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Popular Nordic Walking workshops back at North Community Park

By Staff | Oct 19, 2010

SPECIAL TO THE NEIGHBOR Participants at past workshop raise their poles in a salute.

Many local residents enjoy the benefits of the popular North Fort Myers Community Park’s Nordic Walking workshops.

The first workshop in the fall series was attended by numerous individuals, and more dates for upcoming workshops have been announced.

Saturday Workshops will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 6, Nov. 20 and Dec. 4. Sunday Workshops will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 and Dec. 5.

The sessions are hosted by instructor Lindy Smith. Her company, Lindy Smith LLC, provides Nordic Walking experiences in a variety of settings. “That includes the Nordic Walking Workshops for the county and private instruction and corporate wellness programs,” Smith said.

“I also volunteer my time to the afterschool program at the park with the kids. The kids absolutely love Nordic Walking.”

SPECIAL TO THE NEIGHBOR Instructor Lindy Smith

She’s a very popular instructor, who likes to put fun into the workshops, said Lee County Parks & Recreation specialist Libby Olive. “She is very, very well liked, and the workshops have only gotten more and more popular.”

They said the pair of walking poles in your hands makes a basic stroll a surprisingly easy, full-body workout. The many benefits of Nordic Walking includes benefitting upper body strength, and while reducing stress to your knees and lower back, also improving posture. You can also burn more calories than an average walk without poles.

“Nordic Walking is an effective path to physical and mental health,” Olive said. “No matter how hectic your schedule, just 30 minutes a day Nordic Walking will improve your health benefits greatly.”

As with any sport or activity it is best to learn from a trained professional on the proper way to perform an activity prior to making it a part of your daily routine, she said.

People who have participated have called it a great class, and very informative. “My demographic is actually those over 60 and my oldest participant is 91.” Besides benefits concerning bone density, balance, stability, posture and stress release, Smith said she has personally seen it benefit individuals with many conditions, including COPD. “It can also help to control diabetes and help with blood sugar.”

Smith said she enjoys working with the coordinators at the park. “They really want what’s best for the community, know what is best and offer programs that meet the needs of the community.”

The cost is $23 per person.

For more information contact Olive at 652-4512 or Lolive@leegov.com. You can also call Smith personally at 738-9084.