Walking On Air

In episode 59,  I’m talking to Katie Atkins who set up Nordic 4 in 2017, which is based in Bristol,teaching a wide range of Adult ,Teen and Child courses, with walkers aged between 9 and 90 years old. Katie started her career as a teacher in the Primary Sector, specialising in PE and last year.

Do take a listen to Katie's interview on Nordic Walking with Teenagers in episode 14.

Katie would be happy to talk to anyone who wants to learn more about teaching children.  You can find out more or contact her here:
Nordic 4.com

[email protected]

Final thank you to sponsors

Support the show

If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x

I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.

Sponsors

I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:

British Nordic Walking

Britishnordicwalking.org.uk

Discount code: walking23

Nordicwalk.store

Nordicwalk.store

Paula: 01446 789 154

Walking Women Holidays

walkingwomen.com

Discount code: WOA23

Ginny: 01784 664 063

[email protected]

Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Walking On Air

Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast

...

Today, I interview Sonja Johansson, who lives by the motto: ‘The quality of your movement is the quality of your life’.  This is the first time that I have published a conversation in full with no edits; this is testament to the many gems of wisdom that this interview contains and to how well Sonja talks about this subject with such great articulation. I guarantee that you will enjoy this extended episode.

As a movement educator specialising in a system to optimise body/mind performance called the Feldenkrais Method, Sonja lives and breathes that motto everyday. With over 20 years of expertise in neuro-motor reprogramming, she brings a unique and holistic approach to teaching Nordic Walking. 

This embodied approach creates conditions for positive neuro-plasticity, improved balance, coordination & agility with the fundamental skill of awareness of your body's sensations and movements. 

This ‘Conscious Nordic Walking’ technique aims to maintain independence, reverse the signs of ageing through complex full body patterns, build a strong cardiovascular system without jeopardising posture and vulnerable joints.

Sonja's approach is deeply rooted in optimal biomechanics, ensuring that her students gain a ‘lived’ understanding of their body's skeletal structure, to optimise alignment and promote efficient gait patterns. She empowers her students to achieve safe, powerful, and effortless walking with plenty of novelty and fun in each session. Highlighting functional movement patterns that use the biotensegrity model, including the crucial role of fascia.

You can find out more by visiting Sonja's website at HonestExercise.me or email her directly: [email protected]

Final thank you to sponsors

Support the show

If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x

I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.

Sponsors

I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:

British Nordic Walking

Britishnordicwalking.org.uk

Discount code: walking23

Nordicwalk.store

Nordicwalk.store

Paula: 01446 789 154

Walking Women Holidays

walkingwomen.com

Discount code: WOA23

Ginny: 01784 664 063

[email protected]

Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Walking On Air

Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast

...

In episode 57, I interview Ginny Lunn, owner and director of Walking Women, one of the fabulous sponsors of the Walking On Air podcast. Ginny and her sister, Sara,  bought Walking Women in 2021, as they both wanted to do something meaningful post Covid and in later life. Prior to this, Ginny had had a long and successful career in the charity world; her last position was CEO of the childrens’ literacy charity, Beanstalk.  Ginny’s desire to change career at this stage of her life was a result of reevaluating what was important following a life changing event, which she has generously shared with us today and explained how walking helped her to come to terms with her experience.

Final thank you to sponsors

Support the show

If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x

I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.

Sponsors

I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:

British Nordic Walking

Britishnordicwalking.org.uk

Discount code: walking23

Nordicwalk.store

Nordicwalk.store

Paula: 01446 789 154

Walking Women Holidays

walkingwomen.com

Discount code: WOA23

Ginny: 01784 664 063

[email protected]

Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Walking On Air

Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast

...

In this episode, I speak to Ryan Taylor.  Ryan was born in the highlands of Papua New Guinea to New Zealander parents. He moved back to New Zealand and grew up in a small town by the beach, where he developed a love of surfing and anything a bit extreme. This led to broken bones and plenty of travelling adventures. After a failed marriage, he got into skydiving to pursue a new obsession, B.A.S.E jumping. After only 6 weeks & a total of 73 jumps(do the math), he was involved in a jumping accident and given less than a 5% chance of surviving the night.  He is amazingly lucky to be alive, but had to learn how to walk, talk, breath & swallow again at the age of thirty. The following 18.5 years have been full of highs & lows which he shares with us today..

Final thank you to sponsors

Support the show

If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x

I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.

Sponsors

I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:

British Nordic Walking

Britishnordicwalking.org.uk

Discount code: walking23

Nordicwalk.store

Nordicwalk.store

Paula: 01446 789 154

Walking Women Holidays

walkingwomen.com

Discount code: WOA23

Ginny: 01784 664 063

[email protected]

Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Walking On Air

Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast

...

In episode 55, I interview Karen Ingram, who was recently appointed to be an international trainer, of which there are only 4 in the world, for the International Nordic Walking Federation or INWA for short.  Karen is a welcome returner to Walking On Air, having shared her expertise on managing back pain in episode #4 and discussing all things poles in episode #19.   She sits on the education committee of INWA and so today, she joins me to share with us her knowledge of INWA and the career progression to becoming an International Trainer. 

If you would like to know more about INWA, then please do check out this link:
International Nordic walking Federation (INWA)

Final thank you to sponsors

Support the show

If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x

I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.

Sponsors

I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:

British Nordic Walking

Britishnordicwalking.org.uk

Discount code: walking23

Nordicwalk.store

Nordicwalk.store

Paula: 01446 789 154

Walking Women Holidays

walkingwomen.com

Discount code: WOA23

Ginny: 01784 664 063

[email protected]

Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Walking On Air

Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast

...

