FitHaven

Babs, as she likes to be known, has been coming to classes for a few months now and started with my Nature Reserve Nordic Walking.  She quickly picked up the technique and off she went and now heads up the group quite confidently and with enthusiasm and determination.  She then decided to give Zumba Fitness on a Thursday Night a go and I can honestly say has thrown herself into this 100%.  She came dressed up in the BEST and most SCARIEST Clown outfit to the Halloween Zumba and had improvement her co-ordination and fitness no-end in such a short space of time.  It just goes to show that if you put your mind and body into it YOU reap the rewards 10 fold.  I asked her to write a few words about her FitHaven experience so far so here they are… WELL DONE BABS!

“I have been attending yoga classes for 22 years to maintain my, never great, level of flexibility. I did not consider myself particularly unhealthy or unfit. This summer, 2011, I saw Mel’s advert for Nordic Walking and Zumba classes and thought I would give both a try.

Two months on and the change in me, health wise, is huge. I have more energy and I was pretty energetic before! I am physically stronger, feel less bloated and sluggish. Nordic Walking and Zumba are fun activities that you do to the best of your ability. I can see myself that I am far better already than I was when I started! They get your heart pumping and your blood flowing and that in itself is hugely beneficial.

I have only one regret, I should have started this years ago!”

Babs Herlihy

Photo’s of Bab’s in Nordic Walking action..

 
Babs leading the left hand team on a Nordic Walking drill called Nordic trains…

Babs heads up the group again at the Nature Reserve Nordic Walking…

Halloweeen ‘Thriller’ Zumba Fitness…

You might just be able to pick her out – the SCARY looking clown almost at the back on the right… Halloween ‘Thriller’ Zumba Fitness – BRILLIANT!

Babs in full Halloween Zumba Fitness costume – SCARY!!!

Meet Andy Holt, a regular fitness NW who has been Nordic Walking and Fitness Pilates for MEN for over a year now and he literally just signed up to do the Three Peaks by Rail Challenge in a few weeks time – follow his story each week here…

Week 1 (14th May 2011) – I was volunteered as a last minute stand in for the Three Peaks by Rail Challenge.   I now have just 4½ week left to prepare to climb Snowden, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis within 24 hours – gulp!!   Living in Cambridgeshire I get altitude sickness on speed bumps so how can I simulate the conditions I will face next month?  Sunday/Monday/Tuesday – three sessions on exercise bike at maximum resistance to test the legs.  Legs now like jelly.  Wednesday/Thursday, no exercise due to family commitments.  Decide to work on hydration and sleep deprivation so Friday – attend Hinchingbroke School Summer Ball!  Conclusion – despite initial feeling of wellbeing,  Shiraz makes a rubbish energy drink.  Saturday morning – 0430 bed, up just 2½ hours later – lack of sleep target achieved.    Then, 5 mile nordic walk with Neal starting with the daunting east face of Sawtry allotments.  At last, an incline!  Joking aside, there is no better way to fitness than nordic walking in sunshine through beautiful countryside, with a really lovely crowd. Ordinary people, many with extraordinary stories.  Just the inspiration needed. 5 miles complete then down to Southoe for more of the same with Mel.  Flatter terrain, but still stunning surroundings.  5 lbs weight loss in the week.  Feeling a little more optimistic.  But am I on target…….?

Week 2 (21st May 2011) – My training schedule was rather scuppered this week by having to spend three days on business in Manchester.  I was booked into an Ibis which had neither pool nor gym.  Time to improvise.  There was a 4” step up to the en-suite shower “pod” in the corner of my room so I spent 50 minutes on step-ups to try and tone up the legs. Goodness knows what the other guests thought I was up to!  One of the beauties of Fitness Pilates is that you can do it anywhere.  With a towel as resistance band and a pillow compressed with my belt for the ball I worked on my core strength and flexibility.  Each combined session burnt off a further 500 calories so I was quite pleased with my efforts.  Mel would have been proud of me- if only for trying (VERY PROUD ANDY)! The Saturday Nordic Walk started at Catworth in dry but blustery conditions. I really cannot think of a better or more enjoyable way to fitness than Nordic walking the Three Shires Way. 6.1 miles completed at 4.2mph and a further 1600 calories burnt.  All done by 10 am with the rest of the weekend ahead of you.  I finished off the week with a lap of Grafham today. I left the Nordic poles behind as I can’t use them on the Three Peaks (rules apparently – have to be trekking poles).   Marching as fast as I could I could still only achieve 3.9 mph.  Just shows how efficient the Nordic style is.   My fitness is certainly improving and my confidence with it.

