Nordic Walking Helps Those Suffering From COPD

Walking with the correct technique and the perfect length poles really does help to open up the airways. So many times during my Nordic Walking Classes around the country I’ve had individuals show me their inhalers and inform me that they would need to stop and use them after just a few blocks.

I’m happy to report that no one has ever had to stop and use their inhaler! The correct technique encourages us to keep our chin up, not look down and keep the poles slightly angled back and never out in front. Combine this with the Perfect Length Poles and all of a sudden without even thinking about it the hips come forward, the shoulders back and as long as the chin is up the airways are much less restricted.

Perfect length poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back – better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout – burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.

Nordic Walking Poles really can help to get more people up off the couch and out the door walking. The poles enable many individuals to get out and walk more.

The exclusive source for quality SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles can be found at WWW.SKIWALKING.COM LLC and the American Nordic Walking System.

The Best Walking Poles For Beginners

The BEST Nordic Walking Poles For Beginners and Athletes

I read a blog post the other day about “the best Nordic Walking Poles for beginners” and as usual the article was written in support of a specific manufacturer and void of the true facts about the best poles for walking, hiking, trekking, Nordic Walking, skiing (downhill and cross country), roller blading, roller skiing, snowshoeing, ski walking and hill bounding with poles.

The best poles for “Nordic Sports” will always be one-piece poles that are sized correctly to each individual’s height and sport specific – downhill ski poles are shorter than cross country ski poles and classic poles for xc are shorter than skate cross country poles. Quality one piece poles always prove to be safer, lighter and stronger than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles.

So, what poles are best for Nordic Sports? Skiers, roller bladers and roller skiers exclusively use one-piece poles because cheap/flimsy collapsible poles can’t hold up and are not dependable. You’ll never see collapsible poles in any ski rental shop. You’ll never find collapsible poles in any xc or dh ski package. You will find free collapsible poles included with snowshoes as a package and you will often find those cheap/flimsy poles from China broken at trail heads and/or in the dumpster.

The best poles for beginners will always be one-piece poles that are sized correctly. At SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we always suggest one-piece poles and we carry 16 different lengths in order to provide a Perfect Length Guarantee. And that is why all of the rating services rank us at 100% Positive in customer satisfaction.

Perfect length poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back – better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout – burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.

At SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we are the exclusive source in North America for quality one piece poles from SWIX of Norway and EXEL of Finland. SWIX makes the world’s fastest ski wax and most successful ski racing poles on the world cup and in the Olympics. EXEL was the company that introduced carbon fiber technology to the ski pole industry and then introduced the world to Nordic Walking. These quality one-piece poles are all equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps – no heavy strapless grips or simple loop straps or cheap velcro slings, but quality fingerless glove type straps that prove ideal for causal walking, extreme hiking and trekking. The same patented straps found on the best cross country ski racing poles – and proven comfortable and effective (eliminating the need to grip, squeeze or white-knuckle the grips).

Walking poles don’t have to be expensive. The SWIX VIP’s are only $69.95 per pair and come with a free Nordic Walking DVD. They come in 16 different lengths and will always out perform collapsible poles cost up to 3 times as much. The SWIX poles prove to be silent and user-friendly. Typically collapsible poles rattle, vibrate, make clanking noises, gradually collapse or totally collapse unexpectedly.

Ask any ski coach and they will tell you one-piece poles are the logical way to go despite all the marketing hype about the benefits of cheap/flimsy collapsible poles from China.

Nordic Walking Success At 2011 Employee Wellness Fair

Nordic Walking Classes A Success At Employee Wellness Fair

For the fourth year in a row free Nordic Ski Walking Classes were made available to employees of Hagerty Insurance (the industry leader in antique car and antique boot insurance) during Hagerty’s annual Employee Wellness Fair.

Health and fitness providers provided testing, screening and suggestions for a healthier lifestyle during the Employee Wellness Fair. Free Nordic Walking Instruction and the free use of REAL Nordic Walking Poles was provided by WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. ALL 16 lengths of Nordic Walking Poles were available to accommodate the heights of all individuals – more lengths than any other Nordic Walking Company in North America (the few companies that carry one-piece poles only supply a limited number of sizes).

Perfect length poles automatically encouraged all participants walk with a super straight back. Better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout – burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.

Participants in the Nordic Walking Classes commented that they could feel the improved posture while walking with the correct length one piece poles. Many participants also commented that they noticed that more muscle groups were involved while walking with poles – much more so than regular walking.

WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System are dedicated to the simple fact that quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles from SWIX and EXEL are far superior to cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and/or flip-lock poles flooding the market from China. Numerous participants in the Nordic Walking Classes commented on their dislike of their telescoping/collapsible yard tools and/or adjustable walking poles that proved to be a hassle. The one-piece Nordic Walking Poles provided for the lessons and for demo proved to be lighter, simpler and much more user-friendly than cheap/flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock poles that tend to rattle, vibrate and/or collapse unexpectedly. One participant commented how she even tried to tape her cheap collapsible poles that would never cooperate.

Hagerty Insurance encourages staff to participate on the Hagerty Insurance bike and Nordic ski teams.

The quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles caught the attention of other health and fitness providers during the event – including doctors, physical therapists, personal trainers, health education professionals and others.

The SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles were all equipped with comfortable fingerless glove type straps (patented by the Salomon Ski Company) and removable rubber tips/asphalt paws for use on carpet, tile, pavement, indoor/outdoor tracks and other hard surfaces (the metal tips are used for snow, ice, trails and the beach).

Over 400 employees participated in the Employee Wellness Fair.

Nordic Waking Poles Make Front Page News in Ionia, Michigan

REAL Nordic Walking Poles from WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

FREE Nordic Walking Classes came to the Ionia County Comminission On Aging earlier this fall and an article complete with three color pictures made the front page of th Ionia Sentinel Standard WEEKENDER back on Oct. 17th, 2010. The article heightlighted the many benefits of walking with Nordic Walking Poles.

The free Nordic Walking Classes were hosted by Pete Edwards, owner/founder of WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System – headquartered up in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Edwards also provide REAL Nordic Walking Poles for all the participants to test drive during their classes. Edwards’ specializes in providing the Perfect Length one-piece Nordic Walking Poles for each individual. His company offers 16 different lengths of Nordic Walking Poles.

When using the perfect length Nordic Waking Poles we automatically walk with a super straight back – better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout – burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.

The 3 Basic Levels Nordic Walking – From The American Nordic Walking System

Level 1: Casually walking, trekking and hiking with the poles is healthy and good – burning over 20% more calories than regular walking! Remember to keep your chin up, fingers relaxed and poles slightly angled back. Each pole plants inline with the opposing foot’s heel – alternating and never out in front unless going down a steep hill. When done correctly you will immediately notice your improved posture – walking taller and with a straighter back – automatically without having to think about it. If you notice one or both or your rubber tips slipping be sure to practice on grass with the rubber tips off.

* Level 1 With A Punch (firm pole plant): Continue to keep those fingers relaxed – DON’T grip the poles. Take advantage of your comfortable Nordic Walking Straps – patented by the Salomon Ski Company. Feel the pressure in the heel of your hand effectively being distributed into the cradle of the strap verses squeezing and gripping the poles. Punch the rubber Nordic Walking tips/asphalt paws into the road/walking surface with a firm pole plant – in sync with the opposite heel. This additional punch will beef up the effectiveness of Level 1. Remember – fingers relaxed and NO white knuckling!

Level 2: Requires the arms to fully stretch out and slightly down, keeping the poles slightly less angled back and almost perpendicular. This full arm extension will help to burn over 30% more calories than regular walking! You will find that your walking pace will speed up and your stride will naturally lengthen. Never fake a long stride – allow it to happen naturally. Keep your chin up and fingers relaxed! Shifting from Level 1 to Level 2 is like shifting gears in a car. Level 2 reinforces improved walking posture when done correctly. Again, the poles are NEVER planted in front of the lead heel unless your are descending a steep hill.

*Level 2 With A Punch (firm pole plant): A little punch goes a long way. Utilize that full arm extension and combine it with a nice little punch – punch the rubber tip into the walking surface while keeping the fingers relaxed and NOT gripping the poles (pressure from the heel of your hand into the cradle of the comfortable patented straps).

Level 3: Includes the full reach + a firm pole plant/punch (don’t be gentle), constant pressure from the heel of the hand into the cradle of the strap and a follow-through push when the hand lines up with the hips. Level 3 is big in Europe, but most Americans don’t want to be bothered. Level three burns over 40% more calories than regular walking. Level 3 requires maximum push and can only be effectively done with real Nordic Ski Walking Poles. And remember the poles are NEVER planted in front of the lead heel unless you are descending a steep hill. The American Nordic Walking System does NOT recommend faking a long stride and we do NOT recommend leaning forward at any time – especially when going faster. It is all about good biomechanics. Cheap/flimsy collapsible poles equipped with twist-locks and flip-locks can not hold up to the stress of Level 3. As in ski racing, one-piece poles always prove to be safer, lighter and stronger.

Steep Uphills: When climbing hills be sure to keep your chin up – biomechanically a very good thing! Do NOT lean forward into the hill – leaning is biomechanically a very bad thing! Allow the poles to naturally keep your back super straight – eliminating lower back pain. Your poles will help to engage more muscle groups. Take advantage of your special Nordic Walking Straps and keep your fingers relaxed. Apply pressure into the cradle of those comfortable straps.

Steep Downhills: When descending a steep hill feel free to plant the poles out in front – your knees will LOVE the radical reduction in stress. Double poling can also be effective in extremely steep and challenging terrain – planting both poles at the same time. Do NOT sit back on the downhills. Our quality one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles have been tested in the Grand Canyon, the Appalachian Trail, the White Mountains, in the Lake Tahoe area, in Alaska, plus the Rocky Mountains – and passed with flying colors! Again – don’t squeeze your poles. Trust those fancy patented straps.

