Nordic Walking Blog

Nordic Walking During The Holidays

2011-11-22T21:28:00.000-05:00

Even Santa Claus knows enough to get out the Nordic Walking Poles and get more bang for his exercise time - burning more calories than regular walking and radically reducing the stress to that old football injury. And of course being Nordic himself, Nordic Walking Poles only make sense any time of year.

Over the holidays we all tend to eat and drink more while exercising a little less. Sure fine-tuned athletes can get away with that, but the rest of us can't afford it.

According to the Surgeon General "the enemy is within us - being sedentary. Walking is the biggest bang for our buck. Thirty minutes a day of walking will prevent many cases of diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases. Walking is the simplest, easiest way for most people."

Originally Ski Walking was reserved for elite cross country ski racers deprived of snow. These skiers in the know used and still use exclusively one-piece poles that are sized to their specific heights. While roller skiing today I used durable one-piece poles and knew for a fact that cheap/flimsy collapsible poles would have been a horrible choice for this fun, but intense workout. One-piece poles in ALL situations will prove to be safer, lighter and much more user-friendly than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles equipped with twist-clocks or flip-locks that are mostly made in China. Many of my happy customers no longer use their old canes and/or walkers. The correct Nordic Walking technique and the Perfect Length Poles have enabled many of my customers to walk taller, with more confidence, with less pain and walk longer distances more comfortably thanks to their user-friendly and reliable one-piece Nordic Walking 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.

At WWW.SKIWALKING.COM LLC and the American Nordic Walking System we offer 16 different lengths of quality one-piece poles. These poles are ideal for all ages and all fitness levels. I just got off the phone with happy customer that found Nordic Walking everyday helped to relieve her back pain. She had tried collapsible poles and couldn't get the left pole to stay in position - a common problem with all collapsible poles regardless of price. Most of the collapsible poles flooding the market are from China.

Our quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles are made by SWIX of Norway and by EXEL of Finland. These real Nordic Walking Poles are found exclusively in North America at WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System – World Headquarters based in Empire, Michigan.

So during the holidays get out and try to walk that 1/2 hour a day that the surgeon general suggests - with or without poles, just get out and walk.

Happy Holidays!

Nordic Walking With The Piping Plovers In the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

2011-08-08T22:19:00.000-04:00

One of the best ways to tour the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is with hiking poles. The 4-wheel drive action works great in the sand. The poles eliminate back-pain that many encounter when walking on the sand dunes or along the beach.

This summer we Ski Walked past several marked nesting areas of the Piping Plover - an endangered shorebird slightly smaller and shorter legged then the killdeer.

The greatest concentration of Piping Plovers in the Great Lakes occurs at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. More info about the Piping Plover can be found here: http://www.nps.gov/slbe/naturescience/pipingplover.htm

My favorite Ski Walk this summer has been up at Glen Haven - the views are spectacular. The route passes through a ghost tree forest.

My favorite wooded trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes Area is up on Alligator Hill with a trailhead located behind Glen Arbor.

I do all of my hiking with durable and user friendly one-piece Nordic Walking Poles from SWIX or EXEL. SWIX out of Norway and EXEL out of Finland. Quality one-piece walking poles with real Nordic Walking Straps (comfortable patented straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company). One-piece walking poles that are sized correctly prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles that tend to rattle, vibrate, collapse gradually or fail unexpectedly.

Real Nordic Walking Poles and helpful instruction can be found at SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System.

For more information about the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore check out:
http://www.nps.gov/slbe

Nordic Walking Instruction and Nordic Walking Poles - Another HUGE Sucess At Senior Health Fair

2011-04-07T08:58:00.013-04:00

Real Nordic Walking Poles were provided no charge during free Nordic Walking Lessons during the 2011 Bay Ridge Senior Health Fair on April, 6, 2011.

The Village at Bay Ridge, a retirement community, in Traverse City, Michigan hosted Nordic Walking Pole demo/free rental, Nordic Walking Classes and Instruction, blood pressure checks, hearing device displays and testing, nutritional information, breathing tests, fire department safety tips, senior legal service information, eye care information and much more.

The Nordic Walking Classes where held both indoors in the long hallways and outside on the beautiful grounds - including a paved walking path around Bay Ridge's pond. All participants used durable one-piece poles sized to each of their specific heights - 16 different lengths were available to ensure a Perfect Length Guarantee. All of the Nordic Walking poles also were equipped with REAL Nordic Walking Straps - comfortable fingerless glove type straps patented by the Salomon Ski Company. The poles were also equipped with removable rubber tips/asphalt paws that proved ideal for the carpeted hallways and the paved walkways outside. The adventurous removed the rubber tips/asphalt paws and test the durable metal tips on the grass.

The poles were provided by SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. The classes were taught by Pete Edwards, North America's leading Nordic Walking Instructor and the owner/founder/coach of SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. Edwards has introduced thousands of Americans to Nordic Walking and has hosted Nordic Walking Classes from Coast to Coast.

The fitness levels of the Nordic Walking participants varied from super active individuals to restricted individuals to using canes, walkers and even wheelchairs. In all situations the one-piece Nordic Walking Poles proved to be a huge success. Many participants were reluctant to try Ski Walking or Nordic Walking - assuming it was only for skiers or more active individuals. Once they were asked if they felt most comfortable walking when pushing a shopping cart they all responded "yes - how did you know" and then they were informed that the poles are even more comfortable and much more versatile.

One participant got up out of her wheel-chair and successfully tested the poles and of course loved them. Ages included individuals over 90 years young. One 90 + year old came using one old ski pole - and claimed one ski pole was better than none and much more comfortable than her cane. She found that two real Nordic Walking Poles sized for her height were ideal.

Some individuals had weight and/or balance issues. Many had knee, hip and/or back issues. In every situation the poles proved to be the most comfortable walking option they had encountered.

Edwards is committed to the simple fact that one-piece Nordic Walking Poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock or flip-lock collapsible poles. Edwards has been coaching runners and skiers for over 25 years and would never allow his athletes to use cheap collapsible poles that tend to rattle, vibrate, freeze up, gradually collapse or collapse unexpectedly.

The one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles provided were often referred to "miracle sticks" and "enablers". Nordic Walking Poles when used correctly really do radically improve balance, stability and walking posture (biomechanically a good thing).

SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles from can be ordered easily at SKIWALKING.COM or by calling toll free: 877-SKIWALK or 877-754-9255

The original Nordic Walking Poles were made by EXEL in Finland. More information about the new EXEL Urban Skier Nordic Walking Poles can be found at EXEL NORDIC WALKING

SWIX makes the world's best ski racing poles and the world's fastest ski wax. More info about SWIX Nordic Walking Poles can be found at SWIX NORDIC WALKING

Don't get scammed by cheap/flimsy collapsible poles making false claims about their durability. One-piece poles are much more user-friendly and do not involve twist-lock systems or flip-locks systems.

Nordic Walking on Christmas Eve - And HUGE Success Working With Stroke Recovery!

2010-12-25T05:35:00.004-05:00

My favorite activities are Nordic Walking, Roller Skiing and Cross Country Skiing.

Today, Christmas Eve, I had the chance to provide a free Nordic Walking lesson to a young lady recovering from a stroke. My one-piece EXEL Nordic Walking Poles made a huge improvement in her balance, stability and gait.

On our 2nd lap around the living room and kitchen areas she started to alternate perfectly – working the right arm in conjunction with the left foot (opposite or alternating). Her supportive parents were thrilled. She felt the success and knew the poles would play a key role in her recovery.

In ALL of my Nordic Walking Classes and Lessons I get the same positive feedback. In ALL of my Nordic Walking Classes/Lessons I only supply quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles. Cheap/flimsy twist-locks and flip-locks are terrible, while our 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.

I’ve been coaching runners and skiers for over 25 years and walking with real Nordic Walking Poles makes so much sense to me. The false promotion of cheap/flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock poles makes no sense to me at all. One-piece Nordic Walking that are sized correctly are far superior to heavy, clunky collapsible poles. Collapsible poles tend to rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse or collapse unexpectedly.

At SkiWalking.com and the American Nordic Walking System we provide 16 different lengths of quality Nordic Walking Poles from SWIX and EXEL – from Norway and Finland.

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’s winning combination of improved posture, a unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits - helping many individuals to walk comfortably again. Nordic Walking Poles are helping 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, heart disease/cardiac issues, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), multiple sclerosis (MS), parkinson's (PD), neuropathy, diabetes, 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.

When I’m out xc skiing, roller skiing or Ski Walking (Nordic Walking) I only use one-piece poles and would NEVER consider using cheap/crappy collapsible poles. I’m out cross country skiing every day during the winter and today while skiing with my best friend it was so obvious (so crystal clear) that our one-piece poles are so darn superior to cheap/flimsy collapsible poles. And the best straps for cross country skiing also make the best straps for Nordic Walking! The fingerless glove-type straps that are patented by the Salomon Ski Company really prove to be super comfortable and the most effective.

We are the exclusive source in North America for real SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles here at SkiWalking.com and the American Nordic Walking System. Not only do we offer 16 different lengths we are able to custom fit poles to any individual’s height/specs.

Skiers, Ski Resorts and Ski Rental shops do NOT use or promote cheap/flimsy collapsible poles – they all utilize quality one-piece poles in order to ensure a Perfect Fit.

Even Santa Claus has been spotted using our quality SWIX Nordic Walking Poles from Lillehammer, Norway.

Walking with poles is the best!

Nordic Walking Poles and Classes Come To True Blue University

2010-11-25T02:52:00.000-05:00

Nordic Walking at Calvin College's Prince Conference Center

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network of Michigan hosted True Blue University Programs this past fall at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, at the Sarvis Center in Flint, Lansing Community College and at Calvin College’s Prince Conference Center.

True Blue University is an educational event designed to help Blue Cross members learn about important topics like nutrition, Medicare, fitness and elder law. Participants had a variety of seminars to pick from and a diverse group of exhibitors were on hand too.

Free private and group Nordic Walking Classes were hosted by Pete Edwards, owner/founder, of WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. Edwards and his company are based out of Glen Arbor, Michigan – in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Edwards is one of the few Nordic Walking Instructors that utilizes one-piece poles for all his classes. Edwards selects the perfect length one-piece poles for each participant. 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. WWW.SKIWALKING.COM offers 16 different lengths of quality SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles.

