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PMR and Nordic Walking

Posted , 7 users are following.

Guest
Guest

I have always been a keen walker but with the onset of PMR at 65 my walking has been seriously affected. Just before I was put onto the Pred I struggled to mange a few hundred yards. I have now been on Pred for about 4 months and back on a high dose again after trying to reduce too quickly but I can usually manage to walk about a mile a day and sometimes 3 on a good day. I think it is important to exercise as much as is reasonably possible to help to reduce the muscle wasting effects that the Pred is known to have.

I have recently been trying Nordic Walking with great deal of success and I think that others with PMR might benefit too.

Firstly, it exercises the arms and shoulders, and to some extent the neck, which is where my PMR started. Secondly, it takes a bit of load of the legs which is where I am having the most trouble at the moment, and thirdly it is very much easier going up steep hills. The effect is quite dramatic, it’s almost like having 4 legs!

There are several websites which explain the principals of Nordic Walking and how to use and chose the poles. Some parts of the UK even run courses on it but I doubt that this is really necessary. The poles are available on-line at quite reasonable prices but I would advise against buying the adjustable ones. The adjustable part tends to slip, I had to modify mine so now they fixed length.

Mr A

0 likes, 17 replies

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  • Mrs_G
    Mrs_G

    Posted

    Hello Mrs O

    Glad you enjoyed your Nordic Walking experience still have my unused poles !!

    I checked the link you mentioned and ther isnt anything very near to me but one possiblity depending when the class was so after my holiday I will investigate

    best wishes

    Mrs G

  • bEE_JAY_PEE
    bEE_JAY_PEE

    Posted

    Hello Folks

    Just wanted to add my twopenneth!

    I bought a pair of poles in May, in the hope that I could go out for a walk with my husband and our dog!.The poles have been a terrific success. Its like having 4 legs. The poles take some of my weight, and also help with my balance on the days that I am a bit unsteady. I use them every day, and I'm taking them on holiday next week. You dont need to worry about classes, just do what comes naturally.

    I find this site a terrific comfort, somehow I dont feel so bad knowing your all out there, and we are supporting one another.

    Brenda.

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