Intervals, Speed Walking and Nordic Running: A great way to help jump start the metabolism is by adding short speed bursts of 20 yards to 200 Yards of faster Nordic Walking or Nordic Running. I LOVE Nordic Running up the hills on my favorite xc trails. The perfect warm-up for intervals or Nordic Running is at least a mile of more casual Level 1 Nordic Walking – a gentle and effective warm-up. As a running and ski coach, I prefer my athletes to do their stretching after their workouts and warm-up with at least a mile of Nordic Walking. One-piece SWIX or EXEL Nordic Walking Poles are ideal for Nordic Running too. Collapsible poles are not designed for the added stress of heavy use. One-piece poles are ideal for serious athletes and individuals with balance issues. Skiers already know that one-piece poles are far superior to cheap/flimsy collapsible poles. One-piece poles are ideal for skiing, walking, roller skiing and inline skating (roller blading).

Individuals With Balance Issues: For individuals with balance and stability issues it is recommended to keep the poles straight up and down – perpendicular to the ground. Do NOT focus on the arm movement as much as on enjoying the added balance and stability provided by the poles. Remember to NOT squeeze the poles – take advantage of the comfortable patented straps and keep your finger relaxed (no white knuckling of the pole grips!). Nordic Ski Walking is no longer just for athletes and expert skiers. One-piece Nordic Walking Poles are also ideal for individuals using canes and walkers too – including those with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s (PD), Neuropathy and other balance issues.

* Seniors and individuals with balance issues should also avoid cheap/flimsy collapsible 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and/or flip-lock collapsible poles.

Snow & Ice: When the roads and trails are slippery, feel free to keep the poles a little more perpendicular and NOT angled back. The added stability is a good thing. Remove rubber Nordic Walking tips and use the durable metal tips.

Don’t Fake A Long Stride: PLEASE don’t fake a long stride! As you work your arms (reaching forward) your tempo will naturally speed up and your stride will safely and naturally lengthen. Faking a long stride will only lead to injury.

Don’t Lean Forward: PLEASE don’t lean forward! Take full advantage of the radically improved posture that the correct length poles provide all of us. Especially don’t lean into the hill when Nordic Walking up steep terrain. Your ankles will naturally flex and your back will appreciate the awesome posture that your poles naturally provide on all types of terrain.

Be Sure To Consult Your Physician: Always consult your doctor prior to launching any new fitness campaign.

When hosting Nordic Walking Classes I always travel with a pretty big stash of durable and user-friendly one-piece poles in 16 sizes. It is a hassle to travel with such a large inventory of pole lengths, but our SWIX and EXEL one-piece Nordic Walking Poles do not have twist-locks or flip-locks – just solid one-piece and dependable user-friendly goodness. I have heard from numerous Nordic Walking Instructors that try to teach classes with twist-lock/ flip-lock poles and report how embarrassing it is when their collapsible poles refuse to lock into place and don’t cooperate during classes. With our one-piece poles there are no hassles, no equipment failures, no participant disappointment and no instructor embarrassment.

Quality SWIX and EXEL one-piece Nordic Walking poles prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles with that tend to rattle, vibrate, freeze-up and/or collapse unexpectedly.

Nordic Walking Poles – Not All Nordic Walking Poles, Straps And Grips Are Created Equal

EXEL Nordic Walking Poles Are Equipped With REAL Nordic Walking Pole Straps

The best Nordic skiing (cross country skiing) ski pole straps and grips are also ideal for Nordic walking. Skiers know that fingerless glove type straps are more comfortable and much more effective than velcro sling type straps, simple loop straps and strapless grips.

Nordic Walking is very similar to cross country skiing and provides many of the same wonderful health benefits. The best straps for Nordic walking are similar to the fingerless glove type straps found on SWIX and EXEL cross country ski racing poles during the winter Olympics. These comfortable and effective straps are patented by the Salomon Ski Company. Ski racers don’t use velcro slings, simple loop straps or strapless poles. Be sure to avoid cheap imitations and strapless poles.

SWIX Nordic Walking Poles With REAL Nordic Walking Pole Straps

Skiers know that one-piece poles are safer lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles. The best poles are one-piece poles. One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy collapsible poles.

REAL Nordic Walking Straps - Patented by the Salomon Ski Company

I’ve been coaching skiers for almost 30 years. I’ve seen a lot of exciting changes in the ski industry and specifically with improved ski equipment. A dinosaur long gone from the ski slopes are strapless ski poles. These strapless poles where terrible for xc skiing and on the slopes they increased the risk of skier’s thumb.

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine posted two articles about these increased risks due to strapless poles with flared handles. Dr. George A. Primiano’s article “Skiers’ thumb injuries associated with flared ski pole handles” states that each patient was using a strapless ski pole handle with a flared thumb support. These skiers felt their interphalangeal (IP) joint flexion was blocked by the flare of their ski pole handle, causing their protruding thumb tip to be the point of initial impact, thus leading to their injury.

In the other article by Dr. Bruce A. Van Dommelen and Dr. Raimonds A. Zvirbulis their findings led to this conclusion: We found that the strap handled pole without any platform had the lowest injury rate. The saber type pole handle had the highest injury rate.

In an article posted by Wilderness Medical Society and written by Dr. Edward Heneved about skiing and snowboard injuries, Dr. Heneved stated the obvious and said to “avoid strapless saber pole grips.”

It is a simple fact that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and more durable than cheap/flimsy collapsible poles. Skiers also know that the comfortable and patented fingerless glove type straps are more effective and allow for improved and efficient technique. And the above articles show that strapless poles are no safer today than they were when Scott Ski Poles Company and Reflex Ski Pole Company both discounted their production.

