Despite being based in rural Dorset, the HQ team are always out and about promoting their groups,poles and teaching methods.

LAUNCHING IN ITALY

In February they travelled to Bassono del Grappa in Italy to teach a group of International Master trainers who will soon be launching the WALX brand right across Italy as they train new Instructors in every region.

This partnership with SINW a prestigious Italian Nordic walking school has grown from a mutual desire to bring pole walking to the masses with the innovative WALX poles and simple teaching method (based on results and experience rather than technique)

Martin Christie Director of WALX and founder of Nordic Walking UK said ” It was refreshing to meet people who have been delivering Nordic Walking since the early days like me but who now also recognise it’s time to look at new ways to engage with the potential pole walkers of today!”

During the training course, the group of highly experienced and motivated Tutors all agreed that WALX poles provide a fast learning experience, more core engagement and a better upper body workout due to the 15 degree angled shaft ergonomic handle and unique kinesthetic teaching method. The handles place the poles at the right angle, can not be over gripped due to the innovative design and ensure the wrist is in a neutral angle. This all results in a very natural but effective walking style that is empowering, effective and most of all….enjoyable!

More Master Trainers are now being trained in the UK as WALX look to launch more groups in 2024.

PROMOTING WALKING FOR REHABILITATION

The following week they were in a studio filming some 10 minute exercise sequences for Parkinson’s UK which are designed to encourage people to practice good walking gait indoors and outside where possible. The sequences build on the natural walking style promoted by WALX, both with and without poles. They incorporate balance and strength drills which are the foundations of our total body walking programmes enjoyed by groups all over the UK.  WALX also offer training for physiotherapists and those involved in walking for rehabilitation.

BUILDING COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES & RESEARCH

The team have also spent the Winter months working on bids that will encourage people in two London boroughs to be more active. In Harrow Sue and Den Collen will be welcoming people to take part in the WALX 6 week lifestyle plan for 6 weeks in their local park and those who finish the programme will also get a set of WALX poles.

In Bexley, Helen Sadique and her team have joined forces with Parkwood Leisure to offer the WALX plan FREE to all of those completing cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Meanwhile a similar bid is ongoing for a county in the South West and the HQ team are supporting groups all over the UK to deliver in care homes, for social prescribers and charity groups.

Every month they also deliver low cost Community WALX training which enables community groups, charities and local authorities to train small groups as when they need them. Tailored to suit all levels from volunteers to those with exercise referral qualifications, it has helped hundreds of programmes keep people active. See COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

As well as developing their own unique  WALX poles, the team have been working with the Fizan factory in Italy to seek out different materials and reduce the carbon footprint on all models. Watch this space for the new cork based handles and a new pole for rehabilitation walking aimed at those who need to put more weight through a more upright shaft or who may have grip issues. These WALX Ability poles (pictured) minimise the risks of being strapped to a potential trip hazard or thumb injuries caused by straps, yet provide the same level of support.

Finally WALX are working with 3 different universities to explore the use of sustainable materials in future equipment and the effects of exercise programmes for older Adults.

Watch this space for more innovation and proof that walking with poles really works!

For more information about the WALX Team, the poles, our clubs, training courses or programmes please contact gill@walx.co.uk