At the first True Blue University event Edwards barely had time to set up his display because other exhibitors were so excited about his quality Nordic Walking Poles. Many participants found that Nordic Walking Poles really can turbo charge a typical walking campaign. The poles help to engage more muscle groups and assist in burning 20%-40% more calories than regular walking. Participants with knee, hip and/or back issues quickly discovered that the poles almost magically make joint pain go away. Individuals that are limited to a cane and/or walker discover that the poles radically improve balance, stability and gait.

Nordic Walking’s winning combination of improved posture, a unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits - helping many individuals to walk comfortably again. Nordic Walking Poles are helping 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.

Edwards especially enjoys hosting free Nordic Walking clinics for MS, Parkinson’s and Diabetes support groups, plus Wounded Warrior Programs too. Edwards and his Michigan company have donated hundreds of quality one-piece poles to Wounded Warrior Programs at Walter Reed, Fort Lewis/Madigan/McChord, Fort Carson, Vicenza in Italy and Kaiserslautern Military Community in Germany.

Edwards has been coaching runners and skiers for over 25 years. He has been teaching Nordic Walking Classes for 6 years and has hosted hundreds of Nordic Walking Classes. He ships SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles out of Glen Arbor every day.

Walking with poles is the best!

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

2010-11-13T23:54:00.006-05:00

Great article about Nordic Walking from the Huntington Post! Malin is one of the top Nordic Walking professionals in the North America.

My approach to teaching Nordic Walking is combining the benefits of Ski Walking with poles, Hill Bounding with poles, the European Nordic Walking method and then a. Our teaching system proves to be safe and effective regardless of age or fitness levels. At SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System there are three basic levels - casual Level 1 burns about 20% more calories than regular walking, Level 2 includes a full arm extension and burns 30% more calories than regular walking and Level 3 includes the full arm extension and pressure into the cradle of our comfortable patented Nordic Walking straps. If your Nordic Walking Poles aren't equipped with Salomon patented Nordic Walking Straps you are really missing out.

There is a level of intensity and exertion that will work effectively for any age and any fitness level - including those with balance, stability and gait issues. Nordic Walking is no longer just for expert skiers deprived of snow.

I especially love hosting Nordic Walking classes for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s (PD) and Diabetes support groups, plus Wounded Warrior Programs. SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System have donated hundreds of pairs of poles to Wounded Warrior Programs.

I also exclusively promote and recommend durable and user-friendly one-piece poles that are sized correctly - we offer 16 different lengths. Our one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles prove to be safer, lighter and much stronger than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles.

Runners and walkers can both benefit from using real Nordic Walking Poles - burning more calories, working more muscle groups and radically reducing the stress to the weight bearing joints. I have been coaching runners and skiers for over 25 years and walking with poles has provided an effective warm-up for my athletes and also been an ideal option for anyone suffering from shin splints, runners knee or other stress related injuries.

Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Walking and running with poles is the best!

2010 Glen Lake Turkey Trot Welcomes Runners, Walkers, Jogging Stollers and Nordic Walking Poles

2010-11-08T17:19:00.003-05:00

Costumes Are Optional, But A Tradition For The Glen Lake Varsity Cross Country Team

The 2010 Glen Lake Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk are all about celebrating health and fitness out on beautiful wooded trails. Runners, walkers, jogging strollers and Nordic walking poles are welcome. The Turkey Trot is being held on Saturday, November 13th - 10am start time.

Over a dozen turkeys and other prizes will be randomly drawn and awarded at the conclusion of the event.

The Turkey Trot is a fundraiser for the Glen Lake Cross Country Running Program.

There will be race day registration. Turkey Trot applications can be picked up at the Glen Lake Athletic Office or in Traverse City at either of the Running Fit Locations - downtown or on south airport.

Runners, walkers, Nordic walkers and Nordic runners of all ages welcome.

For more info please contact Coach Schut

by phone: 231-334-3061 ext. 405

by email: schutr@glenlake.k12.mi.us

World Nordic Walking Day A Total Success

2010-11-02T03:03:00.002-04:00

We had perfect weather for our Nordic Walking adventures on World Nordic Walking Day - October 10th.

I was able to offer free Nordic Walking Lessons in town (Glen Arbor, Michigan) and lead free Nordic Walking Tours into the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Our favorite routes are the beautiful hilly and wooded trails behind town up on Alligator Hill. On sunny days like Oct. 10th the #1 pick is always Devils Hole high up on the Sleeping Bear Dunes in a secrete location that only locals know about.

All participants in the free lessons and free tours received a free pair of demo poles for the day - real SWIX Nordic Walking Poles. I only teach lessons with one-piece Nordic Walking Poles that are sized correctly. I carry 16 different lengths so sizing is easy and hassle free. I do not promote or recommend cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should also avoid cheap/flimsy collapsible poles.

Our quality one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles are proven to be safer, lighter and much more durable than collapsible poles from China that tend to rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse or collapse unexpectedly.

As a ski coach it only makes sense to use one-piece poles because cheap/flimsy collapsible poles couldn't cut it. Most of the cheap/flimsy collapsible poles are destined for the landfill.

Walking with Poles is the best!

World Nordic Walking Day Celebrated by the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

2010-10-09T22:02:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, Oct. 10th, I’ll be providing free Nordic Walking Classes – group and private lessons here in Glen Arbor, Michigan at our Nordic Walking Headquarters. I’ll also be offering free guided Nordic Walking trips into the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Potential trips will go to Pyramid Point, Glen Haven, Alligator Hill and/or Devil’s Bowl. Flatter trails and less demanding trial options will also be offered. Durable and user-friendly one-piece Nordic Walking Poles will be provided at no charge during the lessons and the trips into the National Lakeshore - all individuals will receive the perfect length one-piece Nordic Walking Poles for their heights.

Over 8 million Europeans are walking with Nordic Walking Poles – in the cities (with rubber tips/asphalt paws on), out in the country and up in the mountains (rubber tips/paws off and exposing the durable carbide metal tips).

The INWA (International Nordic Walking Association) was formed 10 years ago and Nordic Walking enthusiasts from around the world will be celebrating “Nordic Walking Day”. EXEL Nordic Walking Poles out of Finland founded and funded the INWA for years. Unfortunately for many years the INWA refused to accept my membership with their organization because I was dealing with SWIX Nordic Walking Poles from Norway. EXEL did coin the term “Nordic Walking” and developed teaching methods and techniques that stood apart from other forms of hiking, trekking and fitness walking with poles. SWIX and EXEL poles are very similar, known for extreme quality and both are most respected in the Nordic ski racing community.

Here in North America http://www.skiwalking.com/ (The American Nordic Walking System) has been the leading supplier of SWIX and EXEL poles for years and is currently the exclusive source for all 16 lengths and is also the exclusive source for SWIX and EXEL rubber Nordic Walking tips/asphalt paws.

SWIX and EXEL have proven their quality in the Olympics and out on the World Cup. Both SWIX and EXEL are dedicated to the simple fact that one-piece Nordic Walking Poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock poles from China and Taiwan. Collapsible poles tend to rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse or collapse unexpectedly or simply fail/break.

All of us here at http://www.skiwalking.com/ and the American Nordic Walking System are dedicated to this same simple fact about one-piece poles being superior to cheap/flimsy collapsibles. I’m a ski coach and it is a fact that collapsible poles are NEVER used for Nordic Skiing (cross country skiing), Roller Skiing or Nordic Blading (inline skating). Collapsible poles can’t take the stress. Skiers wouldn't use cheap/flimsy collapsible poles for the Ski Walking and Hill Bounding drills during the summer when deprived of snow - they only use and only recommend one-piece poles that are sized correctly.

Have FUN on World Nordic Walking Day!

Nordic Walking Poles - NOT All Nordic Walking Tips/Paws Are Created Equal

2010-04-08T15:49:00.000-04:00

Nordic Walking has already swept across Europe and over 8 million Europeans are benefiting everyday from the use of Nordic Walking Poles – in the cities with the removable rubber tips/paws on, out in the country (rubber tips off) and up in the mountains (rubber tips off).

Nordic Walking has yet to be enthusiastically embraced here in the USA . However, those of us that are aware of the many benefits of using Nordic Walking Poles couldn’t be more enthusiastic about this wonderful fitness activity with Scandinavian roots. Unfortunately the US market is being flooded by cheap and flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock poles and rubber tips from China. Many of these poles are equipped with a thin rubber or plastic cap (basically to prevent the metal tips from poking a hole in your car seat or luggage), but sold as Nordic Walking Tips and barely last a mile or two. Some of these cheap twist-lock and flip-lock poles come with what look like authentic Nordic Walking Tip/Asphalt Rubber Tips, but prove to wear out with-in a week or two. I have had numerous students in my Nordic Classes show me the short life span of their tips. They always appreciate the improved grip and cushion of the SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Tips/Asphalt Paws equipped on my Nordic Walking Poles.

I love Nordic Walking and cross country skiing because they are silent sports. Cheap and flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece poles tend to rattle, vibrate and/or collapse unexpectedly. And when the rubber tips wear out on these cheap poles the clank of the metal tip is annoying as well. I like to do my skiing and Nordic Walking in stealth mode and couldn’t tolerate the rattle, clicking and vibration coming from cheap poles from China.

Every day we hear from new customers who opted to purchase cheap twist-lock or flip-lock poles from other sources by mistake, or received them as gifts, and found that the tips wore out quickly and the twist-locks and/or flip-locks were noisy, uncooperative and annoying. New customers tell us that their original poles from EMS, REI, MC Sports, Cabala’s, L.L. Bean, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, Target, Wal-Mart, misc. websites, …… did not perform as they had hoped and ended up being returned or sent directly to the landfill.

A recent email from a happy customer reads like this about her old cheap poles:

Thanks for your help Pete. I poked through the Sportline pole tip in less than 20 miles. I like to walk at least 5 miles a day with the poles. The Sportline poles rattle quite a bit, too.

Thanks for the quick reply and the info.