SWIX and EXEL make the best cross country ski racing poles and they can be trusted to make the best one-piece Nordic Walking Poles as well. At WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we carry 16 different lengths of SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles. We are the only source in North America for both SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles plus SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Tips/Asphalt Paws.

Nordic Walking Classes Return To Grand Traverse County’s Annual Employee Wellness Expo

 

Nordic Walking Classes will again be offered at the annual Grand Traverse County Employee Wellness Expo. Pete Edwards the owner/founder/coach of SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nodic Walking System will offer free Nordic Walking Lessons and free Nordic Walking Pole test-drives. The Wellness Expo will be held at the Traverse City Civic Center from 11:15 am to1:45 pm on Friday, August 20th.

 

Real Nordic Walking Poles will be provided – one-piece poles from SWIX and EXEL. Edwards has been coaching runners and skiers for over 25 years and knows for a fact that one-piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock poles from China. Just go to REI’s website and check out all of the poor reviews for twist-lock and flip-lock poles. Most of these cheap/flimsy poles are made in China. Skiers don’t use cheap/flimsy twist-lock or flip-lock poles because they are inferior to one-piece poles that are sized correctly.

 

Edwards’ offers 16 different lengths of Real Nordic Walking Poles in lightweight and stable pairs. Edwards also can custom build user-friendly and quality poles for individuals over 6′ 7″. Edwards refuses to charge extra for custom built poles. And he refuses to falsely promote collapsible/telescoping poles over proven superior one-piece poles.

 

Edward’s also donates Real Nordic Walking Poles to Wounded Warrior Programs in the USA and Europe. Edwards has donated hundreds of pairs of his SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles to Wounded Warriors stationed at Walter Reed, Fort Lewis/Madigan/McChord, Fort Carson, Vicenza in Italy and Kaiserslautern Military Community in Germany.

 

Edwards is aware that twist-lock and flip-lock poles are sold under the false impression that they fit all sizes. That false claim makes cheap 2-piece and 3-piece poles an easy sell, but the quality of these poles is often terrible. Edwards is also aware that the customer satisfaction ratings for cheap/flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock poles are extremely low despite the hype about collapsible poles being able to fit all heights (false statement in that most collapsible poles do not extend tall enough for individuals over six feet).

 

Despite the hype that collapsible poles are supposedly better for travel is the simple fact that most two-piece poles don’t fit into most travel bags.

 

Despite the hype that collapsible poles are necessary for hilly terrain, another false statement, is the simple fact that one-piece poles are lighter and superior to cheap twist-lock and flip-lock poles. Check out this blog article that clarifies the truth about the best poles for use in hilly terrain: http://nordicsportsusa.blogspot.com

 

There is also a lot of hype about collapsible poles being better for travel – another typical false statement in that most 2-piece poles don’t fit into today’s travel bags. And 3-piece poles come equipped with two twist-locks or flip-locks and prove to be twice the hassle and headache.

 

The perfect length poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back – better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout – burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.

 

Edwards has hosted Nordic Walking Clinics for expert skiers, sport teams, running clubs, walking clubs, individuals with balance issues, knee issues or new knees, hip issues or new hips, back issues (including those with rods in their back), weight issues, multiple sclerosis (MS), parkinson’s (PD), neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, lumbar stenosis, fibromyalgia, post polio, osteoporosis, stroke recovery, cancer recovery and other limitations to walking. Nordic Walking poles are helping thousands of Americans get off the couch, successfully get outside, start walking safely and effectively launch much needed walking campaigns.

 

Don’t get scammed by cheap twist-lock and flip-lock pole from China. Please go to SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System for more information about Nordic Walking and the many health benefits of walking with poles. We offer 16 different lengths of quality SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles – not just 3 sizes or 6 sizes that can’t possibly provide the perfect length poles for individuals looking for the real deal in Nordic Walking Poles.

 

Walking with poles is the best!

 

 

REAL Swix and Exel Nordic Walking Poles

REAL Nordic Walking Poles from WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Nordic Walking The Beach – Perfect Length Poles Improve Balance and Stability

 

 

 

REAL Nordic Walking Poles

The Perfect Length Nordic Walking Poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back – better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout – burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.

World-class skiers have been ski walking with their poles during the summer when deprived of snow for decades. And now thanks to the perfect length Nordic Walking Poles and the correct Nordic Walking technique, seniors and individuals with balance issues can burn more calories, receive a more effective workout than regular walking and experience a reduction of stress to the weight bearing joints – all thanks to the improved walking posture provided by the Perfect Length Nordic Walking Poles, the correct Nordic Walking technique and selection of the ideal level of exertion and intensity.

At SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System there are three basic levels of exertion and intensity to choose from – from casual to intense.

Here are the three basic levels:

Level 1: Casually walking, trekking and hiking with the poles is healthy and good – burning over 20% more calories than regular walking! Remember to keep your chin up, fingers relaxed and poles slightly angled back. Each pole plants inline with the opposing foot’s heel – alternating and never out in front unless going down a steep hill. When done correctly you will immediately notice your improved posture – walking taller and with a straighter back –naturally and not having to think about it.