Nordic Walking HAS Changed my life, my body, my health & SO MUCH More…

I first met Sonja on a cold, wet, damp and dreary Nordic Walk from Diddington.  It absolutely lashed it down to the point we call ‘a knicker-soaker’ and we all looked like drowned rats at the end.  My thoughts were ‘she would never come back’ but she DID and has done ever since – in fact we can’t get rid of her (only joking) she is an utter pleasure to have around and part of the FitHaven Family.  Chatting to Sonja on the way round she was definitely an ‘outdoors’ girl and the weather had never really bothered her – in fact she embraced it – something EVERYONE should do.  Since Nordic Walking she has also been regular at Fitness-Pilates and is a taking WOW sessions twice a week too.  She has also tried other sessions and has enjoyed The BIG BALLS class, the DRUM FIT class, Zumba Fitness and having lived in Norway for many years has appropriately introduced us to the delights of Nordic cooking and food too… We LOVE you Sonja (with a j), you LOOK amazing, only YOU have made it happen and you are one of our FitHaven Super Stars.  Here is her story…

It is 18-20 months since I started Nordic Walking, on a very cold, wet, sleety and extremely windy day. After a number of years of family traumas, health problems (asthma, blood pressure, melanoma, chronic back pain and a close encounter with death) I knew it was time to take back some control of my life. I was feeling physically and emotionally drained and was overweight, unfit and frightened to exercise in case the pain in my back was aggravated. However, after that first ‘wet’ walk, it didn’t take long before I realised that I needn’t have worried. Using Nordic Walking poles, the correct technique and REGULAR commitment, I was soon on my way to a fresh start.

From that day on, things just got better and better – including the weather! With Mel and Neal’s support and encouragement, my fitness levels improved, my stamina increased and the weight began to decrease. People began to make comments on the changes they noticed and I certainly began to feel like a different woman. But, not only am I fitter, my body shape has changed; my back is much stronger and hardly bothers me at all now; my blood pressure is down; my asthma has greatly improved and as an extra bonus …… I have lost weight.

My introduction to Nordic Walking on that very first cold, wet and windy day, didn’t put me off – In fact, Nordic Walking has really changed my life. My whole body is fitter and it’s not only given me a fitness level that I would never have achieved on my own, it has also introduced me to new, like minded people who are a joy to be with. And of course, being outside in the fresh air has got to be good for the ‘body and soul’!!

Thank you Mel and Neal (and Millie!) for your enthusiasm, support and commitment and for sharing your love of Nordic Walking with so many of us – I for one, will be eternally grateful !

Sonja Harper, Age 65 but in my head 27!!!!

Photos of Sonja in Action…

What does Nordic Walking mean to me?
Just what I was thinking, approaching year three.
What has kept me stepping out?
Just what is this walking all about?

This exercise with poles, not sticks.
Makes you laugh and people mix.
Young and old, age doesn’t matter.
You walk and talk and don’t get fatter!

The gym with its closed-in walls
Just doesn’t do it, the outside calls.
Come rain or shine, wind  or snow
We walk the countryside – lets go, go, go!!

I wasn’t really the outdoors type,
But Nordic Walking lives up to its hype.
My legs are strong, no bingo wings have I.
My recovery rates good, but that’s by the by!

A Nordic Walk makes you feel so great
FitHaven’s the company – so make a date!
Millie the dog, oh yes – and owners Mel and Neal!!
Nordic Walking with Fithaven – it’s the REAL DEAL!!

Nordic Walking Stories – It has been Race for Life season here and it was unfortunate we couldn’t get a team out again this year but I have had a great story in from Anna Davey (pictured left, in the pink) who made it to the Bedford venue with her mum, Sue and a few friends where they had the opportunity to NW both the 5K and 10K route with the poles in fabulous times so here is Anna’s story… “My Mum and I have had a few family members and friends who have had or got cancer and my Granny died 11 years ago of it and my best friend and colleague Tim died within 6 weeks of being diagnosed just before Christmas 2009. I also have some friends and family still battling this terrible illness and as we both enjoy Nordic Walking we decided to do the Race for Life this year at Bedford as I wanted to and did the 10k which I completed in 1hr 34 mins and 20 seconds at 3.7 moving average and I started off with a Bedford group of Nordic Walkers them but I came in 10minutes before them.  It was nice to meet other people with the same interest as us and they were a nice group of lady’s who said same time next year as we parted. My Mum decided to do the 5k and completed it in 1hr 20mins and 2 seconds at 3.1 moving average we both really enjoyed it and are up for doing it again next year…” Anna and Sue Davey

Frank and Gill’s ‘FitHaven’ Adventure – November 2009
Gill says:  I joined Mel’s BootCamp in Little Paxton in April on a friend’s recommendation. I found the exercise challenging but Mel’s exuberance and enthusiasm were infectious and encouraged me to attempt everything. I loved it and felt a real sense of achievement at the end of each class. I now go to Mel’s New Body Workout class which leaves me feeling energised, younger and fitter. I’ve at last managed to persuade Frank to come and give it a try. He finds it fast but enjoyable and is keen to improve.