Lynne

We have received feedback from hundreds of individuals that had problems with the cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock poles from China that they didn’t get from us. Every day we receive happy customer feedback from current customers in regard to their quality and hassle-free one-piece poles. Our 100% positive customer satisfaction ratings indicate that we are doing something right by promoting user-friendly one-piece poles that are sized correctly to each individual’s height and backed with a Perfect Length Guarantee. Quality one-piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap collapsible poles from China.

And when it comes to Nordic Walking tips/asphalt paws we always recommend EXEL, LEKI and SWIX Tips.

When looking for Nordic Walking Poles here are some questions you should ask the seller:

1. Are these poles made in China?
* don’t get scammed by cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece poles. If the retailer doesn't know where the poles are made assume they are the cheap twist-lock and/or flip-lock poles from China.

2. Are these poles equipped with Salomon Patented Nordic Walking Straps?
* you can’t beat the comfortable and patented Nordic Walking Straps from the Salomon Ski Company

3. Do you carry replacement tips incase I misplace one or wear them out?
* many of the cheap Nordic Walking Poles from China do not have replacement parts available. A reputable retailer will size you into the correct length poles and have a stash of rubber Nordic Walking Tips/Paws.

4. How many different lengths of poles do you carry?
* seniors and individuals with balance issues should never get conned into cheap 2-piece or 3-piece collapsible poles that may collapse unexpectedly. Demand quality one-piece poles that are sized correctly.

At the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM we carry 14 different lengths and can custom build poles for those over 6’ 6” at no extra charge – ensuring a perfect fit that is backed up by a Perfect Length Guarantee!

For additional info about quality Nordic Walking Poles and natural rubber Nordic Walking Tips/Asphalt Paws contact:

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

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

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

Nordic Walking Blog 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 Classes Offered During Annual Hagerty Employee Wellness Fair

2010-03-13T18:04:00.002-05:00

For the third year in a row free Nordic Ski Walking Clinics 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.

Dozens of 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 SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. ALL 14 lengths were available to accommodate the heights of all individuals – more lengths than any other Nordic Walking Company in North America.

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.

All of the participants in the Nordic Walking Classes commented that they could feel the automatic posture improvement when walking with the correct length poles. Many immediately noticed that more muscle groups were involved while walking with poles – much more so than regular walking.

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.

Hagerty Insurance employees appeared to enjoy and benefit from the Wellness Fair. Not only does Hagerty Insurance lead the industry in collector car and collector boat insurance, they are a leader in the “employee health” arena as well. In addition to hosting the Annual Employee Wellness Fair, Hagerty Insurance provides healthy activities and incentives to their valued employees all year round. And then there is Hagerty University, a corporate university that provides over 25 training classes for employees. One of Hagerty Insurance’s trademarks is their commitment to hiring great people and inspiring them to do their best! When many Michigan businesses are struggling it is inspiring to see such a success story.

For additional information about Hagerty Insurance check out their website: http://www.hagerty.com/

For more info about Nordic Walking Poles and the American Nordic Walking System please go to: http://www.skiwalking.com/

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

Email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

SWIX Ski Poles In The Olympics and Ideal For Nordic Walking In Your Neighborhood

2010-02-10T20:03:00.004-05:00

2010 U.S. OLYMPIC CROSS COUNTRY SKI TEAM - 9 of 11 Athletes Use Swix Ski Poles

SWIX Ski Racing Poles dominated at USA Cross Country Ski Nationals. And 9 out of 11 members of the USA Olympic Ski Team use SWIX Ski Racing Poles.

USA Olympic Cross Country Ski Team Members:
Morgan Arritola, Ketchum, ID, SWIX
Holly Brooks, Anchorage, AK, SWIX
Caitlin Compton, Minneapolis, SWIX
Kris Freeman, Andover, NH, SWIX
Simi Hamilton, Andover, NH, SWIX
Torin Koos, Leavenworth, EXEL
Garrott Kuzzy, Minneapolis, SWIX
Andy Newell, Shaftsbury, VT, SWIX
Kikkan Randall, Anchorage, SWIX
James Southam, Anchorage, SWIX
Liz Stephen, Montpelier, VT, ONEWAY

All of these skiers have confidence in their quality one-piece poles. Their one-piece high tech poles are equipped with comfortable and highly effective fingerless glove type straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company. Retail cost for these some of these quality poles: $399.95 per pair.

At SKIWALKING.COM the American Nordic Walking System we offer quality SWIX Nordic Walking Poles equipped with comfortable fingerless glove type straps, removable rubber tips/asphalt paws for pounding the pavement and durable carbide metal tips for off-road, the beach, snow and ice. The straps are also patented by the Salomon Ski Company. Retail cost: $69.95 per pair and a free Nordic Walking DVD is included. A Perfect Length Guarantee is also included. There are 14 different lengths of these SWIX Nordic Walking Poles available, more lengths than any other retailer in North America. Our customer satisfaction rating is 100% positive!

Skiers know that one-piece poles are lighter and much more durable than flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece poles. And when it comes to Nordic Walking, one-piece poles prove to be safer, lighter and much more user-friendly than cheap twist-lock and flip-lock poles.

I been coaching skiers for over 25 year and have never coached a skier that used adjustable length/collapsible poles. Skiers use one-piece poles. Ski Rental Shops don't utilize flimsy 2-piece poles either. Adjustable poles sound tempting in that you can adjust the length and collapse them down, but they are not as dependable as one-piece poles. Ajustable length/collapsible poles are also heavier than one-piece poles.

The comfortable and effective straps on my SWIX ski poles are identical to the straps on my Nordic Walking Poles. I coach skiers during the winter and teach Nordic Walking year-round. I have tremendous confidence in my poles. My one-piece SWIX poles are proven to be safer, lighter and much more durable than flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock poles that often vibrate, rattle and/or collapse unexpectedly.

The American Nordic Walking System and SWIX Nordic Walking Poles are ideal for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels. They are user-friendly in the city and out on the trail anytime of year. SWIX Nordic Walking Poles prove superior for casual walking, hiking and trekking too. When using the Perfect Length Poles they 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.

USA Olympic Team Members Garrott Kuzzy and Simi Hamilton are both graduates of Middlebury College and captains of the Middlebury Ski Team. My daughter Cassidy Edwards is also a recent graduate and former captain of the Middlebury Ski Team. She had the opportuntiy to ski with both Garrott and Simi at Middlebury, on the college carnival circuit and at NCAAs.

Here is a link to the US Ski Team: http://www.usskiteam.com/crosscountry

For information about SWIX Ski Racing Poles: http://www.swixsport.com/eway/default.aspx?pid=278&trg=MainContent_6179&MainContent_6179=6117:0:24,2656&MainPage_6117=6546:38043

Nordic Walking With Neuropathy -
REAL Nordic Walking Poles Radically Improve Balance and Stability!

Nordic Walking and the Sports Medicine Connection

2010-01-17T02:38:00.001-05:00

Nordic Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe, but all across North America many doctors and physical therapists are still unaware of the many benefits of walking with Nordic Walking Poles.

Sure, walking with ski poles and trekking poles can prove beneficial, but real Nordic Walking Poles that are sized correctly can help to radically reduce the stress to the weight bearing joints (knees, hips and back) and at the same time improve balance and stability. Nordic Walking poles can also help to burn 20% - 40% more calories than regular walking.

After hosting numerous Nordic Walking in-service programs for doctors and PT’s, SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System has had the opportunity to introduce Nordic Walking to hospitals, physical therapy locations and sports med facilities all across the USA. And in all of the inservice programs we have utilized user-friendly one-piece poles sized correctly to each participant's height. These durable one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-lock and flip-lock adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles from China.

A recent Nordic Walking/Sports Med article was posted at: http://www.sportmedbc.com/SportMedBlog/?p=630

Nordic Walking’s winning combination of improved posture, a unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits - helping many individuals to walk comfortably again. Nordic Walking Poles are helping 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.

Skiers use one-piece poles that are sized correctly. And as a ski coach that makes sense to me. Seniors and individual's with balance issues should especially avoid cheap collapsible poles. Don't get scammed by cheap twist-lock and/or flip-lock poles from China.

Walking with poles is the best!

NEW EXEL NORDIC WALKING WEBSITE LAUNCHED

2009-11-27T01:48:00.002-05:00

Exel Sports Oy, based in Finland, is one of the leading producers of carbon composite high-end products such as poles for Nordic Walking, cross-country skiing, alpine, trekking and sports accessories. EXEL has been committed to providing durable one-piece ski poles and Nordic Walking Poles – that prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-lock and flip-lock adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles from China.

The NEW Exel Nordic Walking website is http://www.exelnordicwalking.com/

The Exel Urban Skier Nordic Walking Poles are available exclusively through SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System - the #1 retailer of Exel Nordic Walking Poles in the USA. SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System are also the only source in North America with a complete size curve of Exel Nordic Walking Poles.

According to Wikipedia the Finnish ski pole manufacturer Exel, working with Marko Kantaneva, introduced the trademarked Nordic Walker poles in 1997. "Nordic walking" became the accepted term for fitness walking with specially designed poles. The Exel Urban Skier Nordic Walking Poles are the culmination of Exel’s legendary technology and the proven success of the American Nordic Walking System. The Exel Urban Skier Nordic Walking carbon composite shafts are made in Mäntyharju, Finland and are equipped with real Nordic Walking straps – comfortable straps patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

The Exel Urban Skier Nordic Walking Poles are the ultimate poles for the city. They come with rubber asphalt tips/paws for pounding the pavement, for use in the mall, on indoor/outdoor tracks and other on any hard surface. The rubber tips are removable and when removed, the durable metal tips are exposed. The metal tips are ideal for use on trails, the beach, snow and ice.

WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System are taking orders online, working directly with Nordic Walking Instructors and retailers.

Nordic Walking Returns To The Northern Michigan College Classroom

2009-11-03T11:28:00.000-05:00

On Friday, Nov. 6th, 2009, Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) will host Lifelong Learning Campus Day offering a Nordic Walking Class during this exciting annual event. Lifelong Learning Campus Day is a mind-stretching daylong learning adventure. Participants will select three sessions from the 33 enticing options; each designed to explore fresh ideas and designed for age 50+. Presenters for the day include community experts as well as NMC Extended Education instructors.