* Level 1 With A Punch: Continue to keep those fingers relaxed – DON”T grip the poles. Take advantage of our comfortable Nordic Walking Straps – patented by the Salomon Ski Company. Feel the pressure in the heel of your hand effectively being distributed into the cradle of the strap verses squeezing and gripping the poles. Punch the rubber Nordic Walking tips/asphalt paws into the road/walking surface. This additional punch will beef up the effectiveness of Level 1.

Level 2: Requires the arms to fully stretch out and slightly down, keeping the poles slightly less angled back and almost perpendicular. This full arm extension will help to burn over 30% more calories than regular walking! You will find that your walking pace will speed up and your stride will naturally lengthen. Never fake a long stride – allow it to happen naturally. Keep your chin up and fingers relaxed! Shifting from Level 1 to Level 2 is like shifting gears in a car. Level 2 reinforces improved walking posture when done correctly. Again, the poles are NEVER planted in front of the lead heel unless your are descending a steep hill.

* Level 2 With A Punch: A little punch goes a long way. Utilize that full arm extension and combine it with a nice little punch – punch the rubber tip into the walking surface while keeping the fingers relaxed and NOT gripping the poles (pressure is in the cradle of the comfortable patented straps).

Level 3: Includes the full reach + a firm pole plant (don’t be gentle), constant pressure from the heel of the hand into the strap and a follow-through push when the hand lines up with the hips. Level 3 is big in Europe, but most Americans don’t want to be bothered. Level three burns over 40% more calories than regular walking. Level 3 requires maximum push and can only be effectively done with real Nordic Ski Walking. And remember the poles are NEVER planted in front of the lead heel unless your are descending a steep hill.

Individuals With Balance Issues: For individuals with balance, stability and/or gait issues it is recommended to keep the poles straight up and down – perpendicular to the ground. Do NOT focus on the arm movement as much as on enjoying the added balance and stability provided by the poles. Remember to NOT squeeze the poles – take advantage of the comfortable patented straps and keep your finger relaxed (no white knuckling of the pole grips!). Nordic Ski Walking is no longer just for athletes and expert skiers – Nordic Walking with one-piece poles is ideal for folks using canes and walkers too – including those with MS, Parkinson’s and Neuropathy.

For those with balance issues that wonder if Nordic Walking is doable for them I always ask how they feel “pushing a shopping cart”? If they say that the shopping cart is super comfortable then their new Nordic Walking Poles will prove to be even better – more comfortable and much more versatile.

At SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System we are committed to providing our customers with quality poles and helpful instructions. Our 100% positive customer satisfaction ratings are a result of our decision to provide quality SWIX and EXEL one-piece Nordic Walking Poles over short-term profits. We NEVER recommend 2-piece or 3-piece collapsible poles for seniors, anyone with a balance issue or for everyday use. As skiers we know that quality one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles.

I love hosting free Nordic Walking classes for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s (PD) and Diabetes support groups, plus Wounded Warrior Programs. I would never consider using 2-piece or 3-piece collapsible poles in any of my Nordic Walking Classes.

The benefits of walking with poles are many and ideal for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels.

Walking with poles is the best!

 

Free Nordic Walking Classes Returning To The Senior Expo at the Wexford Civic Center in Cadillac, Michgian

REAL Nordic Walking Poles

The Senior Expo will feature a variety of activities including Nordic Walking, plus exhibits from businesses and organizations offering products and services geared for seniors. Health screenings from local professionals will also be provided. The Senior Expo will be held on Thursday, June 17th from 9am – 1pm.

The free Nordic Walking Classes and free Nordic Walking Pole Demos will be provided by Pete Edwards – owner/founder/coach of SkiWalking.com and the American Nordic Walking System. Walking with poles provides a more effective workout than regular walking – basically turbo charging the average walking campaign. Free lessons and free use of real Nordic Walking poles will be provided. No snow and No skis required.

Nordic Walking is no longer just for athletes and expert skiers deprived of snow during the summer. All ages and all fitness levels can now unlock the calorie burning and aerobic benefits of Nordic Walking Poles. Athletes, seniors and even individuals with balance issues, joint issues and other challenges are finding success with real Nordic Walking poles. Nordic Walking’s winning combination of improved posture, unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and the shock absorbing benefits of the poles help many individuals to walk comfortably again – even those with balance issues, knee issues or new knees, hip issues or new hips, back issues (including those with rods in their back), weight issues, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s (PD), neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, diabetes, scoliosis, lumbar stenosis, fibromyalgia, post polio, osteoporosis, stroke recovery and other limitations to walking. Nordic Walking poles are helping thousands of Americans get off the couch, successfully get outside, start walking safely and walking effectively.

The improved balance, stability and gait that the correct length one-piece Nordic Walking Poles provide often sounds like magic, but it is just good physics and improved biomechanics. The key is using “perfect length” poles. Perfect length poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back – better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout – burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking. Seniors and inviduals with balance issues are advised to use one-piece poles and avoid cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock poles that tend to rattle, vibrate, freeze-up and/or collapse unexpectedly.

