Nordic Walking Comes To New York's Jamestown And Chautauqua Lake

The ALL-STAR Staff From LSS (Lutheran Social Services)

When Mike Rabent, the Director of Physical Therapy at LSS (Lutheran Social Services) in Jamestown, New York, emailed an invitation to host Nordic Ski Walking Classes for his staff and the local community I knew it would be a great event. The turn-out far exceeded our expectations and the success stories were almost record breaking. Morning classes where open to the public. The afternoon class was for the staff - doctors, physical therapists and nursing staff. The evening class was again open to the public. All classes included an introduction into Nordic Walking, some of the history and a review of the American Nordic Walking System and an opportunity to test drive our quality one-piece poles - custom fit to each individual’s height.

The American Nordic Walking System and http://www.skiwalking.com/ provide quality poles and instructions here in the USA and Canada. We are committed to safety and one-piece pole design. And the American Nordic Walking System provides a practical and effective approach that is easy to understand. There are three basic levels – all varying in intensity and accommodate all ages and all fitness levels.

Participants ranged from children to great-grand parents. We were thrilled to strap our comfortable patented straps onto doctors, therapists and nursing staff. ALL participants were pleasantly surprised to find out that the correct length poles and proper technique can automatically straighten out the back, burn more calories and reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back.

Participants varied from hikers and runners to individuals with balance and/or joint issues including MS, Parkinson’s, Diabetes, Neuropathy, Post Polio, Arthritis, Rotor Cuff, Carpal Tunnel and other challenges. Local MS and Parkinson's Support Groups had been invited. In every situation our poles proved helpful. It was crystal clear that our one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking poles. Many participants that already had their own poles told stories of their adjustable length twist-locking/telescoping/collapsible poles failing, breaking and not being user friendly. Our staff knows better then to sell twist-locking poles to seniors and/or folks with balance issues.

This wonderful opportunity to work with diverse ages, athletes as well as those with balance and/or joint issues proved that walking with poles is an ideal way to get more out of walking and in many cases make walking a doable exercise again.