The Nordic Walking Class is scheduled during the 2nd session from: 11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The Nordic Walking Class will include an introduction to the history of Nordic Walking, a review of the many benefits of Nordic Walking, an opportunity to test drive real Nordic Walking Poles and instruction based on the American Nordic Walking System. Included will be an introduction to the three basic levels of Nordic Walking:

Level 1: Casually walking, trekking and hiking with the poles is healthy and good - burning around 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 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 about 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 heal unless your are descending a steep hill.

Level 3: Includes the full reach/full arm extension + 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 up to 40% more calories than regular walking. Level 3 requires maximum push and can most effectively be done with real Nordic Ski Walking Poles equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps (kind of like a fingerless glove). And remember the poles are NEVER planted in front of the lead heal unless your are descending a steep hill.

* Individuals With Balance Issues: For individuals with balance, stability and 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 – it is ideal for individuals using canes and walkers too - including 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, scoliosis, lumbar stenosis, fibromyalgia, post polio, osteoporosis, stroke recovery, cancer recovery and other limitations to walking. Edwards only recommends durable and user-friendly one-piece Nordic Walking Poles for seniors and individuals with balance issues and warns against the use of cheap twist-locking collapsible poles that can collapse unexpectedly, vibrate excessively, rattle and/or fail all together.

** If someone you know has difficulty walking due to weight issues, balance, stability or gait, ask them if they feel most comfortable walking while pushing a shopping cart. If the shopping cart is a good thing, then they are prime candidates for one-piece Nordic Walking Poles sized correctly to their height – a huge improvement over canes and walkers, and much more versatile then a shopping cart.

*** Always consult with your doctor prior to launching any new fitness campaigns and always start out in moderation.

Nordic Walking participants will have the opportunity to test drive real Nordic Walking Poles – sized specifically to each individual’s height. Edwards’ offers 14 different lengths of poles – more than any other company in North America. He also custom builds poles for individuals over 6’ 7” at no extra charge. Edwards is committed to the simple fact that quality one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

Presenter Pete Edwards has been coaching runners and skiers for over 25 years, and has introduced thousands of Americans to Nordic Walking. After hosting hundreds of Nordic Walking Clinics all across the USA he developed the American Nordic Walking System - providing safe and effective instruction. The American Nordic Walking System was specifically designed to provide a variety of intensity and exertion levels. There is an ideal level of intensity and exertion for any ages and any fitness level.

Edwards especially enjoys hosting free Nordic Walking clinics for MS, Parkinson’s and Diabetes support groups, plus Wounded Warrior Programs. Edwards and his family’s Nordic Walking Company also donate poles to Wounded Warrior programs.

For more information and to register please contact the NMC Life Academy: 231-995-1700 or go to: http://www.nmc.edu/ees/pdfs/CampusDay.pdf

For additional information about Nordic Walking go to: SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System or call 231-334-3080 (toll free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255)

Nordic Walking Success At Northport Highlands Retirement Community's Senior Health And Fitness Expo

2009-10-18T13:42:00.008-04:00

Nordic Walking came to Northport Highlands Retirement Community's Senior Health and Fitness Expo on Thursday, October 15th. Free lessons and free use of REAL Nordic Walking Poles were provided to residents, staff, therapists, personal trainers and the local community.

Classes were mostly held indoors on the carpeted hallways. The adventurous ventured outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and fall colors. Durable and user-friendly one-piece poles were provided in 14 different lengths.

The Nordic Walking lessons and classes were provided by Pete Edwards - owner/founder/coach of SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System. Edwards is committed to the simple fact that skiers and ski coaches like himself know that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-lock and/or flip-lock adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. And when it comes to quality Nordic Walking Poles, the same holds true - one-piece poles that are sized correctly are far superior to cheap two and three piece telescoping collapsible poles that may rattle, vibrate and/or collapse unexpectedly. Many of the participants reported problems that they had with their current snowshoe and walking poles - cheap twist-locking poles from other sources.

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. Quality one-piece fixed length SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles in 14 different lengths are found exclusively at SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic

Walking System.

Nordic Walking’s winning combination of improved posture, a unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits - help many individuals to walk comfortably again. Nordic Walking Poles are helping 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.

As with any new fitness activity be sure to consult with your physician prior to launching your Nordic Walking Campaign.

Nordic Walking At Northport Highlands

Nordic Walking and 2009 World Heart Day

2009-09-25T21:08:00.008-04:00

In 2007 the World Heart Federation and EXEL Sports Oy teamed up to encourage heart disease prevention. And this year Nordic Walking is one of several healthy activities planned for World Heart Day – Sept. 27th, 2009.

Nordic Walking is playing an important role in helping many individuals around the world to burn more calories then regular walking. Not only does Nordic Walking burn more calories than regular walking, perfect length poles and the correct technique the poles can help to radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Durable one-piece Nordic Walking Poles that are sized correctly are also proving to safely improve balance, stability, gait and walking posture for those with balance and stability issues.

For 2009 The World Heart Federation is placing additional emphasis on increasing awareness for the many benefits of workplace healthy habits. A workplace that encourages healthy habits really can reduce heart reduce and stroke. To find out more about workplace wellness programs please go to: http://www.world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/world-heart-day/get-involved/about-workplace-wellness-programmes

From a 2007 press release highlighting the teaming up of the World Heart Federation and EXEL Sports Oy:

Heart disease and stroke is the world’s largest killer, claiming 17.5 million lives a year. Eighty per cent of these lives are from populations in low and middle income countries, many amongst people of working age. A healthy diet and quitting smoking can prevent heart attacks and stroke. Regular physical exercise is also vitally important as it reduces the risk of stroke by over 25% and the risk of coronary heart disease by over 40% . Currently, 60 to 85% of women worldwide, for example, are not physically active enough to gain health benefits.

Physical inactivity contributes significantly to obesity, diabetes and hypertension. The heart is a muscle which needs regular exercise to keep it pumping blood efficiently with every heart beat. Regular activity and its impact on associated risk factors helps to slow down the narrowing of the arteries to the heart and brain, encourages the body to use up excess stored fat, can help to reduce high blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels (by increasing the high density lipid (HDL) level) and maintains normal blood glucose levels.

Nordic Walking was first used as a summer training method by cross-country skiers in Finland. It was then developed into a fitness exercise with specific training equipment in co-operation with the Finnish sports equipment manufacturer Exel Sports Oy, researchers in sports medicine, and other fitness professionals. Nordic Walking is an enhancement of regular walking using specifically designed poles to engage the upper body during fitness walking and to create a complete body workout. It is natural, safe and effective physical activity suitable for all. Nordic Walking increases heart rate by 5-17 beats per minute (in normal walking, heart rate is 130 beats/minute and in Nordic Walking, 147 beats per minute, an increase of 13%) and energy consumption by an average of 20% compared with ordinary walking without poles. Nordic Walking was first launched in Finland in 1997. It has rapidly increased in popularity and today Nordic Walking is one of the fastest growing outdoor fitness sports.

World Heart Day is run by the World Heart Federation’s member organizations in over 100 countries. Communities - from families to schools, social groups, workplaces and religious circles - can encourage smoke-free environments, regular physical activity and health food choices. As well as Nordic Walking events, other World Heart Day activities will include health checks, organized walks, runs and fitness sessions, public talks, stage shows, scientific forums, exhibitions, concerts, carnivals, and sports tournaments. Visit www.worldheartday.com

About Exel Nordic Walking Poles:

Exel Sports Oy, based in Finland, is one of the leading producer of composite high-end products such as poles for Nordic Walking, cross-country skiing, alpine, trekking and sports accessories. The #1 retailer of EXEL Nordic Walking Poles in the USA is SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. EXEL is committed to providing durable one-piece ski poles and Nordic Walking Poles – that prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Nordic Walking Poles from SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System are currently being used in Cardiac Rehabilitation Centers and utilized at numerous Healthy Heart Day Programs.

http://www.exelnordicwalking.com

About the World Heart Federation:

The World Heart Federation is a non-governmental organization based in Geneva Switzerland dedicated to the prevention and control of heart disease and stroke, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. It is comprised of 195 member societies of cardiology and heart foundations from over 100 countries covering the regions of Asia-Pacific, Europe, East Mediterranean, the Americas and Africa.

http://www.worldheart.org

Nordic Walking In Alaska

2009-09-10T00:30:00.008-04:00

We arrived in Juneau on Alaska Airlines, but before we took our bush plane to Gustavus, our cousin took us straight to the Mendenhall Glacier in back of town. Spectacular!

Our Nordic Walking Poles came in handy as we followed the paths, trails and boardwalks. We toured the stream full of Salmon and Dolly Varden Trout. And then followed the trail out to Mendenall glacier waterfall.

We then took a quick trip to Sheep Creek. My son kicked off his shoes waded out and held up a Salmon for a picture and released it gently to finish its run upstream.

The flight to Gustavus was totally unbelievable as we cruised above the peaks that make road travel impossible between Juneau and Gustavus. The town of Gustavus is surrounded by the Glacier Bay National Park. The trails around Gustavus proved ideal for Nordic Walking and Nordic Running. Our grand finale was a marathon Nordic Walk on the Bartlett Lake trail. Our poles came in super handy on this rugged trail with tricky sections of rocks, roots and wet-spots.

We traveled to Alaska with our trusty one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles. These poles are hassle free – no twist-locks or flip-locks. Our poles don’t rattle, vibrate or self-adjust and/or collapse unexpectedly. We have proven during our own adventures and have also been told repeatedly by others that our one-piece poles prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable then the cheap twist-lock and/or flip-lock poles that can and do collapse without warning. For information about Nordic Walking Poles and Nordic Walking Instruction go to SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System.

This perfect vacation including Nordic Walking Clinics at the Gustavus Inn, Nordic Walking the trails around town and the Bartlett Trail System, whale watching, stream fishing and salt water fishing for halibut. Whale watching and salt-water fishing included numerous viewings of porpoises, sea otter, seals and sea lions.

For lodging info in Gustavus go to http://www.gustavusinn.com and inquire about 2010 reservations.

It was great to add Alaska to our Nordic Walking calendar. Our dependable and hassle free one-piece poles have been tested in the city, around town and in the Alleghenies, White Mountains, Green Mountains, Grand Canyon, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pikes Peak, ……….