Today I am speaking to Peter Barrett about endurance Nordic Walking. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast, having competed and participated in outdoor sports throughout his life. He has taken part in many marathons, half marathons, mountain marathons and endurance challenges and has trained and helped many athletes to achieve their own PBs and goals.  He has also organised many race and challenge events. Peter took up nordic walking over 10 years ago, inspired by seeing people use walking poles in an efficient and effective manner and he and his wife, Suzy, are currently putting plans together for a Nordic Walking challenge event in the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

Peter and his wife, Suzy, are planning a trial event for the weekend of 16/17 September 2023 with the main event taking place in May 2024.  For further information, please contact Peter and register your interest at [email protected] 

Final thank you to sponsors

Support the show

If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x

I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.

Sponsors

I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:

British Nordic Walking

Britishnordicwalking.org.uk

Discount code: walking23

Nordicwalk.store

Nordicwalk.store

Paula: 01446 789 154

Walking Women Holidays

walkingwomen.com

Discount code: WOA23

Ginny: 01784 664 063

[email protected]

Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Walking On Air

Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast

...

In  episode 53, I talk to Kelly Bennett from Cornwall, who is the director of Walk Kernow, which she set up in 2012 , after having personally experienced the benefits derived from Nordic Walking. Kelly wanted to share her love for walking along with its physical and mental health benefits. Walk Kernow has also become a place for Walk Kernow Members to socialise & enjoy other activities, making Walk Kernow a whole fitness, wellbeing and lifestyle group. Today Kelly talks about the positive effects that nordic walking can have on people with type 2 diabetes, having had first hand experience of helping a client with the condition.

To get in touch with Kelly, please email: 
[email protected]

Final thank you to sponsors

Support the show

If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x

I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.

Sponsors

I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:

British Nordic Walking

Britishnordicwalking.org.uk

Discount code: walking23

Nordicwalk.store

Nordicwalk.store

Paula: 01446 789 154

Walking Women Holidays

walkingwomen.com

Discount code: WOA23

Ginny: 01784 664 063

[email protected]

Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Walking On Air

Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast

...

In episode 52, I interview Sara Evans, a recently qualified British Nordic Walking instructor, who has come up with a unique and truly original way of constructing her classes.  She has combined her knowledge and interest in the chakra system with her teaching of nordic walking, to create classes that connect participants more deeply to nature.  

To contact Sara

Email: [email protected]

Final thank you to sponsors

Support the show

If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x

I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.

Sponsors

I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:

British Nordic Walking

Britishnordicwalking.org.uk

Discount code: walking23

Nordicwalk.store

Nordicwalk.store

Paula: 01446 789 154

Walking Women Holidays

walkingwomen.com

Discount code: WOA23

Ginny: 01784 664 063

[email protected]

Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Walking On Air

Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast

...

In episode 51, I am talking to Tina Gibbons, a BNW instructor from the tranquil North Cotswolds. Tina has also been practising yoga since she was at school and has been teaching it for over 20 years. She particularly likes the many overlaps between NW and yoga, such as  good posture, a strong core, balance and stability plus  flexibility and strength and therefore includes yoga inspired stretching into her nordic walking sessions.

In this episode, Tina talks us through a couple of breathing exercises that we can practice at home and then try to incorporate into a nordic walk.

Tina can be contacted on: [email protected]

Tina mentioned the book, Breathe by James Nestor.

Studies referenced in this interview:

Santino and Colleagues (Cochrane Database Systems reviews) - Breathing exercises for adults with asthma (2020)

Wu and colleagues - Effectiveness of Meditative movement on COPD  (2018)

Hansen et al - Effect of aerobic exercise training on asthma in adults (2020)   

Final thank you to sponsors

Support the show

If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x

I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.

Sponsors

I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:

British Nordic Walking

Britishnordicwalking.org.uk

Discount code: walking23

Nordicwalk.store

Nordicwalk.store

Paula: 01446 789 154

Walking Women Holidays

walkingwomen.com

Discount code: WOA23

Ginny: 01784 664 063

[email protected]

Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Walking On Air

Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast

...

In episode 50, the  guest is Eileen Donnelly, Founder of Ripple & Co, an organisation that delivers high quality programmes to increase wellbeing and productivity in the workplace.

Eileen’s 20-year career has focused on building purpose-driven business strategies and workplace cultures. She is now focused on the growing recognition of a company’s responsibility to protect, improve and invest in mental wellbeing in the workplace.  Eileen believes that investing in employees’ resilience and positive mental health is critical to bottom-line productivity. 

Eileen is a keen advocate for making time to exercise in order to improve wellbeing and she joins me today to share her expertise about how to take control of your own mental health and sense of wellbeing.

If anyone would like to get in touch with Eileen to find out more about the work of Ripple and Co and how they can help your company, then you can do so using the following links:

Email:  [email protected]. 

Website: www.rippleandco.com 

Ripple&Co: Overview | LinkedIn

Final thank you to sponsors

Support the show

If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x

I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.

Sponsors

I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:

British Nordic Walking

Britishnordicwalking.org.uk

Discount code: walking23

Nordicwalk.store

Nordicwalk.store

Paula: 01446 789 154

Walking Women Holidays

walkingwomen.com

Discount code: WOA23

Ginny: 01784 664 063

[email protected]

Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Walking On Air

Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast

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