According to Nick Mahood, SWIX USA Nordic Walking Director, “Pete Edwards, owner/founder/coach of www.SkiWalking.com and the American Nordic Walking System, has single handedly introduced thousands of Americans to Nordic Walking through his free clinics. I have no doubt that Edwards is the #1 retailer of Nordic Walking Poles in the USA. You can quote me on that!”

Nordic Walking Success On National Trails Day

  

REAL Nordic Walking Poles

Free Nordic Walking Pole demos and free Nordic Walking Instruction were provided by SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System in Glen Arbor, Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Saturday, June 5th during National Trails Day.

All participants appreciated the obvious advantages of durable and user-friendly one-piece Nordic Walking Poles. As anticipated the participants that had used and/or owned twist-lock and flip-lock poles reported problems that are typical of 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles.

 

Nordic Walking instruction was provided in town (Glen Arbor) and guided tours were provided in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Instruction based on the American Nordic Walking System provides 3 basic levels and offers an ideal level of exertion and intensity for any age and any fitness level – from casual to maximum calorie burn. The Nordic Walking Classes and guided tours were hosted by Pete Edwards, owner/founder/coach of WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. The one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles used in all of Edwards’ Nordic Walking Classes and available at WWW.SKIWALKING.COM are equipped with metal tips for trails the beach, snow and ice, plus removable rubber tips/asphalt paws for pavement and other hard surfaces. The poles are also equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps – comfortable fingerless glove type straps patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

 

The benefits of using the Perfect Length Poles are many. Perfect length poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back – better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout – burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.

 

Edwards knows that Nordic Walking Poles could help thousands of new walkers, hikers and trekkers enjoy National Trails Day next year in 2011.

 

Walking, hiking and trekking with poles is the best!

  

Contact Information:

Toll Free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255

Email: getfit@SkiWalking.com

SWIX Poles: www.swixnordicwalking.com

EXEL Poles: www.exelnordicwalking.com

http://nordicwalkingusa.blogspot.com

http://nordicsportsusa.blogspot.com

http://www.michiganskiblog.com/?p=605

http://nordicwalking.typepad.com

Nordic Walking Poles Can Help To Get You Ready For Ski Season!

Nordic Walking For ALL Ages and ALL Fitness Levels

Nordic Walking has been proven to help improve aerobic capacity, increase oxygen uptake and maximize calorie burn compared to regular walking.  Nordic Walking Poles also help to eliminate many joint pains and they help to improve upper body mobility as well.

Cross country ski racers have been hill bounding and ski walking for decades as a means to get a jump-start on ski season when deprived of snow. Nordic Walking Poles can help you get a jump-start on ski season as well.

Real Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with removable rubber Nordic Walking Tips/Asphalt Paws – ideal for pavement and other hard surfaces. Nordic Walking can be done on any surface – including indoor/outdoor tracks and even in the mall. Remove the rubber tips and the metal tips provide traction on trails, the beach, snow and ice.

The best Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with special Nordic Walking Straps – kind of like a fingerless glove. SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles utilize comfortable straps patented by the Salomon Ski Company. The best cross country ski racing poles are also equipped with these proven and tested straps patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

The American Nordic Walking System provides three basic levels of exertion – providing at least one comfortable level of intensity and effectiveness for any age and any fitness level. 

Level 1 – burns up to 20% more calories than regular walking

Level 2 – burns up to 30% more calories than regular walking

Level 3 – burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking

Go to: The American Nordic Walking System for additional info and instructions

REAL Nordic Walking Poles differ from typical hiking and trekking poles in that they can accommodate the rubber tips/paws. Nordic Walking Poles are typically lighter – especially the one-piece poles that prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-lock and flip-lock poles that often rattle, vibrate, collapse/fail and or freeze up. One-piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be user-friendly and hassle-free.

The Nordic Track is also a great way to get ready for both downhill and cross country skiing. Downhill skiers will benefit from cross country skiing as a means to get ready to hit the slopes too. Snowshoeing with poles (Nordic Snowshoeing) is also another great way to get ready for ski season. No snow? No problem – try Nordic Walking. No snow, no skis required.

We just received a call from a happy customer ordering her 3rd and 4th pair of one-piece Nordic Walking Poles from us – quality one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles. They had two pairs of expensive twist-lock poles from REI and she referred to them as “garbage” due to the noise (rattle) from the twist-locks and the hassle of the poles locking mechanism. We hear this type of feed back every day about 2 and 3 piece telescopic/collapsible poles – twist-lock and flip-lock. Skiers only use one-piece poles and they prove to be ideal for Nordic Walking when sized correctly by a professional.

I just got off the phone with a lady that just returned some expensive poles from Dick’s Sporting Goods because her husband, who has MS, couldn’t get the poles to stop collapsing. She ordered one-piece poles from us costing half the price. Our one-piece poles will prove to be far superior and stronger. Individuals with balance issues should avoid twist-lock and flip-lock poles.

Nordic Walking and Nordic Skiing In 2010

Nordic Walking and Cross Country Skiing

On January 1st, 2010 I had the privilege to host Nordic Walking Classes in the morning and spend the afternoon cross country skiing with my family. A perfect way to kick off the New Year! 