Walking with poles is the best!

Nordic Walking At Fort Carson And The Pikes Peak Area

2009-08-18T22:41:00.012-04:00

Our Nordic Walking Clinics at Fort Carson proved once again that the right length Nordic Walking Poles really can radically improve balance and stability!

The Red Cross helped to coordinate the FREE Nordic Walking Clinics that my son Keefer and I hosted at Fort Carson for Wounded Warriors. Many of the Wounded Warriors came to our Nordic Walking Clinics with canes and walkers, but soon discovered that the correct length Nordic Walking Poles were a huge improvement to their canes and walkers. The correct length poles improved posture, gait and reduced the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. The Wounded Warriors also found that our SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles were equipped with comfortable and patented finger-less glove type straps – patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

Our durable and user friendly one-piece Nordic Walking Poles have also proved effective at free Nordic Walking Clinics that we have hosted at numerous Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s (PD), and Diabetes Support Groups.

During all of my Nordic Walking Clinics I always provide REAL Nordic Walking Poles (one-piece design) from SKIWALING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System.

Everyday we receive phone calls and emails here at the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM from individuals that are having problems with their twist-lock and/or flip-lock poles. During many of my Nordic Walking Classes I hear from individuals that are having trouble with their cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. I NEVER recommend any type of adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles to individuals with balance issues. One-piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable. As a ski coach I know for a fact that skiers demand one-piece poles because they are far superior to any twist-lock or flip-lock poles.

After hosting Nordic Walking Clinics at Fort Carson and donating REAL Nordic Walking Poles to the Wounded Warriors, my son Keefer and I found time to do some Nordic Walking and fishing. We didn’t climb Pikes Peak, but we did some awesome 10-mile hikes in designated wilderness areas. And as far as the fishing went, Keefer caught and released 17 rainbows, a couple dozen brown trout and 40+ brook trout.

Nordic Walking Classes Coming to Port Huron's CUTTING EDGE HEALTH AND FITNESS

2009-07-03T13:30:00.006-04:00

Nordic Walking Instructor and Cutting Edge

Program Director Linda Kearn

Nordic Walking Classes are being added to Port Huron's Cutting Edge Health And Fitness’ list of successful and FUN programs. Nordic Walking Instructor Linda Kearn will serve as head coach for the new Nordic Walking Program. She also heads the fitness center's hugely successful Biggest Loser program - now in Stage 2.

On Wednesday, July 1st, my son Keefer and I had the opportunity to host a Nordic Walking in-service for Cutting Edge's staff and provide free lessons to club members.

All of the participants, including the personal trainers, commented on the effectiveness and obvious benefits from walking correctly with the perfect length poles. Participants found out for themselves that using the correct length poles automatically improves posture, reduces stress to the knees and other weight bearing joints, elevates heart rate and works a variety of muscle groups (similar to cross country skiing).

We introduced the participants to the three basic levels of Nordic Walking - based on the American Nordic Walking System. Level 1 burns about 20% more calories than regular walking and allows all ages and any fitness level to be successful at Nordic Walking. Level 2 includes a full arm extension, burns up to 30% more calories than regular walking and automatically increases stride length and temp - kind of like shifting gears in a car. Level 3 is true Nordic Walking and the fitness experts tackled this one easily. Level 3 burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking and includes the full arm extension, a hard pole plant and pressure into the cradle of the comfortable patented straps included on all of the poles from SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System.

Our Nordic Walking Straps are patented by the Salomon Ski Company. ALL of our Swix and Exel Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with rubber boot shaped Nordic Walking tips/paws for indoor use, pavement, indoor/outdoor tracks and other hard surfaces. When the rubber tips/paws are removed the durable metal tips are exposed and the Nordic Walking Poles are good to go on trails, grass, gravel, the beach, snow and ice.

Participants were also impressed with our poles one-piece design - lighter, safer and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. I have been coaching skiers for over 25 years and it is a simple fact that skiers use one-piece poles that are sized correctly. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should especially avoid cheap twist-lock and flip-lock poles that can unexpectedly collapse.

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.
　
Walking with poles is the best!　

Nordic Walking And Cross Country Skiing Connection

2009-06-23T20:24:00.017-04:00

Cross country skiing is the often credited as being the most effective exercise at burning calories. Walking with Nordic Walking Poles is a wonderful way to achieve many of the benefits of cross country skiing. I love cross country skiing. I have always enjoyed cross country skiing with my family. If I'm lucky my family will go cross country skiing with me with headlamps on when I'm done coaching at the end of the day - I can NEVER get enough cross country skiing (classic or skating techniques). When the snow melts my Nordic Walking Poles save the day.

Both cross country skiing and Nordic Walking are gentle on the weight-bearing joints - gentle on the shins, knees, hips and back. Plus both utilize all of the major muscle groups.

No snow - no problem. Nordic Walking Poles are practical year round in any climate. Nordic Walking Poles can help to burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking. In Europe over 8 million people are walking with poles in the cities (with the removable rubber tips on), in the country and up in the mountains. The rubber Nordic Walking Tips/Paws are ideal for pavement and other hard surfaces - even in the mall, on carpet, in parking garages and on indoor and outdoor tracks. With the removable rubber tips off, the metal tips are ideal for trails, grass, the beach, snow and ice.

Cross country skiers use durable one-piece poles that are sized correctly to each individual's height. One-piece poles are also proven to be more effective for Nordic Walking too. One-piece Nordic Walking Poles are proven safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Would a ski racer ever use twist-locking poles in a ski race? Would recreational skiers use twist-locking poles? The answer is no - both racers and recreational skiers use one-piece poles because they are more durable and much more user friendly.

The best cross country ski poles are equipped with comfortable patented fingerless glove type straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company. The best Nordic Walking Poles are also equipped with these comfortable fingerless glove type straps - eliminating the need to grip the poles and allowing the pressure to be applied into the cradle of the straps. My ski poles are one piece, of course, and equipped with SWIX fingerless glove-type straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

When it comes to Nordic Running the one-piece poles shine again. Twist-locking poles typically can not hold up to the added demands of Nordic Running - running with Nordic Walking Poles.

At the American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM we are committed to the simple fact that one-piece poles are ideal for Nordic Walking. And Nordic Walking is ideal for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels. The American Nordic Walking System offers a variety of intensity and exertion levels. There is an ideal level of intensity and exertion for everyone. Always be sure to consult your physician though before starting any new exercise program. Like cross country skiing there are risks - including cracks in the sidewalk, tree roots and unexpected terrain changes.

While hosting clinics today I heard from a gentleman from Ohio who told about the problems he had with the twist-locks on his expensive twist-locking poles. He and his wife LOVED our new EXEL Urban Skier Nordic Walking Poles during their lesson and insisted on buying two pairs.

Every day we hear from new customers who have had trouble with their poles' twist-lock systems, but they liked the concept of walking with poles so much that they did some homework and learned that they didn't have to settle for twist-lock or flip-lock systems that prove to NOT be user friendly. Twist-locking adjustable poles often rattle, vibrate and do not hold their settings - allowing the pole(s) to get shorter and/or collapse unexpectedly. One piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be much more user friendly, lighter and hassle free.

The runners and skiers that I coach often utilize Nordic Walking Poles for cross training. Twist-locking poles could NOT hold up to their ambitious wear and tear. The poles do radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back - helping to eliminate shin and/or knee pain (shin splints/runners knee).

Walking with poles is the best!

Nordic Walking Coming To The 2009 Senior Games – The Province of Zeeland, Netherlands

2009-06-08T23:27:00.003-04:00

Nordic Walking will be recognized at the 2009 Senior Games in September. Nordic Walking will be offered under the category of "Recreational Sports" which is only fitting given the fact that over 7 million Europeans are using Nordic Walking Poles – in the cities, out in the country and up in the Mountains.

This will be the first time that the Senior Games will be hosted in Europe. The Senior Games is an international sports event for people over fifty. The Senior Games will take place in the Province of Zeeland, Netherlands, September 7-12, 2009. The event is anticipated to draw over 3,000 participants from over two dozen countries (including the USA and Canada).

Additional info about the Nordic Walking events will be posted soon at: http://www.seniorgames2009.com/page/Recreational-Sports

For more information about the Senior Games coming to the Province of Zeeland, Netherlands go to: http://www.seniorgames2009.com

Nordic Walking is also the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe and the health benefits are many. We are supposed to be walking for at least a half hour a day and Nordic Walking Poles can help many to start walking safely and effectively immediately. Walking with poles can help to burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking. Ski Walking is no longer just for the world’s best skiers when deprived of snow – Nordic Walking Poles successfully replace canes and walkers when I host Nordic Walking Clinics at Senior Expos, multiple sclerosis (MS) support group meetings and parkinson's (PD) support group meetings.

At the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM we offer real Nordic Walking Poles equipped with comfortable patented comfortable straps (patented by the Salomon Ski Company. These quality one-piece poles prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. ALL 14 sizes are in-stock and ready to ship.

And when it comes to Nordic Walking instruction the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM provide safe and effective Nordic Walking instruction - with exertion options and intensity levels allowing Nordic Walking to now be doable for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels.

Walking with poles is the best!

Nordic Walking In The Green Mountains

2009-05-29T13:23:00.007-04:00

While attending our daughter's graduation from Middlebury College we had time to explore the Green Mountains, the Middlebury College campus and the Bread Loaf Inn/Nordic Center (according to the NEW YORKER - "the oldest and most prestigious writers' conference in the country").

The Bread Loaf Nordic Center's cross country ski trails double as excellent trails for Nordic Walking and Nordic Running spring, summer and fall. The staff at the Bread Loaf Nordic Center groom the trails to perfection during the winter - for both skating technique and classic/diagonal technique.

As expected, our lightweight and user friendly one-piece Nordic Walking Poles dominated on campus and in the mountains. As usual many of the other hikers we met had issues with their cheap-twist locking poles.

One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles from China.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the graduation commencement talk given by Gary Hirshberg, president and CEO of Stonyfield Farm (world’s #1 organic yogurt company). The message could not have been better timed for both graduates and those of us in attendance. Green business practices are proving to profitable and are helping to minimize our negative effects on the environment.

