The Municipal Sports Board of Valls, in the Alt Camp region, will start a new Nordic walking season on Saturday, 27 September, with an introductory session and a planned outing to Alió.
The technical initiation session will take place at 9am at the Marta Galimany athletics track within the El Fornàs Sports Centre. Participants will learn basic Nordic walking techniques, including body position, core and arm work, and how to hold and coordinate the poles, according to the Municipal Sports Board.
Following the session, an 11-kilometre introductory walk from Valls to Alió and back has been organised. This route is expected to take two hours and 30 minutes and is described as flat, making it suitable for beginners.
Autumn Excursion Calendar
The first scheduled excursion will be on Saturday, 25 October, between Rodonyà and Masllorenç, spanning the Alt Camp and Baix Penedès regions. This 9.13 km circular route has an approximate elevation gain of 142 metres. It passes through agricultural land with vineyards and fields, including the castle and church of Rodonyà.
The second outing, on 15 November, will explore Figuerola del Camp and Tossal Gros in Alt Camp. This 10 km circular route features an approximate elevation gain of 415 metres. Tossal Gros, at 867 metres, is the highest peak in the Serra d’en Jordà. The ascent to Tossal or Morrot de Sant Jordi offers views over the plains of Alt Camp to the south and Conca de Barberà to the north. On clear days, these views extend from the sea to the Pyrenees mountains.
To conclude the year, the third excursion is set for Saturday, 13 December, between Les Borges del Camp, Rocabruna, and L'Aleixar in Baix Camp. This will be the most challenging walk, covering 12.2 km with an approximate elevation gain of 359 metres. Participants will visit viewpoints in Les Borges del Camp and the Prades Mountains, reaching the village of L'Aleixar.
Participation and Benefits
Participants should wear comfortable, specific clothing that allows for full arm movement, along with sports footwear such as trainers or walking boots. They should also bring provisions like chocolate, energy bars, or drinks. Depending on the weather, warm or rainproof clothing may be necessary.
Those interested in more information or wishing to participate can register via the Municipal Sports Board's website. The cost per session is €5 for non-members and €3 for members of the Sports Board.
Nordic walking is described as a safe, effective, and balanced activity that works the entire body symmetrically. It involves walking with poles to help propel the body forward, engaging the arms and upper body to activate up to 90% of the body's muscles. The activity can be adapted to suit different fitness levels and goals, making it suitable for all ages, from children to older adults. In terms of health, it promotes active lifestyles and is recommended for rehabilitation processes or the treatment of certain conditions.
Key benefits of Nordic walking include improved posture and reduced pressure on joints. It also helps prevent cardiorespiratory diseases and improves blood circulation. Regular practice can increase calorie expenditure by 40% compared to walking alone and helps control blood pressure, cholesterol, and lymphatic drainage, according to the Municipal Sports Board of Valls.