When hosting Nordic Walking Classes here in Glen Arbor and across the country I often hear from participants and/or their spouses that the Nordic Walking Poles I provide them with for their test-drive and lesson are “miracle sticks”. Really, I hear this often. Sometimes I hear this from Moms or Dads, Husbands or Wives and/or Sons or Daughters. And my first Nordic Walking Class of 2010 was a typical home run. 

When hosting Nordic Walking Classes here in Glen Arbor and across the country I often hear from participants and/or their spouses that the Nordic Walking Poles I them for their test-drive and lesson are “miracle sticks”. Really, I hear this often. Sometimes I hear this from Moms or Dads, Husbands or Wives and/or Sons or Daughters. And my first Nordic Walking Class of 2010 was a typical home run. 

One couple on January 1st almost immediately referred to our Nordic Walking Poles as “miracle sticks”. The wife had been having some walking and balance issues. After their test-drive and the intro to the American Nordic Walking System’s three basic levels the husband was so impressed with his wife’s walking progress that he was sold on Nordic Walking too. Nordic Walking not only provides all of the healthy benefits of cross country skiing, the poles also help to radically improve balance and stability. 

I do my Nordic Walking with 125cm SWIX and EXEL Nordic Poles. I love the comfortable straps on these poles – patented by the Salomon Ski Company. I cross country ski with 150cm poles for classic skiing and 160cm poles for skate skiing. My xc ski poles have the same comfortable patented straps as my Nordic Walking Poles. During one of my classes on January 1st it was easier for me to grab my son’s 125 cm SWIX xc ski poles off the porch instead of running back inside to select another demo pair of 125cm Nordic Walking Poles. Obviously my son’s ski poles worked great during that class – the roads were snow covered and I didn’t need rubber tips/paws. His xc ski poles are equipped with the same comfortable straps as all of my Nordic Walking Poles. At USA XC Ski Nationals in Alaska earlier this month SWIX wax and SWIX poles dominated. 

On the afternoon of January 1st we grabbed our xc skis and poles, and hit the trails in back of town. All of us use SWIX xc ski poles – all equipped with the same super comfortable fingerless glove type straps. The conditions were perfect and it was an easy wax day – blue extra. The trails behind town are hilly. Spring, summer and fall we Nordic Walk these great trails – part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore trails system. 

During all 4 seasons we utilize durable one-piece poles. We don’t do much snowshoeing, but when we do we always use poles. In all situations (skiing, Nordic Walking and snowshoeing) we only use one-piece poles that are sized correctly to each of our heights. Our one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-lock and flip-lock poles. Skiers only use one-piece poles for obvious reasons. 

At SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we only recommend user-friendly and reliable one-piece Nordic Walking Poles for everyday use. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should avoid cheap twist-lock poles too. 

January 1st was a fantastic day – Nordic sports are the best! 

Free Nordic Walking Classes Return to Traverse City, Michigan’s Diabetes Day

Nordic Walking For ALL Ages & ALL Fitness Levels

On Wednesday, April 14, 2010 “Diabetes” Day will be held at Traverse City’s Bayview Wesleyan Church from 1pm to 3pm. This event is open to the public and there is no admission charge.

 

Diabetes Day is an open house with the latest products and educational materials. Participants receive free up-to-date information to help with blood sugar control. Pete Edwards, owner/founder/coach of SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System will provide FREE Nordic Walking Classes.

 

The statistics are alarming: The American Diabetes Association says that diabetes is a disease with a staggering human and economic toll – nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes including 5.7 million who are currently undiagnosed.

 

According to Dr. Christiane Northrup “Exercise is, hands down, one of the most powerful and well-documented ways to stay young for as long as possible” and exercise is often the key to diabetes control. The wonderful thing about Nordic Walking Poles is that they often help to make walking more comfortable, more effective and help to radically improve balance and stability. Nordic Walking Poles are a huge improvement over canes and walkers for many. If pushing a shopping cart is comfortable then Nordic Walking Poles will be ideal for you.

 

Diabetes Day displays will include (partial list):

 

Representatives from blood glucose meter companies – see the latest meters!

 

Insulin pump representatives – learn more about insulin pump therapy!

 

Representatives from medication companies – learn about the newest drugs!

 

Carbohydrate counting –quick healthy foods, taste-testing, recipes!

 

Meter maintenance and accuracy check –bring in your meter!

 

Outpatient Diabetes Education – find out about our programs and services.

 

Munson’s Community Health Library – learn how to use their resources.

 

Munson’s Cardiac Rehab and Prevention – learn how to keep your heart healthy and exercise options.

 

Nordic Ski Walking Classes – exercise is key to diabetes control!

 

Med-wise –medication questions answered by a Munson pharmacist

 

Northern Michigan Diabetes Initiative – is here to help you. Find out how!

 

Ask The Physician – Meet Dr. Lamie, Internist and Medical Director of Diabetes Education Program and Dr. VanTil, Internist and Chair of the Diabetes Initiative Treatment Group.

 

Diabetes and Your Feet – Dr. Lathrop, Podiatrist, will provide information on the importance of foot care in people with diabetes

 

Diabetes and Your Eyes – Dr. Wentzloff, Ophthalmalogist, will provide information on eye care in people with diabetes

 

Vascular Disease and Diabetes – Dr. Corpus, Cardiologist, will provide information on the effects of diabetes on your blood vessels

 

Edwards will provide FREE Nordic Walking Classes and FREE Nordic Walking Poles for participants to test-drive during the event. Edwards is a firm believer that one-piece poles that are sized correctly are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece poles that are held together by twist-lock or flip-lock mechanisms that typically rattle, vibrate and/or collapse unexpectedly. Edwards’  website and company, SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System, offer 14 different lengths of durable and user-friendly one-piece poles.