At the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM we take pride in the fact that we utilize recycled paper for all of our printing, for recycling everything we can, for communicating via the internet rather than direct mail, for using the greenest of shipping options with support from the United States Postal Service, for NOT promoting cheap twist-lock poles destined for the landfill and for encouraging more walking and less driving.

Prior to our road trip to Vermont I had the opportunity to host FREE Nordic Walking Clinics at two different Senior Expo Events. All participants had the opportunity to demo REAL Nordic Walking Poles in the sizes appropriate for their heights. ALL poles from The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM are equipped with patented and comfortable Nordic Walking Straps (kind of like a fingerless glove and patented by the Salomon Ski Company). During every class we were interrupted by enthusiastic Nordic Walkers that came up to our classes and stated their positive support for Nordic Walking Poles. Participants both days included 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 disease (PD), neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, osteoporosis, stroke recovery, cancer recovery and those with other limitations to walking. In all of these cases our user friendly one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic poles from SKIWALKING.COM proved to be safe and effective - cheap twist-locking poles with inferior straps could not have provided similar success.

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.

Walking with poles is the best!

Nordic Walking Class Returns to Northwestern Michigan College LIFE Academy

2009-05-10T23:50:00.005-04:00

On Wednesday, May 13, 2009, NMC’s (Northwestern Michigan College) Spring Campus Day will offer another Nordic Walking Class during this exciting annual event. Spring Campus Day is a mind-stretching daylong learning adventure. Participants will select three sessions from the 33 enticing options; each designed to explore fresh ideas. Presenters for the day include community experts as well as NMC Extended Education instructors.

The Nordic Walking Class is scheduled during the 2nd session from: 11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The Nordic Walking Class will include an introduction to the history of Nordic Walking, a review of the many benefits of Nordic Walking, an opportunity to test drive real Nordic Walking Poles and instruction based on the American Nordic Walking System.

Presenter Pete Edwards has introduced thousands of Americans to Nordic Walking. After hosting hundreds of Nordic Walking Clinics he developed the American Nordic Walking System - providing safe and effective instruction. The American Nordic Walking System was specifically designed to provide a variety of intensity and exertion levels. There is an ideal level of intensity and exertion for any ages and any fitness level.

Nordic Walking participants will have the opportunity to test drive real Nordic Walking Poles – sized specifically to each individual’s height. Edwards’ offers 14 different lengths of poles – more than any other company in North America. Edwards is committed to the simple fact that quality one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

Edwards has been coaching runners and skiers for over 25 years and knows for a fact that skiers do not use twist-locking poles and neither should Nordic Walkers. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should especially avoid cheap twist-locking poles that can collapse unexpectedly, vibrate excessively, rattle and fail all together.

For more information and to register please contact the NMC Life Academy: 231-995-1700

For additional information on Nordic Walking and the American Nordic Walking System check out WWW.SKIWALKING.COM or call 231-334-3080 (toll free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255

Nordic Walking Comes To Buffalo Physical Therapy And Sports Rehabilitation

2009-04-07T08:27:00.004-04:00

The Staff at Buffalo Physical Therapy And Sports Rehabilitation enthusiastically took to Nordic Walking on April 1st (opening day of trout season in New York State).

The many benefits of Nordic Walking sound to good to be true - almost like an April Fools' Day Joke, but the physical therapists at Buffalo Physical Therapy And Sports Rehabilitation heard dozens of success stories from Nordic Walking Instructor Pete Edwards and then took some REAL Nordic Walking Poles for a test drive. Edwards introduced the group to the three basic levels of Nordic Walking, proper hill climbing technique, correct downhill technique and even Nordic Running with poles.

WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System are supplying doctors and physical therapists all across the country with quality poles that provide the winning combination of improved posture, a unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits - helping many individuals to walk comfortably again. Nordic Walking Poles are helping 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.

Thanks to The American Nordic Walking System, ALL ages and ALL fitness levels, can now unlock the calorie burning and aerobic benefits of walking, hiking, trekking and running with poles. Durable one-piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. The American Nordic Walking System provides the option for different levels of exertion and there is a doable level for anyone - regardless of age, balance and/or fitness level. All poles come with a free Nordic Walking DVD and a Perfect Length Guarantee.

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 are helping thousands of Americans get off the couch, successfully get outside, start walking safely and effectively launch much needed walking campaigns.

Everyday we receive phone calls, emails and run into individuals during our Nordic Walking Classes that accidentally purchased cheap twist-locking poles from other sources. They LOVE the concept of walking with poles, but hate the twist-locks. One couple attending a recent Nordic Walking Clinic admitted they paid $180 per pair for their cheap twist-locking poles and they couldn't get the twist-locks to work correctly. We heard from a new customer in California that her Nordic Walking Class was provided twist-locking poles and everyone in the class had trouble with the twist-locks. And just this morning a new customer was excited that she found us because the poles at her local sporting goods store had twist-locks that wouldn't cooperate - the same feedback we receive everyday from all across the country.

At WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System we are committed to providing safe and effective one-piece Nordic Walking Poles and instruction. ALL 14 sizes are in-stock and ready to ship.

For more info please call: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255

Or email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

April is Parkinson Awareness Month And Nordic Walking Poles Can Help To Improve Balance And Stability!

2009-03-13T10:30:00.007-04:00

Nordic Walking Poles provide a great workout, plus they can help to radically improve balance and stability. We work with a lot of athletes too, but we also find that many of our new customers have some balance issues. Many individuals find that Nordic Walking Poles are more comfortable than canes and walkers. It is also common for happy customers to proclaim that their new Nordic Walking Poles are an improvement over pushing a shopping cart too.

Everytime I introduce Nordic Walking to Parkinson's (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Diabetes Support Groups the poles improve balance and stability.

ALL ages and ALL fitness levels can now unlock the calorie burning and aerobic benefits of Nordic Walking poles from WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System. These quality Nordic Walking Poles provide a winning combination of improved posture, unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits that 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, 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 effectively launch much needed walking campaigns.

One-piece Walking Poles from WWW.SKIWALKING.COM the American Nordic Walking System are custom fit to each individual's height and are safer, lighter, stronger and much more durable than cheap twist-locking and flip-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles! ALL sizes are in stock and ready to ship - fast shipping. All poles are equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps that help to improve confidence and eliminate the need to grip the poles - allowing the fingers to be relaxed. Our special straps are patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

Individuals with balance issues should avoid cheap telescopic poles that may not hold the desired setting and/or collapse unexpectedly.

For more information about Parkinson Disease (PD) please contact: http://www.parkinson.org/

Nordic Walking Clinics Replace Cross Country Ski And Snowshoe Events During "WOMEN’S WELLNESS RETREAT"

2009-02-25T22:25:00.006-05:00

Nordic Walking saved the day when the Women's Wellness Retreat was hit with a warm spell that caused a melt down on the Kettunen Center's cross country and snowshoe trails. Participants were anxious for some exercise and fresh air when the ski and snowshoe programs were cancelled due to the melt down.

The Nordic Walking Clinics included an indoor introduction to Nordic Walking, a review of the many health and fitness benefits of walking with poles and an opportunity to test drive real Nordic Walking poles. Participants were coached in the three basic levels of Nordic Walking by Pete Edwards, the owner/founder of Glen Arbor, Michigan's WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System.

The 4-H Foundation's Kettunen Center's conference facilities and grounds proved to be an ideal setting. There was plenty of room in the conference facility to "test drive" real Nordic Walking Poles with special rubber Nordic Walking tips - ideal for use on carpet, pavement and other hard surfaces. The adventurous had the opportunity to "test drive" the Nordic Walking Poles outside on the Kettunen Center's trails with the rubber tips removed (exposing the durable metal tips).

Nordic Walking Poles help to burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking and the poles radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. The poles also improve balance and stability. Participants experienced first hand how the correct length poles improve posture and keep the back straight - biomechanically a good thing.

All poles provided by The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SkiWalking.com are equipped with comfortable patented straps. Utilizing real Nordic Walking straps allows for safe and effective power transmission from the hand into the strap without the need to grip or squeeze the poles - pressure is applied into the cradle of the strap. Real Nordic Walking Straps help to make Nordic Walking doable for those suffering from arthritis and/or carpal tunnel.

The winning combination of improved posture, the 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), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's (PD), neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, post polio, osteoporosis and other limitations to walking.

Nordic Walking is not just a great substitute for cross country skiing and snowshoeing during a melt down. Nordic Walking is a great way to get ready for ski and snowshoe season. For those deprived of snow, walking with poles helps to turbo charge the standard walking campaign.

Nordic Walking and Pilates Are Proving To Be A Winning Combination

2009-02-03T12:37:00.005-05:00

Nordic Walking and Pilates are proving to be a wining combination for thousands of Americans. Over 11 million Americans are practicing Pilates regularly. Over 7 million Europeans are Nordic Walking in Europe – in the cities, in the country and up in the mountains.

Nordic Walking and Pilates together provide the safe and healthy benefits of weight-bearing exercise, aerobic benefits of walking and cross country skiing, strength building, proper alignment, improved posture and increased flexibility.

My wife credits her excellent 50+ fitness level to Pilates, Nordic Walking and Cross Country Skiing. She loves taking Pilates twice a week. If there is snow we ski. No snow - we are Nordic Walking (Ski Walking) with poles.

While hosting Nordic Walking Clinics at "Studio On Main" Pilates and Dance Studio in Frankfort, Michigan last weekend, Pilates Instructor and studio owner, Anna Mallien was impressed with the participation turnout. Anna was also amazed at the many benefits of walking with poles and the over whelming sentiment among participants that one-piece poles are safer and much more user friendly than twist-locking adjustable length poles. Many clinic participants brought their twist-locking snowshoe, hiking and Nordic Walking poles to the Pilates studio. 100% of the individuals complained about their twist-lock systems. 100% LOVED the one-piece poles sized to each participant’s height and equipped with real Nordic Walking straps – supplied by The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Anna’s studio includes a smaller, private room equipped with a Pilates "reformer" – a unique and effective piece of equipment used by certified Pilates instructors to help build strength, find proper alignment, improve posture and increase flexibility and range of motion. The studio also has an impressive larger room for dance classes and other healthy activities – ideal for a Nordic Walking Clinic on a cold and stormy winter day. Real Nordic Walking poles are equipped with removable rubber tips for pavement and other hard surfaces. The rubber tips didn’t leave marks on the cool hardwood floor. For the adventurous, the rubber tips can be removed to expose the durable carbide metal tips that are ideal for trails, the beach, snow and ice.

