Sam Peters knew something had to change. Suffering from two spinal operations and from sitting at a desk running her travel business for up to 13 hours a day over the years, her body was not in great shape, plus lockdown wasn’t helping!

“I hate exercise but a bell was ringing in my head saying I had to give it a try,” Sam told New Valley News.

“Seeing WALX Salisbury on social media, I contacted Marisa Allen, and dragged myself out on a cold November morning for an introduction to Nordic Pole walking. I can honestly say it is the best thing I have done in years, the aches and pains have genuinely eased, I feel more energised and generally so much better in myself.”

Sam is exuberant at the end of the phone, admitting getting out to walk was hard work but knew that her health and energy had turned a corner for the better. Even her doctors and physiotherapist were delighted with her improvement.

“They kept telling me to keep moving but I ignored them to begin with. It’s so easy to sit down, watch TV and feel sorry for yourself, but I now know I have to walk to make myself feel better. I book one walk with Marisa a week, which means I am committed and accountable to turn up!”

Why exactly is Nordic Pole walking so successful at keeping us fit? Marisa Allen, from WALX Salisbury explained: “Walking in an ever-changing environment promotes the use of your body in different ways. Add Nordic poles and you are burning up to 46% more calories than ordinary walking and using 90% of the skeletal muscles! Not to mention the upper body workout happening in your shoulders, arms, and core!

“Using poles is great for the heart and lungs and reduces pressure on the knees and joints too, can aid weight loss and reduce symptoms of arthritis and diabetes – and have I mentioned the social benefits?”

Lorraine has also taken up the fitness challenge: “I have spent the past 10 years sitting around being very inactive so I decided to get fit, now I was hitting the big 60! Marisa makes the walking enjoyable, she checks we are holding the poles correctly, ensuring we get a full body work out, and she also points out the flora and fauna, so we get to enjoy the countryside.”

So, do you really need any more encouragement to get out and start Nordic pole walking?

Call Marisa on 01722 433506. walx-salisbury.co.uk