 

 

 

For Additional Info Please Contact: MUNSON MEDICAL CENTER DIABETES EDUCATION AND CLINIC by calling 231-935-8200

 

For More Information About Nordic Walking:

Swix Nordic Walking: http://www.swixnordicwalking.com

Exel Nordic Walking: http://www.exelnordicwalking.com

Nordic Walking Blog: http://nordicwalkingusa.blogspot.com

Nordic Walking USA: http://nordicwalkingusa.wordpress.com

Nordic Walking Blog: http://nordicwalking.typepad.com

Nordic Sports Blog: http://nordicsportsusa.blogspot.com

Email: getfit@SkiWalking.com

Toll Free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255  

 

Nordic Walking Poles ENABLING Those With Walking Difficulties To Walk Taller, Walk Faster And Walk Further

 

REAL Nordic Walking Poles

While hosting Nordic Walking Clinics this past week at Glen Eagle Retirement Community’s Health Fair I ran into a happy customer of mine. She told me how much she LOVED her one-piece Nordic Walking Poles. She also told me how happy her friend June was with her one-piece Nordic Walking Poles too. She told me that June calls her walking poles her “enablers” because they enable her to walk freely without a cane or a walker. June is 92 years young.

One-piece Nordic Walking Poles really do help to radically improve the balance, stability and gait of individuals that are experiencing walking difficulties. Individuals with balance issues should avoid cheap/flimsy two-piece and three-piece twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles that tend to rattle, vibrate and/or collapse unexpectedly. One-piece Nordic Walking Poles that are sized correctly prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy collapsible poles – especially those super cheap ones from China.

Real Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with boot shaped rubber tips/asphalt paws that act as shock absorbers while walking on pavement and other hard surfaces. The rubber tips/asphalt paws are ideal for indoor/outdoor tracks, in the mall, on carpet and tile. The rubber tips/asphalt paws are removable. When removed the metal tips are exposed and can be used on trails, the beach, grass, snow and ice. Real Nordic Walking Poles are also equipped with comfortable fingerless glove type straps. SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles come equipped with Salomon patented Nordic Walking Straps.

Perfect length poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back – better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout – burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.

There is a lot of confusion out there regarding Nordic Walking Poles. Skiers know that one-piece poles are the only choice for downhill and cross country skiing. Skiers know that 2-piece collapsible poles wouldn’t be able to hold up, plus they would be heavier. For every day use one-piece Nordic Walking Poles will prove to be superior too. One-piece poles also work great for hiking and trekking too. We have successfully tested our quality one-piece poles in the Grand Canyon, on the Appalachian Trail and in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We have received success stories from individuals using our one-piece poles all across the country – from the White Mountains to Lake Tahoe.

Almost daily we receive feedback from individuals who purchased their first pair of walking poles from a source promoting 2-piece and/or 3-piece poles – and the feedback is not good regarding these cheap/flimsy collapsible poles. All of our customer feedback ratings are 100% positive. If we promoted twist-lock or flip-lock poles we would not be able to maintain a 100% satisfaction rating.

When I host free clinics for multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s (PD), diabetes and Wounded Warrior Programs I would be embarrassed if I utilized 2-piece or 3-piece poles. I only use 1-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles when hosting Nordic Walking Classes. Other Nordic Walking Instructors have told me how embarrassed they are when their twist-lock and/or flip-lock poles refuse to lock into position during classes. It is a total hassle for me to travel to clinics with a large inventory of one-piece poles, but our one-piece poles prove to be user-friendly and hassle free. And because our one-piece poles are equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps and they almost sell themselves.

At the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM we also donate our quality one-piece poles to the Wounded Warriors Program. Providing them with cheap/flimsy collapsible poles just wouldn’t be right. Many of the participants in my free Nordic Walking Classes for the Wounded Warriors come to my classes using a cane or walker. Our sturdy 1-piece poles prove to be a huge improvement over the cane and/or walker.Don’t get scammed by cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock poles from China!

Walking with poles is the best!

 

 

 

Can a Walking Workout Really Be as Good or Better than Running?

We ship tons of REAL Nordic Walking Poles to Florida all year round. Quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles that are sized correctly work great on the beach, sidewalks, indoor/outdoor tracks, parks, trails and even in the mall. REAL Nordic Walking Poles come with removable rubber tips/asphalt paws for pavement and other hard surfaces. When you pull off the rubber tips/paws the durable metal tips are exposed and ideal for trails, the beach, snow and ice. Nordic Walking can be done any time of year and in any climate.

The also help to radically improve balance and stability. Quality one-piece poles prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles that are flooding the market from China and tend to rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse and unexpectedly collapse/fail.

WWW.SKIWALKING.COM is the exclusive retailer for one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles in North America – offering 16 standard lengths and custom built poles for NBA height individuals.

Walking with poles is the best!
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