
Abergavenny Nordic walking group sees growing interest
Members have praised the benefits of the group walks, citing improved endurance and muscle tone.
Some have even invested in their own Nordic pole equipment.
The group, organised by Ed Woolley, follows five different routes, including tracks in Llanfoist and Govilon, and the canals at Gilwern and Goytre Wharf.
Each walk lasts for around 90 minutes and is described as being at a 'medium pace.'
The routes also provide views of the local mountains and countryside.
The walks have become a regular fixture for those involved, providing not just exercise but a social opportunity too.
Mr Woolley, a seasoned Nordic walking instructor with more than 12 years of experience, has also started a 'netwalking' class, encouraging members of Frogmore Street Art Gallery to join in.
This initiative aims to further enhance friendships and bonding opportunities within the group.
Nordic walking, which originated in Scandinavian countries as a training exercise for cross-country skiers, was introduced to the UK in 2005.
It quickly became a popular method of achieving a good level of all-round fitness and is now practised in almost every county.
The Abergavenny group still has spaces available for those interested in a full-body exercise that is not too demanding.
Potential new members are encouraged to contact Ed Woolley on 07906 365280 for more information.

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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
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The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Experts explain what it means if you wake up between 3am and 5am and when to worry
Waking up in the middle of the night can be frustrating, but experts say there are a number of reasons why it happens - and understanding them can help you get back to sleep Picture this, you're basking in blissful slumber when suddenly a mysterious jolt yanks you from your dreams. You glance at the clock and it's showing somewhere between 3 and 5am - way before your body's natural alarm was meant to sound. If this rings a bell, don't worry - you're certainly not alone in this frustrating experience, though it's hardly what anyone would call pleasant. This curious occurrence has been recorded throughout the ages, beginning with tales from Scandinavian legend. For those ancient Nordic peoples, those dark hours bridging night and morning were dubbed the "hour of the wolf" - the period "when most people die, sleep is deepest, and nightmares are most real," as captured in Ingmar Bergman's chilling 1968 psychological thriller bearing that very title, reports the Express. Various faiths also label this timeframe as the "devil's hour," believed to be when spirits and malevolent forces are at their most powerful, and otherworldly encounters most likely to occur. But there's absolutely no cause for panic - medical science provides a much more comforting answer. Our bodies operate on a circadian rhythm, an innate 24-hour pattern that controls sleep, hormonal activity, and other essential physical processes according to light and dark cycles. So what's behind these unwelcome pre-dawn awakenings? Medical professionals explain there isn't necessarily one single culprit, but recognising the most frequent offenders can help you get back to enjoying uninterrupted rest. Your sleep environment plays a huge role in whether you stay asleep. It might be obvious: Nighttime noises – from traffic outside to a buzzing phone or television in the next room – can easily jolt you awake. 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Skip late-night meals, as eating close to bedtime can make you more likely to wake during the night Keep your bedroom dark and quiet, using blackout curtains, sleep masks, or earplugs if needed. While waking up in the early hours is common and often harmless, persistent disruptions can signal a deeper issue. If your sleep troubles are affecting your quality of life, or you suspect an underlying health problem, it may be time to seek medical advice.