upright body posture.
NPW walking has been found to have a positive impact on Type 2 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure.
(All sources quoted: Dr. Klaus Schwanbeck, The Ultimate NordicPole Walking Book,
Maidenhead: Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd. 2009 ISBN 978-184126-355-7)
Join Jim in September to realize these and many more benefits of “walking with
poles.” Instruction will be tailored to ability levels and physical needs. If you are
considering participating, you are encouraged to consult with your physician or
physiotherapist to ensure this activity would be of benefit to you.
When: Wednesday September 3th (and every Wednesdays until October 8th)
Time: 10-11am
Free to seniors and youth / donations welcome
James (Jim) King: Profile
James (Jim) King is a retired educator who lives in Brule, Nova Scotia. He began
Nordic Walking when he was in search of a physical activity that would help get his
elementary students active and moving during lunch times and after school. The
initiative was a success and Jim decided to become an instructor after experiencing the
many positive health benefits of Nordic Walking firsthand. Many of his sessions are
focussed on seniors who can benefit from enhanced movement, stability and reduced
strain on joints. He is excited to offer this six week program for seniors at The
Tatamagouche Centre and share the health benefits of Nordic Walking, and of course,
to get out and “walk with poles.”
With help from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, Tatamagouche Centre is pleased to offer the Rooting & Connecting Isolated Seniors part 2. Free to all seniors (aged 55+) and youth these sessions will offer various workshops centred around health.
