Welcome to WALX Life Balance
Have you been thinking that you really ought to become a little more active, but you’re not sure where to start?
Perhaps you’re wondering whether you’ll be fit enough, whether you’ll know anyone or whether you might hold the group back.
If that sounds familiar, you’re exactly the sort of person we love meeting.
WALX Life Balance is a friendly walking and wellbeing community based around Leighton Buzzard. We help people improve their health, fitness, balance and confidence while enjoying the fresh air and meeting people who make every walk more enjoyable.
Some people join us because they want to feel stronger or improve their mobility. Others want to regain confidence after illness or a period of inactivity. Many simply want a reason to get outdoors, enjoy the countryside and have friendly people to talk to.
Our walks are about far more than covering miles. They’re about moving better, feeling healthier, enjoying nature and becoming part of a supportive community.
You don’t need to be sporty or particularly fit. You don’t need previous experience and you don’t need to bring someone with you. We’ll welcome you, help you find the right starting point and support you at a pace that feels comfortable.
The easiest way to begin is with a free Discovery Session. Come and meet us, try Total Body Walking and see whether WALX Life Balance feels right for you.
We’d love to welcome you.
WALX is an inspirational global organisation committed to helping people get the most out of every step they take! Based in Dorset, England we help local Instructors to provide workshops and regular walks for all levels – guaranteed to add smiles to your miles! Our unique total body walking poles and programmes are designed to help you get the results YOU want. Whether you want to walk more comfortably with less joint pain, enjoy regular walking workouts in a sociable group or train for a long distance hike – we will get you there.
Total body walking helps you to walk with confidence, boost fitness, reduce fatigue and connect with nature!
These sociable group walks vary in distance and are always clearly marked according to intensity, elevation, and pace. You will feel inspired to discover wonderful paths, hidden locations, and the best hospitality in the area. Come along with or without poles to engage with nature and enjoy walking in a friendly group. Enjoy themed walks from bluebells to history and more!
Walking workouts at their best. You will see fast results from these sessions which combine pace, poles and exercises to boost fitness and strength. Skilled Instructors will make sure you work at the right level and keep improving – turning the great outdoors into a highly effective gym. Fun and sociable, these sessions are designed for those who want every step to count!
Gentle walks that combine being active outdoors with gentle strength, mobility and balance exercises and even specific rehabilitation for those who need it.
The qualified Instructors will help you to enjoy walking at the right pace for you whilst helping you to make the most of every step. They combine the use of poles with exercises that improve posture, fitness and mental health.
The video shows how WALX naturally engages your whole body and can fit easily into your day, supporting posture, balance, and overall wellbeing.
Take a peek at what you might get up to on one of our Walx
Published:
Walking, Tai Chi and the Importance of Balance as We Age Walking gives us opportunities to use our balance. Tai Chi gives us opportunities to practise it. Can I ask you a question? When did you last actually think about your balance? I’m not talking about standing on one leg. I’m talking about the everyday
Published:
I’m Worried I’ll Hold Everyone Back – What Really Happens on Your First WALX Walk? You know, I’ve heard this conversation so many times. “I’m worried I’ll slow everyone down.” It’s one of the first things people say to me, and if I’m honest, it’s something I’ve said to myself over the years too. As […]
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You Don’t Need a Gym to Stay Healthy If you’re over 60 and think staying active means joining a gym, you’re not alone. It’s one of the biggest misconceptions I hear. Every January, after Christmas, or when summer holidays are over, people tell themselves, “I really should join a gym.” Somehow we’ve been conditioned to […]
Role: Walk Leader
I have been Nordic walking since March 2018, and over that time it has made a real difference to my health, stamina, and overall fitness. After developing a passion for it, I trained as a walk leader. I genuinely enjoy leading walks and helping others improve their technique, confidence, and wellbeing. For me, it’s about more than just walking — it’s about being part of a friendly, supportive, and sociable group where everyone feels welcome.
Role: Walk Leader
My name is Sarah Oakley.I took up Nordic Walking three years ago and quickly developed a real passion for it, which led me to train as a walk leader. I’m also a qualified Wellbeing Tai Chi Qigong instructor, bringing a gentle, mindful approach to movement and wellbeing. I really enjoy both walking and leading when needed. For me, it’s all about being part of a group, connecting with others, and enjoying the great outdoors together.
Role: Walk Leader
My name is Sue Cocklin.I am a Nordic Walking leader and a Tai Chi Qigong rehabilitation instructor. I wanted to find an activity to help me get fitter and spend more time outdoors during COVID — Nordic Walking was most definitely the answer. It’s a fantastic way to exercise in the fresh air, meet great people, and enjoy being part of a supportive group. As a walk leader, I really value creating a space where people can walk at their own pace — whether that means enjoying some quiet time or chatting along the way. The group naturally respects personal space while still feeling friendly and connected. The benefits to stamina, body tone, and overall wellbeing can be felt quite quickly, and it complements other forms of exercise too. I take great pride in helping others improve, feel confident, and enjoy the experience.