At Little Paxton Scarecrow Festival I tried Nordic Walking. The Physio had been nagging me about my posture and I was sure this would help. Frank and I already belong to a trekking group so I knew he would also enjoy this and I had been looking for an activity we could do together. After the first beginners session we were hooked! I find Neal and Mel’s passion for Nordic walking an inspiration and it is all helped by the friendliness of the group. Unobtrusively Neal encourages us to walk farther and faster. The highlight for me so far has been the Wednesday evening walks in September with headlamps. I felt like an intrepid explorer especially in the wooded areas. It was such fun.

Our daughter who hadn’t seen us for several weeks came and said, “Mum have you lost weight? You’re looking really slim and trim.” This has all happened while I’ve been having such a good time at Mel’s classes and Nordic walking. Also my posture has improved and my dreaded cellulite that I’ve had forever is much better. By far the biggest bonus though has been the huge drop in my blood pressure. It has been extremely high for over six years and difficult to regulate with medication. I’ve had to have it checked at the doctor’s every three months and it is always high but the last to times it has been fine. The doctor asked if I was doing something different and I told her about Nordic Walking. She was impressed and said that it was more than likely the reason as it is extremely good cardio-vascular exercise.

Frank says:  She’s said it all as usual but I totally agree for once and have to admit that joining FitHaven has been her best idea. I’m beginning to feel the benefits of Mel’s exercise classes as I’m more flexible and co-ordinated. We are now taking part in Neal’s Nordic Challenge to gain more stamina and fitness. Watch out you youngsters!!  Thank you Mel and Neal

Jilly Clarke & Mervyn Foster – June 2009
Nordic Walked 46 miles at the Pathfinder Long Distance Walk – Saturday 20th June 2009!

They did it!  Both Jilly (left) and Mervyn (right) set off in their separate teams at 4am from RAF Wyton, raising money for two separate and very worthwhile causes not to mention the personal challenge walking 46 miles brings to not only body but mind too.  Having spent the past year with Jilly and the last few months with Mervyn out nordic walking with the poles we had no doubt at all that they would complete it.  Mervyn even showed up this Monday lunchtime, proudly wearing his trophy 46-miler t-shirt (show right) ready and raring to go out Nordic Walking with the regular lunchtime group – how fantastic is that!  We had a great chat about his 15 hour journey around the route course and his first words to me about the whole experience was ‘BRILLIANT’.  Other than a bit stiffness in the back of the legs and thumb numbness from the nordic straps he felt really great and is now looking forward to his next challenge and will definitely be doing it again next year!  Jilly’s story is below so carry on reading and a huge well done to them both.  If you are interested in donating then I have a ‘Jilly Bucket’ in class raising for M.E.L (Malawi Education Link) and Mervyn has a sponsorship form on him raising for Help for Heros.

In Jilly Clark’s words… Hi Mel. Thanks for all your lovely comments, support and encouragement. Saturday was brilliant. We began at 4.13am and finished just before 9.30pm. We took our breaks at each checkpoint, and used them wisely. I have to say, I was totally amazed how well I felt at the end of the walk. I ate loads of high-energy food and drank loads of high-energy drinks. I did get to the point where I couldn’t put another ‘sweet’ substance into my mouth. That was at 39 miles at Warboys, when Steve met up with us. I think he thought I was going to pass out and not be able to complete the walk. He did say he hid up the road and waited for a good half-hour just in case I rang for assistance! How could he doubt me!

My friend had terrible blisters and tender heels by 32 miles and by the time we were at Bluntisham, I thought she might pull out. I gave her my poles so that she could push her pressure onto them and so relieve her feet. Initially, I enjoyed having ‘free’ hands but goodness, by the time I was a couple of miles in, I could hardly walk. I could not believe just how wonderful the poles had proved. My legs became heavy, my body slumped and I suddenly felt a pain behind my right knee. It was like a knot and gave a pain that was similar to cramp. I couldn’t believe it. 14 miles to go and I thought I had injured my leg so I phoned Steve and suggested he met me at the last checkpoint in Warboys with another set of poles. By this time I was at the back of our group and struggling to keep up. I have to say at the point, I did question if I would finish the walk. I had only walked 6.6 miles without my poles, and I was struggling.

The last push was about 7.5 miles, and it was with relief that I saw Steve. He gave his poles to my friend and I had mine back. I knew the end was in sight!  I’d walked 32 miles with poles and just 6.6 miles without, but now I had them back they certainly did turn things around. I finished with very few blisters and hardly any aches and pains. Certainly, the Nordic Walking sessions have proved valuable, giving me the essential cross-country training I needed.