Instructor Jen Cutler of "Pure Pilates" in Traverse City, Michigan, says that it's best to combine Pilates with a good aerobic regimen. And Nordic Walking Poles can help to turbo charge any walking campaign. Nordic Walking burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking. Nordic Walking Poles can also help to radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Balance and stability are also improved when using the correct length poles and proper Nordic Walking technique.

Pilates works the core, builds strength, develops proper alignment and posture, and increase flexibility. Walking with the correct length poles and proper technique provides a quality weight bearing aerobic workout and automatically makes individuals walk with a straighter back – biomechanically a good thing.

The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM have developed three basic levels of Nordic Walking. There is a doable option to ensure success for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels:

Level 1 can be successfully performed by individuals with balance issues, knee issues or new knees, hip issues or new hips, back issues (including those with rods in their back), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s (PD), neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, post polio, osteoporosis and other limitations to walking. Level 1 burns up to 20% more calories than regular walking and is involves hiking correctly with poles.

Level 2 includes a full arm extension. This added arm motion not only reinforces improved posture, it helps to burn up to 30% more calories than regular walking. When changing from Level 1 to Level 2 it is almost like shifting gears on a car as both tempo and stride length naturally increase – resulting in a faster walking pace.

Level 3 involves a hard pole plant and pressure from the heel of the hand submitted into the Nordic Walking Pole Straps (kind of a fingerless glove). Level 3 is true Nordic Walking and burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking.

Regardless of the Level performed it is important to use the correct length poles, keep the fingers relaxed (never grip the poles) and keep your chin up. The poles are always angled slightly behind you and the poles and legs work opposite – the left leg with the right poles/right leg with the left pole.

One-piece poles for skiing and Nordic Walking are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should especially avoid cheap twist-locking poles.

For more info about the winning combination of Pilates and Nordic Walking check out: http://community.mynorth.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2345865%3ABlogPost%3A9682

For more info about quality one-piece Nordic Walking go to: http://www.skiwalking.com/

NORDIC WALKING AND NORDIC SNOWSHOEING HELP TO ELIMINATE SHIN, KNEE, HIP AND BACK PAIN

2009-01-15T02:06:00.008-05:00

Members Of The Glen Lake Track Team Give Nordic Snowshoeing A Try When The Track Was Covered By An April Snow Storm

Everyday we receive thank you cards, thank you phone calls and thank you emails from happy Nordic Walking customers. This positive feedback is extremely motivating for all of us at the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Today we received an email from a happy Nordic Walking customer reinforcing the simple facts that walking and snowshoeing with poles makes walking and snowshoeing more effective, more comfortable and often eliminates shin, knee, hip and back pain.

Here is the email that we received today:

Pete: I met you at the Senior's Expo in Suttons Bay a few months back. I bought a set of your Nordic Ski Walking poles and they have been of immense help in dealing with my lumbar stenosis. A few years ago, I found that the only strenuous exercise that wouldn't cause shooting leg pains was snowshoeing. Obviously, the ski poles I use while snowshoeing had been taking enough weight off of my legs to eliminate the pain. Well, guess what? The same principle works with ordinary walking so long as I use your Nordic Ski Walking poles. The increase in exercise from Nordic Ski Walking poles has helped me with weight loss and has probably put off the need for spinal surgery for at least a few years. Thank you very much.

Jay

It is exciting to post feedback from an individual that has found success Nordic Walking and Nordic Snowshoeing (Snowshoeing with poles). Using the correct length poles really does improve posture and help to minimize stress to the weight bearing joints. Walking and snowshoeing also helps to burn more calories because the arms are more actively engaged.

Adding poles to your walking campaign and snowshoeing outings not only improve balance and stability, but the poles often allow individuals with Arthritis, MS, Parkinson's, Post Polio, Neuropathy, Scoliosis, Osteoporisis, Lumbar Stenosis to successfully get outside and walk successfully, safely and effectively.

At The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM we assist our customers with one-piece poles that are proven to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Don't get scammed by cheap twist-locking poles!

Have a great day and have FUN Nordic Skiing, Nordic Walking, Nordic Running, Nordic Blading and Nordic Snowshoeing.

Celebrate “Winter Trails Day” With Nordic Walking, Nordic Snowshoeing and/or Nordic Skiing (Cross Country Skiing)

2009-01-06T10:39:00.007-05:00

Winter Trails Day is January 10th, 2009 – a great day to launch your Nordic Walking, Nordic Snowshoeing or Nordic Skiing campaign. Regardless of the weather, one of my favorite Nordic Sports will be doable this coming Saturday during "Winter Trails Day".

For those deprived of snow, grab some Nordic Walking Poles and hit your favorite trail for an effective, yet low impact aerobic adventure. Real Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with special removable rubber Nordic Walking tips/paws for use on pavement and other hard surfaces. Nordic Walking poles are also equipped with metal tips for use on trails, the beach, snow and ice – just pop off the removable rubber Nordic Walking tips/paws.

If you are lucky enough to have snow try Nordic Snowshoeing (snowshoeing with poles) or Nordic Skiing (cross country skiing). If snowshoes or skis aren’t an option, again try Nordic Walking Poles. If Nordic Walking on cross country trials please be thoughtful and do NOT walk in the skier’s tracks. Snowshoers and Nordic Walkers should avoid designated and groomed cross country trails. There are safety issues regarding foot traffic on cross country trails – so we all need to think safety first.

Cross country skiing provides the ultimate aerobic workout. The new cross country ski equipment is super user friendly – comfortable boots and skis that are wider and shorter. And when it comes to snowshoeing, durable one-piece poles can save the day. Snowshoeing often triggers lower back pain, but if poles are used, the elimination of lower back pain is almost a guarantee! Plus the poles help to give the upper body a workout and improve balance/stability.

Walking with Nordic Walking Poles also helps to radically reduce back pain and minimize the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. When using the correct length Nordic Walking poles we are almost tricked magically into walking with a super straight back – improved biomechanics is a good thing! We can also burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking when using Nordic Walking Poles. And when it comes to improving balance and stability, Nordic Walking Poles have been proven successful for those using canes and walkers at numerous MS (multiple sclerosis), PD (Parkinson’s) and Diabetes (Neuropathy) Support Groups that I have had the opportunity to offer free Nordic Walking Clinics.

Skiers always use one-piece poles fit to their height. One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Snowshoers have also discovered the fact that cheap twist-locking poles often collapse unexpectedly or fail all together. Several snowshoe manufacturers have packaged FREE poles with their snowshoes – unfortunately many of these cheap twist-locking poles don’t even work correctly when taken out of their package. Last winter we met the Miller sisters at a local trailhead and sure enough one of their "free" poles broke before they even set foot on the trail.

At The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM we offer 14 different lengths of Nordic Walking Poles. Most companies only sell twist-locking poles (one-size that doesn’t fit all) and a few that do sell one-piece poles only carry 3-6 different lengths – not enough sizes to adequately cover all heights.

On Winter Trails Day The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM will be providing free Nordic Walking Lessons and free Pole Demos. For the adventurous we will tour the unmarked lower Alligator Hill Trail. Advance reservations appreciated. For snowshoe and cross country ski opportunities across the USA check out the Winter Trails website: WWW.WINTERTRAILS.ORG

Nordic Walking Proves To Be A Great Cross Trainer For Runners Too

2008-12-14T00:21:00.002-05:00

Originally hill bounding and ski walking with poles was a summer staple for dedicated cross country skiers deprived of snow during the summer. Hill bounding and ski walking with poles have been a key component of the best ski coaches' training sessions for over half a century.

As a running coach and ski coach I've seen my athletes (runners and skiers) benefit from using Nordic Walking Poles. Even those athletes with occasional shin splints and/or runners knee hugely benefit from the stress reduction that the poles provide - radically reducing the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Plus the runners get to utilize their upper body muscles while Nordic Walking. If using the perfect length poles and correct technique can help runners eliminate shin and/or knee pain, guess what it can do for individuals with new knees, new hips, bad backs, Arthritis, Scoliosis, Osteoporosis, MS, Parkinson's, Post Polio, Fibromyalgia and other joint and/or balance issues.

The young man pictured above is my most dedicated Nordic Walker. The cross training has helped to keep him injury free and he won the Michigan AAU Cross Country Championships and qualified for the Junior Olympics in Decatur, Alabama.

When I ran marathons cross country skiing was my favorite cross trainer. And now Nordic Walking and Nordic Runner are doable despite my runner’s knee.

Given the demands that athletes put on their poles it is logical that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should also use one-piece poles that won't collapse unexpected.

At The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM we carry all 12 standard fixed lengths of poles and can easily custom fit poles to fit any height. We just received 145cm and 150cm Nordic Walking Poles from Lillehammer, Norway to accommodate super tall individuals. Retailers of twist-locking poles claim to fit all heights (one-size fits all), but they don't and when extended to their tallest settings are extremely wobbly and unsteady.

Walking with poles is the best!

Happy Holidays!

SMART CAR HAS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR 210 CM NORDIC SKIS DURING THE WINTER PLUS NORDIC WALKING POLES SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL

2008-12-11T23:59:00.004-05:00

My 210 cm Salomon classic Nordic (cross country) skis and Swix Nordic (cross country) poles fit just great in my Smart Car. There is even room for my 12-year-old son and his Nordic ski gear. During the fall I could fit 60 pairs of Nordic Walking Poles in my new SMART car as I traveled around hosting Nordic Walking Clinics.

We have had great snow for Nordic Skiing - cross country skiing here in northern Michigan. I have missed only one day of cross-country skiing since November 17th.

The SMART Car is fantastic in the snow and we have had tons of snow so far this season. It is also FUN to drive!