Role: Walxs Master
I have always kept myself fit, and spending 22 years in the military gave me a deep appreciation for the outdoors. These days, I can’t think of anything better than Nordic Walking with a group of people who share that same love of fresh air, movement, and connection. I discovered Nordic Walking by accident, but took to it immediately. After my first taster session, I invested in a set of poles and never looked back—regularly walking 30 to 40 miles a week. It quickly became more than just exercise; it became a way of life. Nordic Walking is a true whole-body workout that is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. After 42 years of cycling—something I can no longer do—Nordic Walking has become my main fitness strategy. It offers not only physical benefits, but also a strong social connection, which I believe is just as important. I enjoy working with people of all abilities, offering a range of walks from adventure and fitness-based sessions to gentle wellbeing walks. Our team shares a genuine passion for what we do, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone. Alongside this, I am a qualified Sports Massage Therapist, Tai Chi Rehabilitation Instructor, and Clinical Hypnotherapist and Coach. I strongly believe in a balanced approach to health—where physical fitness and mental wellbeing work together. There’s something powerful about combining movement, breath, and mindset in some of our beautiful outdoor settings. I also deliver First Aid training courses specifically for Nordic Walking and outdoor environments. These sessions are taught outdoors, giving you the practical skills and confidence to deal with real-life situations. Often, it’s not just the injury that presents the challenge—it’s the environment, particularly the weather, that can make all the difference
Role: Walk Leader
My name is Lynn.I got into Nordic Walking a few years ago after seeing a friend post photos of herself out in the sunshine, walking with a group of happy, like-minded people. At the time, I was trying to stay fit but was getting fed up with being stuck inside the gym on a treadmill and missing out on the fresh air. So, I decided to give Nordic Walking a go. My first course was actually cancelled due to snow — which I found quite amusing for something called “Nordic” walking! I eventually completed my training and went on my first proper walk on Christmas Eve. Not the most convenient day, but I was keen to get started. I’d never really thought of myself as a “walker,” but Nordic Walking offered so much more. The poles provide a great upper body workout, I get to be outdoors in nature, and I’ve met some truly lovely people along the way. Even on days when I don’t feel like going, having a walk booked gives me that extra motivation to get out. I was later given the opportunity to train as a Walk Leader, which I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve learned outdoor first aid and now support the instructor with warm-ups, stretches, and occasionally leading walks. I also enjoy helping new members feel welcome and encouraging them as they build their confidence. Alongside this, I am a qualified Qigong Wellbeing Instructor, which allows me to bring an additional focus on gentle movement, balance, and overall wellbeing into what I do. As well as improving my fitness and stamina, I’ve made some great friendships through Nordic Walking — something I never expected, but really value. There are walks to suit all abilities, from gentle wellbeing walks to more active sessions, so there really is something for everyone.
Role: Marketing and Business Director
Ann-Marie helps shape the welcoming and supportive experience at the heart of WALX South Lincs. Her role includes developing the business, communicating with members, supporting events and helping more local people discover what WALX has to offer. What Ann-Marie values most is seeing people arrive as strangers and gradually become friends. She believes that staying active is important, but feeling included and connected matters just as much. From your first enquiry onwards, Ann-Marie wants you to feel that you’re joining a community where people genuinely care.
How often have I finished a Nordic walk and been buzzing!! You can't beat a good walk and talk. Nordic walking is a great way to enjoy walking and increase your fitness, strength and wellbeing. Mike offers just the right amount of support and encouragement. My fitness and mental health have definitely increased over the last 3 years.
My husband and I wanted to start an activity together to get us fitter, and out of the house during COVID. Nordic Walking was most definitely the answer. A perfect exercise, in fresh air, with great people.Walk on you own, or chat away, it’s up to you, the group respects your personal space. The difference in stamina, body tone and well-being are noticeable very quickly. Compliments other forms of exercise (i.e. karate). Great instructors, who keep it fun and interesting. What’s not to like?
I took up Nordic Walking in late 2021. I was new to the area, keen to meet new people and to get active to address a bad back and poor posture from long hours in a stressful desk job. As I love the outdoors, Nordic Walking was the ideal choice. In addition to its many whole-body physical health benefits, it’s also great for your mental health.Mike is a very knowledgeable and experienced instructor and leader. His background as a trainer and in sports massage mean he quickly assesses your needs, motivations and learning style and tailors the initial training session to you. Everyone in the walking group is welcoming and friendly and as you engage in interesting conversations and marvel at the beauty on your doorstep, you hardly realise you are getting a thorough workout. Mike and the other walk leaders ensure the walks match the ability of those walking and nobody gets left behind.
Nordic Walking is a fantastic activity which has greatly improved my fitness level. Walking in nature has helped my sense of wellbeing too. This is a very sociable group led by the inspirational Mike Neary.
Nordic walking has been a revelation to me. Free of the boringrepetition of gym exercises, it is not only a great way of keeping fit(a whole body workout) but also an excellent way of enjoying thecountryside and the company of others. And it's great for all ages,including more mature walkers like myself (I'm pushing 73). Mike runs a really friendly group of people from all areas of life. He'sgot more knowledge about the human body than most people have had hotdinners, so you feel safe and utterly at ease when walking with him. Heis also really careful about inclusivity so you needn't worry about whatstandard of fitness you have, he'll look after you. Don't just thinkabout it – try it!
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