Learn to take a hike - Nordic style
(Herald Express 3/8/2006)
by Pete Bennett

SOCIABLE: lan Hall with his son Declan aged 8 with instructor Lewis Eckett in the background.

Keep in shape and help the Hospice of St Francis this month with a class in Nordic walking.

Walkers interested in getting the hang of the new form of hiking can enjoy a lesson in how it's done on August 20 at Little Gaddesden Village Hall while contributing to the hospice's Big Brick Buy.
Organised by Lisa Wood and Jayne and Lewis Eckett of Berkhamsted-based sportswear company UGOsport the event will teach interested walkers the correct techniques. Lisa said: "It all came about because we are selling sports wear and one of our suppliers mentioned the sport to us. "We like to vary our training and Nordic Walking is a very sociable way of exercising."

Nordic Walking was developed as a summer training technique for cross-country skiers. Walkers use two special poles to help themselves walk and because of the movement of the arms it exercises all the major muscle groups, unlike regular hiking.
Lisa added: "You can't just pick up the poles and go walking. "To get the best out of it you really need to have a lesson or two to get the correct technique."

The UGO team will be joined by Nordic Walking experts Koos and Anne Rademaker from Holland who run the training courses.
Lisa said: "They are happy to come along and talk about the different poles and how best to use them and then they will take people out on a little walk and there will also be a chance for people to buy the equipment."

The course will run from 9am to 2.30pm and cost £5 per person which will go towards the hospice. Lisa said: "If you talk to anybody they have some connection to the hospice. They do such great work.
"The £5 goes straight to them and we will provide refreshments on the day."
To book your place on the course email info@ugogirl.co.uk or call Lisa or Jayne on 01442 877074. Visit their websites at www.UGOgirl.co.uk or www.UGOguys.co.uk