A week long stay in a beautiful mountain villa is the perfect opportunity to practise Pilates and learn Nordic Walking.
Anything that can get me away from a grey damp autumn in London is always attractive. When it’s a week in Spain in a luxury villa practising Pilates and Nordic Walking, then I’m ready to pack my bags. Now, it’s not without a certain trepidation as I’ve never done either of these activities – I make sure I bring plenty of reading material, just in case I get bored.
It’s bright and sunny when I get off the plane in Malaga and meetup with the other guests. Of course, I’m the only man and the others have all had some Pilates experience. I find out just how much during the 90 minute transfer north to Il Palacete, a palace, no less, on the edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Luckily most are Nordic Walking virgins so I’m in good company.
It’s truly a stunning location with views of mountains and sea, set in a luscious tropical gardens. We’re immediately greeted by glasses of sparkling wine and some snacks and meet the owner who’s going to be cooking delicious meals over the week. Rooms are spacious, individually furnished with antiques, and nobody is sharing. Pilates starts tomorrow.
Pilates
Next morning, it’s still dark as we assemble in an old mill building at 8am. Mats are laid on the floor and we’re off. It’s surprisingly gentle as Susie Gale, our instructor, leads us through various exercises. Being the novice, I’m casting sideways glances to make sure I’m doing everything correctly. But, even better, Susie comes over and corrects me when I get it completely wrong.
By the end of the hour, my joints have loosened up and I’m feeling very relaxed. The important thing to realise, under the expert supervision of the teacher, is not to push myself too far. It’s not a competition, just an exploration of how I much can stretch and build up my inner core. Also practising in a group, allows for important moral support from my far more experienced colleagues.
Nordic Walking
After breakfast there’s also an introduction to Nordic Walking. We’re all issued with poles, slightly different to the normal walking poles that I’m familiar with. Indeed, they’re more like ski poles as straps around the wrists give extra security so you can grasp the handles firmly in your palms,
Susie tells us that walking with poles engages 50% more muscles, therefore burning a lot more calories. Instead of giving only your legs a workout, your chest, arms, shoulders and abs are active, too,- all great for building strength, and tone and improving fitness. The added support lessens the impact on our joints and is kinder to knees and ankles.
It takes a while to get the hang of it but under supervision it all comes right. Practising walking around the grounds is a good primer for a much longer walk next day. This involves hiking from the Palacete to the ravine below, a steepish descent where I find the poles useful for avoiding sliding. There’s a stream at the bottom, ideal for a refreshing dip before setting out uphill to the village of Otivar.
This is where the poles really shine, helping me up the steep slopes to the village above. We’re rewarded with an excellent lunch which includes local lamb and fresh mango from the area. On the way back down, I begin to notice that figs, loquat and custard apples are all growing here. The valley has a micro-climate allowing tropical fruits to thrive. Another cooling dip in the stream, before climbing back up to the Palacete and a swim in the pool.
Over the next few days, I begin to enjoy the early morning Pilates regime and definitely feel better for it. The Nordic Walking also gets more adventurous and we set out for a long coastal walk in Almuñécar followed by a seafood lunch. Another day we go into the hills and are rewarded with fabulous mountain views. There’s also a sightseeing trip to Granada to see the Alhambra.
By the end of the week, I feel I’ve enjoyed the Pilates enough to vow to carry on when I get home. I’m not so sure whether I’ll be investing in my own Nordic Walking Poles but it’s been great exercise. Food has been excellent, the group has bonded well and I must say I’ve had no time for reading. A week of Pilates and Nordic Walking is definitely to be recommended.
Fact file
GO: British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Malaga.
INFO: A 7 night Pilates and Nordic Walking Holiday in Andalusia costs £1,899 with free group transfers and includes all meals and wine with three lunches out at local restaurants.
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