Nordic Walking - join us for gentle and fun outdoor exercise!

Nordic Walking for those affected by cancer.

Beginners/Intermediate Course | November 5, 12, 19, 26 December 3, 10|

Programme 26 | 15 Members | Final programme of the year!

Wednesday mornings 10.00am | FREE to cancer network members | Easthampstead Park

Following the success of our previous events, we are delighted to offer our 26th Nordic Walking Programme with Ruth Aaron of Berkshire Nordic Walking, who will be working with us to deliver a wellbeing and health focussed event.

Ruth will be taking you on a gentle journey of discovery in the fresh air through beautiful scenery with others who have been affected by cancer. As we move towards the end of the year this is a good way to motivate and exercise your self to get out and meet others.

🧠 Overall Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients

1. Improves physical function: Enhances cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility

2. Reduces treatment side effects: Helps manage fatigue, nausea, and "chemo brain"

3. Boosts mental health: Alleviates anxiety, depression, and improves sleep

4. Supports immune function: Regular movement strengthens the immune system

5. Lowers recurrence risk: Studies show reduced risk of cancer recurrence and increased survival rates

6. Improves quality of life: Enhances self-esteem, happiness, and overall well-being

🚶‍♀️ Why Nordic Walking Is Especially Beneficial

Nordic walking, which uses poles to engage the upper body, offers unique advantages:

1. Full-body workout: Engages arms, shoulders, core, and legs, improving strength and flexibility

2. Lymphatic support: The hand-gripping motion helps pump lymph fluid, which is especially helpful for managing lymphedema after breast cancer surgery

3. Gentle yet effective: Suitable for people with limited mobility or recovering from treatment

4. Empowering: Provides a sense of control and progression during a time when much feels uncertain

🌳 Benefits of Being Outdoors and in a Group

Spending time outside and connecting with others adds another layer of healing:

1. Mental health boost: Nature exposure reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
2. Social connection: Group activities combat isolation and foster a sense of belonging
3. Mood and motivation: Being with others can encourage regular participation and lift spirits
4. Improved sleep and immunity: Fresh air and sunlight help regulate sleep and boost immune function

We are keen to encourage new people to come along and would welcome any enquiries if you have questions. You can email Vickie for more information.

You will meet at a designated point to begin your walk.

You will be asked to complete/update a medical form to ensure that it is an activity that is suitable for you.

You can get an idea of how it works from this video on Instagram.

A s previous attendees have described it 'Nordic Walking - a ramble with sticks followed by coffee, cake and laughter!'

If you've never tried it before, don't worry, the poles give you more stability and we cater for all abilities. Come along and give it a try.

Come and explore the wonderful world of Nordic Walking!

We are excited to be able to offer you this programme which is funded. Please get in touch for the discount code.

On our Beginners/Intermediate course, we will introduce you to the Nordic Walking Technique which utilises 90% of the body’s major muscles, burning up to 40% more calories than normal walking whilst reducing the pressure off your knees, back and hips.

Most importantly all our sessions are fun and very social. You are very likely to leave our sessions full of energy, less stressed and sleeping better. Each session will start with a warm up, followed by technique work and 1.5 –2.5 mile walk, ending with a cool down and stretches. We look forward to welcoming you. We always aim to chat afterwards and enjoy getting to know each other.

Your qualified instructor, Ruth Aaron, has worked in Sport, Health, Fitness and Public Health for more than 20 years including 10 years teaching Nordic Walking in Berkshire. Ruth is passionate about the role physical activity has to play in mental and physical health, she loves introducing the many benefits of exercising in the Great Outdoors to all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels from the complete beginner, to those with medical conditions to the elite athlete.

Ruth is a Loughborough graduate, an Athletics Coach, American College of Sports Medicine ‘Health & Fitness Specialist’, GP Exercise Referral Instructor.

Ruth Aaron E: ruthaaron24@googlemail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/berkshirenordicwalking

If you are part of the Cancer Support Network please contact us for your discount code to access the event FREE.

Parking: Usually Free.

Please contact the Cancer Support Network if you have any queries.

T : 01344 304404

E : Vickie.Randall@involve.community

The Cancer Support Network has been established to support people living in and around the Bracknell and Wokingham areas of Berkshire that are affected by cancer.

We are a community support cancer focused charity, offering a range of services.

Meeting other people with similar experiences can be invaluable. Self-help and support groups offer a chance for people to talk to others and come together to share experiences and concerns.

www.involve.community/cancer

Ruth Aaron is your instructor.