City of York Council’s Sport and Active Leisure team is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to train up to become Community Nordic Walking Instructors.

The one day training course is organised by Nordic Walking UK in partnership with the council, and takes place on 24 May. Through taking part in the course you will gain a recognised qualification, have first aid training and become a fully fledged Community Nordic Walking Instructor.

Sarah Prescott, City of York Council’s Active Living officer, said: This is an exciting opportunity for people to make a difference in their local community. volunteers provide weekly walks which promote the health benefits of being more active in a fun and friendly environment.

The Nordic Walking scheme has been running for over a year, and has been highly successful with over 300 residents taking part.

Anyone can be a Nordic Walking leader whether you are 18 or 80, and once trained you should be happy to lead a weekly one hour walk in York, or the countryside. So stride into a new challenge and make a difference to your community.

Nordic walking uses special poles to enhance your normal walking style.
It provides a full body workout and is especially good at improving your posture whilst strengthening the back and tummy muscles.

Nordic walking is part of the York Health Walk programme which has been running for 10 years, thanks to dedicated volunteers. The programme offers more ways to be physically active, which are low-cost.

For more information about the programme or to book place on the course please contact Sarah Prescott at City of York Council tel: 01904 553377 or e-mail: sarah.prescott@york.gov.uk or visit: www.york.gov.uk/healthwalks