See you very soon, and thank you again,  Love Jilly x  P.S. I wore my tee-shirt with pride!

Mervyn Foster – Nordic Walking to help old Leg Injury – May 2009
Mervyn, pictured right after a 26 mile walk, has only recently started Nordic Walking with us and after his first session was completely hooked, bought a set of poles and hasn’t looked back since.  He is preparing for a long distance walk later this month and came to us to see if Nordic Walking would help an old leg injury and get him through the 46 miler he is so desperate to achieve.  Since his first try in April he simply hasn’t stopped Nordic Walking, we wish him lots of luck and stamina for the Pathfinder Long Distance Walk on 20th June and have every faith that the ‘Power of the Poles’ will get him to the end – pain and injury free!  Here is his story about how he came to discover this fabulous outdoor walking form…

“It was in January this year that I started to help a business friend of mine (Terry Downing) to prepare for the Pathfinder Long Distance Walk (46 miles) on 20th June 2009 which he was doing in aid of ‘Help for Heroes’. We would meet every Sunday in Brampton and walk to Grafham and back (about 8 miles), then later we would go around Grafham Water (about 15.5 miles). At the time of starting I was unable to take part on the walk due to work commitments in the Netherlands, but since then my dates have changed and was then able to take part myself.

It was in April after completing one of our Sunday morning walks, that I ended up limping to my car at the end of the walk to drive home and I continued to have a pain in my right leg for the rest of the week. This, I realised, must have been due to an old injury to my right leg (I had a metal plate inserted in 1973 after major skiing injury – fractured Tibia and Fibula). I was upset as I realised that this may put a damper on my taking part in the Pathfinder Walk, so I ceased walking for about 3 weeks to give my leg a rest.

I was still apprehensive about waking again as I thought that the distance we were going to have to cover would seriously affect my performance and I did not want to start the walk and then have to stop without completing it.

It was whilst I was working at the St Ives Complementary Health Centre that I was talking to a fellow practitioner (Maggie Whitehead) who informed me that she took part in walks using Ski Poles, called Nordic Walking. Maggie gave me the web link to FitHaven and informed me that Mel and Neal organised walking training from their fitness studio in Buckden. She informed me that not only will it improve your overall health but it has been shown to help you burn up to 46% more calories, increase heart and cardiovascular training to 20%, but more important for me is that it will give less impact on my hip, knee and foot joints by about 26%. So what could I lose?

I started walking on a Wednesday evening with Neal at the end of April and after only completing about 5 miles, I found the use of Nordic Poles to be an improvement in my walking style and improve all parameters significantly even though it is a low impact exercise.  My training has increased significantly and I try and complete 30 miles per week as a minimum, I also took part in the 26 mile Oxfam Charity walk at Chilford Halls on 20th May, with no reoccurring pains in my leg….. I would not hesitate to recommend Nordic Walking to everyone, not only do you get a great workout but you have a sociable walk with likeminded people ….”

So, See you at the next walk with Mel, Neal and Millie.
Mervyn S Foster – Quantum Touch Healing and Shiatsu Practitioner
http://www.soothing-hands.co.uk/

Nordic Walking by Jordana Watts – March 2009
Here in her very own words is Jordan’s story as to why Nordic Walking is working for her – Jordana features in this photo taken on Sunday and looking fabulous! (She is at the front, in the pink T-shirt on the right hand side).  Enjoy her story…

“I just wanted to say thank you for your Nordic Walking classes – I never would have believed that…

a) I would have attended them all
b) Would have survived a 4.5 mile walk (and twice in 1 week!)
c) Enjoyed exercise!!

So a big thank you to yourself and Neal for keep me motivated and making me feel so welcome.

Having attended a 5 week Nordic Walking Beginners Class I have been left feeling motivated, proud of not only my attendance but my achievements too. I am in the front of the queue when avoiding, making up excuses and all sorts to get out of “exercise” but Nordic Walking is something that I tried a few summers ago and was delighted to see on the timetable for a weekend.

Only once in the five weeks did I not want to go – and that was because I’d had a busy week and was feeling tried and grumpy. But I got ready to go and went for it and felt much better for doing it. My Sunday’s have certainly become my well-being day, where after a lovely walk I come home and have a relaxing bath and pure chill out before doing anything.

In just 5 weeks I feel my body has changed shape and my clothes feel looser around my middle. I’ve never been one for measuring myself so can’t give you exact measurements but I have had lots of comments saying that I look slimmer and much more healthier. I can honestly say that it’s been the Nordic Walking classes and not any magical cure as I haven’t attended any other exercise classes but do try to eat healthy.

So thank you Mel and Neal for making me work hard, feel motivated and look healthier!”