There are so many reasons for using poles and joining a group so we thought we would share two very different stories from regular WALXers.
Both had very different reasons for going along to their groups – Find out how or why they got started and the difference it has made…..
Polly’s story
Polly May won a voucher for a pair of WALX poles and a Power of Poles session in April 2025. A great prize for somebody who loved walking and had booked a walking holiday later that spring. She attended the Power of Poles session with her local group WALX Dorset in May and not only went on the holiday but became a regular WALXer too!
She says……
The group leaders and the walxers have welcomed, encouraged and inspired me – every walk is an adventure with hidden gems and historical facts highlighted by the walk leaders. It’s always so much fun to engage with the walk, the people and the countryside whatever the weather.
Polly is now ramping up her walking with regular 10 milers because her next trip in 2027 is another walking holiday in the stunning Sri Lanka. She booked the trip with Exodus ( using her WALX membership discount of course) and is preparing to walk 10 miles a day amongst Elephants, Tea Plantations and more! We look forward to hearing more and seeing where her poles will take her next!
Hugh’s story
Hugh is a 62 year old retired police officer who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in May 2019. In October he took part in a challenge for CURE PARKINSON’S and he exceeded the 100 kms He told us
” I was lucky in that the Leeds neurological team and Parkinson UK Leeds support group are all in agreement that exercise is a key part of keeping symptoms in check so initially I did a NHS physio exercise class( on line due to Covid)
My own research showed that Pole or Nordic walking was a useful exercise. I found a local walk group Positively Nordic group at Harrogate.
As soon as Covid restrictions allowed my wife Penny and I did a power of the poles class. We immediately took to Mike Stead the Instructor and have been regular attendees ever since. Mike has a great sense of humour and a desire to help people with Parkinson’s. (PwP)
Both he and Jo (the other Instructor) have led walks for PwP and attended at support group meetings.
This week I walked with Mike, Jo and other Nordic walkers (none with PD) and I can rely on Mike to give me feedback when we walk and he said how well I was tackling the hills. When I said to him that was due in part to him and Jo. In his usual way he asked why and was surprised when I said his input kept me upright and healthy.
The whole positively Nordic team are great.
It’s clear that both Polly and Hugh now walk regularly, enjoy the sociality of the groups and value the expertise of their leaders. Which is great because our vision here at WALX is to help people get more out of walking whatever their fitness level or goals!
Well done to Polly, Hugh and the WALX teams that helped them along the way!
