International Convention Centre - Birmingham City Council

Nordic Walking- from Finland to Kings Heath Park.

Hailed as the fastest expanding health and fitness activity in Europe, Nordic Walking has found its way to Kings Heath, as Nordic Walking Central offers Workshops at Kings Heath Park.

Originally developed in the 1930s as an off-season training method for cross country skiers in Finland, Nordic Walking has turned into a form of exercise suitable for all. Whether your goals are to improve cardiovascular fitness, lose weight, improve mobility and posture, or simply to socialise and get out in the fresh air, Nordic Walking has it all.

Janine Pemberton, INWA Nordic Walking Instructor, adds Nordic Walking is really taking off across the UK and Kings Heath Park offers a wonderful venue to learn. There are sheltered areas and a nice mixture of slopes with a few paths along the way. The Workshops at Kings Heath Park offer a chance to learn good technique and use the recommended Exel poles. Many participants often come back for more workshops as they really enjoy Nordic Walking at the park.

Nordic Walking aims to improve your posture, release tension in the neck and shoulders, it also strengthens the spine and increases bone density. You use over 90% of your skeletal muscles when Nordic Walking, which is more than swimming and running. Using more muscles means you burn more calories, and its also great for improving the function of the heart and lungs. Its an activity that you can enjoy by yourself or with friends and family out in the fresh air, even through the winter months.

To book a Workshop at Kings Heath Park or to find out more visit www.nordicwalkingcentral.com or call Janine on 07855955462.

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Nordic Walking is more effective than conventional walking because the poles increase the efficiency of rotation of the upper body and activate the muscles in the neck, shoulders and back. Using more muscles means on average you burn 20% more calories than in normal walking at the same walking speed. When Nordic Walkers were asked to choose their own walking speed they burnt up to 46% more calories.

Although you are using more muscles and doing more exercise, the effort is spread across your whole body and so Nordic Walking can actually feel easier and less tiring than normal walking. In addition Nordic Walking helps to reduce the load on the knees and joints, reduces shoulder and neck tension, mobilises the spine and encourages good posture.

Janine Pemberton
INWA Nordic Walking Instructor
07855955462
www.nordicwalkingcentral.com

International Convention Centre

The ICC (International Convention Centre) is Birmingham's premier conference venue, with seven halls, which can be combined, sub-divided and isolated to suit individual needs.

The Central Mall is a vital thoroughfare linking the halls, including Symphony Hall, to a public way that leads from Centenary Square to the canals, Brindleyplace and leisure complexes beyond.

The £200 million building was partly funded by the European Council.

Facts about the ICC

The foundation stone was laid by Jacques Delors.
It was officially opened by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II on 12 June 1991.
60,000 cubic metres of concrete were used and 1500 workers employed on the site.
Funds of 9.7 million were provided by the European Council.
It took 4 years and 5 months to complete.
The architects were Percy Thomas Partnership and Renton Howard Wood Levin.
Acoustics were by Artec Consultants.
The ICC is part of the NEC Group, though Symphony Hall is now part of the THSH Trust.

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