Fitness and lifestyle firm Bath Nordic Walking has appointed highly experienced fitness coach and author Yvonne Bignall as an instructor, allowing it to double the number of classes it offers in the city.
Yvonne, pictured, who joins existing instructor Sarah Lillywhite, has started two new hour-long Nordic walks in Royal Victoria Park.
Nordic walking is one of the fastest-growing fitness activities in the UK. Bath Nordic Walking was launched last year following the success of its sister enterprise in Bristol, which has nearly 400 members and runs more than 35 walks each week.
Yvonne said: “Nordic walking is an ideal exercise for all ages and abilities – it’s low impact but it works out around 90% of the body’s muscles and burns over 40% more calories than ordinary walking.
“We’re excited to see it take off in Bath as it has in Bristol because the city has so many beautiful open spaces and walks that we can take advantage of.”
Nordic walking was founded in the 1930s when super-fit competitive cross-country skiers in Finland started using poles in their off-season training when there was no snow.
They soon realised this gave them a massive competitive advantage and that the technique was perfect training that ensured their upper and lower body muscles remained in top shape as well as providing a cardiovascular workout.
One of the original members of Bath Nordic Walking is 58-year-old Brigitte Bell from Newbridge, Bath. Brigitte, pictured below, retired in April last year and was looking for new activities to fill her time after too many years on the couch and a hectic office job.
She said: “Getting fitter was a priority. Before my knees started wearing out, I used to play tennis, go horse riding and skiing. Having tried a gym membership a couple of years ago, I knew that wasn’t really for me, so when I saw that Bristol Nordic walking was due to start up in Bath, I was really excited.
“Coming from continental Europe, I have long been aware of the benefits of Nordic walking as a form of exercise that can be adapted for different ages and fitness levels. I had even joined a group in Hertfordshire roughly 15 years ago, but I don’t think the UK was ready for walkers with Nordic poles back then.
“My joint mobility has improved significantly and I have already managed to lose a couple of inches from my waistline. I hope to continue shaping up as my technique improves. We also regularly draw the crowds when tourist coaches stop off on Royal Avenue to take the obligatory photograph of the Crescent – I’m sure we feature in many of those photos, taken by tourists from all over the world!”
All the walks take place in Royal Victoria Park on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the day and in the evening, with occasional longer scenic walks such as the Bath Skyline.
Radstock-based Yvonne Bignall also runs Yvonne B Ltd, a consultancy that supports women in business and helps them realise their potential.
