INDEX fitness Orienteering
IF YOU PREFER your outdoor experiences to be slightly less vertical but still competitive, orienteering could be the activity for you.
In a nutshell, orienteering means following a route on a map, on foot by either running or walking, with the aim of navigating between a series of set points – called ‘controls’ – in the right order and in the quickest possible time. The Saxons Orienteering Club organises orienteering events and courses all over Kent and the eastern part of East Sussex, from as far as Canterbury in the east to Forest Row in the west, and plenty in between.
The Club is affiliated to the South East Orienteering Association (SEOA), the regional body that co-ordinates the sport in South East England, and the British Orienteering Federation (BOF), the sport’s national body, which co-ordinates activities within the UK and represents British orienteering around the world. Apart from comfortable and supportive walking or running shoes and weather- appropriate clothing, you don’t need much specialist kit to get started, and course maps are usually provided by the event organisers. Saxons’ website at
www.saxons-oc.org has a lively forum section where members post positive reviews of the Club and its events, such as member ‘Dave M’ who says: “The main benefits of joining a club are better information, improved opportunities for orienteering and the opportunity to meet like-minded people. Being a Saxons member entitles you to receive the Club’s Journal ‘SaxAlert’ and email updates (SaxEAlert), both of which provide notification of forthcoming orienteering
opportunities and general discussion. In addition, the Club also organises a small number of socials, including the annual barbecue and dinner. Also, it’s worth noting that Saxons events only happen because of the voluntary efforts of its members. By becoming a member, you’ll be able to help out with events [which] is good fun and a good opportunity to meet fellow members.”
For more details of Saxons’ forthcoming events, visit the website or contact the membership secretary at
secretary@saxons-oc.org
Nordic walking
IF ALL OF THAT SOUNDS a bit too competitive for you, there’s always Nordic walking.
This Scandinavian-sounding activity was first developed in the 1930s to keep cross- country skiers fit in the summer months. Since then, it has evolved into a highly
effective activity that’s suitable for all fitness levels, burning up to 40 per cent more calories than normal walking. Qualified Nordic walking instructor Louise Bastable is bringing Sunday morning Nordic walking sessions to the Forestry Commission’s Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest in Kent. “Nordic walking is now the fastest growing fitness activity in the world, with over 10 million participants,” says Louise. “It’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels, is simple to learn and burns nearly twice as many calories as ordinary walking. By using the specially designed poles, you can exercise all the major muscles in the body and the poles actually propel you along so it feels easier.” Fans of the sport claim the poles also reduce the pressure on the knees and joints, and the gentle upper body movement helps to ease back and neck pain. “It is particularly effective for weight loss, rehabilitation and sports specific
training,” adds Louise, “but it does require the correct
technique in order to get the whole body working and it is essential you learn this from a qualified instructor who will ensure you get the full benefit and fastest possible results.”
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Louise offers come-and-try sessions and four- week technique courses in Bedgebury Forest, and you can find out more on her website at
www.explorefitness.co.uk, or call her on 07774 183064 to give it a try.
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