I picked up my SMART Car in August down in the Detroit area - 5 hours south. The SMART car is inexpensive like the old VW Beetle, good in the snow and FUN to drive, but that is where the similarities end. The SMART Car has a 5 Star crash rating, gets almost 50 mpg and has a super heater/defroster. I have snow tires on my SMART Car and all SMART Cars are equipped with ESP (anti skid) and anti-lock brakes.

We love our new SMART Car so much we order another one - 12 month plus waiting period (bummer).

Think snow and have FUN xc skiing, Nordic Walking and driving!

Pete - owner/founder/coach The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

NORDIC WALKING AND NORDIC SKIING IN NOVEMBER

2008-12-05T11:07:00.005-05:00

November 2008 started out as the best ever for Nordic Walking. Our favorite wooded trails in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore were covered with dry leaves and it looked like Indian Summer was here to stay.

On November 15th it started to snow and we ended up Nordic Skiing (cross country skiing) everyday for the rest of the month. Even on the days when I was hosting Nordic Walking Clinics we were able to hit the golf course for some great cross country skiing in the evening. We even squeezed in a couple days of skate skiing. The golf course provided great snow, plus the only safe place to cross country ski during deer season.

December is off to a record FUN season for Nordic Skiers too! No rain in the forecast for the next 10 days! Nordic Walkers need not despair because their poles work great during the winter too. We often go for a Nordic Walk when my wife gets home late from work and misses out on our family ski. We do our winter Nordic Walking with our running shoes on - even with snow and ice on the roads. The poles add huge improvements in balance and stability with the rubber Nordic Walking Tips removed and the carbide metal tips exposed.

Our hands stay pretty warm too. We wear lightweight SWIX Cross Country Ski Gloves. Our Nordic Walking poles come with real Nordic Walking Straps - kind of like fingerless gloves. These comfortable patented straps (patented by the Salomon Ski Company) eliminate the need to grip the poles - radically improving circulation. The straps are identical to the ones I use for cross country skiing and cross country racing.

Our poles are also similar to our cross country ski poles - durable one-piece design. Skiers use one-piece poles sized correctly for their height. Skiers know that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Snowshoers have found out the hard way that the FREE twist-lock poles that came with their snowshoes are pure garbage and rarely hold their settings and the twist-locks often fail altogether.

Nordic Walking and Cross Country Skiing are my two favorite activities. When we don't have snow our Nordic Walking Poles save the day!

Nordic Walking Gets Santa Claus Ready For Christmas And New Year's Resolutions

2008-11-23T19:50:00.006-05:00

Santa Claus has been spotted Nordic Walking – for health and fitness. Santa Claus was originally Scandinavian and so is Nordic Walking. Nordic Walking Poles can help anyone burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking - even Santa Claus!

Over 6 million Europeans are walking with poles – in the cities, out in the country and up in the mountains. Originally Ski Walking with poles and hill bounding with poles were secrets of elite cross country ski racers when deprived of snow during the summer months.

Nordic Walking Poles may be the perfect Holiday gift for someone you know. Nordic Walking Poles are a great low-impact yet highly effective cross trainer for all types of athletes. Nordic Walking Poles are also helping with weight management and are a wonderful complement to weight management class and have proven successful with Weight Watchers and Tops programs. Individuals with knee, hip and back issues have also found success walking with poles – including those with new knees, new hips and even rods in their backs. Nordic Walking poles also help to improve balance and stability – even for those with MS, Parkinson’s, Neuropathy, Osteoporosis, Scoliosis, Post Polio and other issues that affect balance and make walking a challenge.

Santa and Scandinavian’s know that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles from China. Once Santa knows how tall you are he will select the perfect length poles for your height.

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.

For more info about SWIX Nordic Walking Poles from Lillehammer, Norway check them out at WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Hopefully millions of Americans have Nordic Walking Poles on their Christmas Lists. And hopefully they will ALL get off the couch and start some serious walking in 2009.

Nordic Walking At The Haggerty Insurance Health Fair

2008-11-21T13:59:00.004-05:00

Nordic Walking Clinics and Lessons were offered from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18th during Haggerty Insurance Company's "Employee Health Fair". Haggerty Insurance is the nation's leading insurer of antique cars and boats. Haggerty Insurance company also cares about the health and fitness of their employees.

The clinics and lessons were tons of FUN. Haggerty employees were introduced to Nordic Walking and were able to try all three basic levels of Nordic Walking from The American Nordic Walking System and http://www.skiwalking.com/

Level 1: burns up to 20% more calories than walking without poles

Level 2: burns up to 30% more calories than regular walking and includes a full arm extension

Level 3: burns up to 40% more calories and is REAL Nordic Walking (most Americans do not really enjoy Level 3). Level 3 includes the full arm extension, a hard pole plant and a tremendous amount of pressure into the cradle of the strap (do NOT squeeze or grip the poles!) from pole plant to the hand coming by the hip. Most Americans prefer Levels #1 and #2. Level #3 is kind of like trying to cross country ski on sandpaper.

Participants had the opportunity to demo quality one-piece poles selected for their height - including nine standard lengths + several additional lengths. The demo poles were equipped with Salomon patented straps - kind of like a fingerless glove. The poles were also equipped with boot-shaped rubber Nordic Walking Tips or Paws for use on carpet, indoor/outdoor tracks, in the mall and all types of pavement/concrete.

After hosting hundreds of Nordic Walking classes/clinics and selling thousands of pairs of Nordic Walking Poles during the past four years I have developed a pretty good feel for sizing everyone into the correct length poles. ALL my customers receive a perfect length guarantee. ALL sizes are in-stock and ready to ship. Once I know how tall someone is I personally select the perfect length poles for their height. Our customer satisfaction rating is 100%!

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 least seven different individuals during the day came up to me and told me about the problems they had with their twist-locking poles. Several were the cheap adjustable poles included with snowshoe packages and the poles are pretty much garbage and disposable. Others had paid over $100 for their adjustables. After trying one-piece poles on Tuesday they were all believers in the simple fact that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

After a FUN day Nordic Walking at Haggerty Insurance, I was lucky enough to get in a good cross country ski with my son Keefer that evening.

Nordic Sports are the best!

Nordic Walking And Nordic Running Are Great Ways To Get Ready For Ski Season

2008-11-19T23:56:00.003-05:00

Nordic Walking when deprived of snow is a great way to get ready for ski season. Walking with Poles not only helps to burn more calories than regular walking, the poles help to radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back.

The 1st day of the 2008-2009 ski season in Leelanau County was this past Monday, November 17th. The classic skiing was fantastic! We skied in our own tracks on the local golf course.

Pictured above is 11 year old Keefer Edwards. Keefer often Nordic Walks with us during the spring, summer and fall up on Alligator Hill behind town. We typically Nordic Run up the hills and Nordic Walk the flats and downhills. The use of poles is a great way to get ready for ski season.

Nordic Walking is also great for non-skiers too. The poles help to improve balance and stability. 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.

Skiers use one-piece poles and do not use poles equipped with cheap twist-locking systems. One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking poles.

The straps on my Nordic Walking Poles are identical to the straps on my cross country poles - patented straps by the Salomon Ski Company. These quality straps are ideal for Nordic Walking, Nordic Walking and Nordic Skiing (cross country skiing).

For more info about Nordic Walking Poles check out http://www.skiwalking.com/ and for more info about cross country ski poles check out http://www.swixsport.com/eway/default.aspx?pid=278&trg=MainContent_6179&MainContent_6179=6117:0:24,3025

Nordic Walking, Nordic Running and Nordic Skiing (cross country skiing) are extremely effective, low impact and yet high calorie burn activities. Quality poles equipped with quality straps help to make these fantastic activities FUN and effective.

Nordic Walking During Deer Season

2008-11-16T22:02:00.003-05:00

Deer season puts all of our favorite trails off-limits for Nordic Walking. My wife refuses to Nordic Walk on our favorite trails during deer season – even when wearing orange. If we get snow we will cross country ski on the local golf course, but if there’s no snow we find ourselves pounding the pavement in town or doing laps around the local track.

To get the most out of our laps on the track we’ll Nordic Walk the turns and Nordic Run the straight-aways after Nordic Walking a few laps as a warm-up. As long as your poles have rubber Nordic Walking tips there isn’t any risk of damage that can be done to the track.

If Nordic Running isn’t for you, you can try doing faster Nordic Walking on the straight-aways. By varying your speed you can help to turbo charge your walking campaign, burn more calories and improve your over-all fitness level.

Nordic Running with poles equipped with real Nordic Walking straps are most effective. These fingerless type straps help to eliminate the need to grip/squeeze the poles – allowing the fingers to remain relaxed. When teaching skiing, Nordic Walking and Nordic Running I always remind participants to NOT squeeze the poles.

One-piece poles that are sized correctly are ideal for cross country skiing, Nordic Walking and Nordic Running. One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Both downhill and cross country skiers use one-piece poles for added safety and durability – telescopic type adjustable length poles couldn’t cut it.

My Nordic Walking poles came in super handy on Saturday (opening day of deer season) during the AAU Michigan Cross Country Running Championships. During the five races that I had athletes competing in I was able to Nordic Walk and Nordic Run around the golf course cheering on my runners. The 4-wheel-drive action of Nordic Walking made getting around the course extremely effective despite the high winds, rain and snow.

Nordic Walking and Nordic Running with poles is the best!

* always consult your physician before launching any new fitness program and increasing intensity

NORDIC WALKING AND ADJUSTING TO TIME CHANGE

2008-11-14T13:58:00.004-05:00

Time change in the late fall is a fantastic thing when it comes to snagging that extra hour of sleep and it provides early morning Nordic Walkers a little more light. Fall’s time change is not so good however for those of us that like to squeeze in that after work Nordic Walk on our favorite trail before dark.

No complaints, we just need to get creative. Remember that a little extra reflective tape is always a good idea for Nordic Walking when it is dark out. Be sure to wear a reflective vest too. Headlamps are worth looking into also.

The other morning I was up on Alligator Hill in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and it was snowing lightly and snowflakes were getting stuck in spider webs – something I had NEVER noticed as a runner or cross county skier?

We have also had a HUGE hatch of medium sized brown moths – kinda weird for November. This follows the best fall on record for warm, dry weather this far into November. Nordic Walking on trails thickly covered with dry leaves has been kind of magical for weeks. Snow is on the way and we may be cross country skiing on Sunday.

Nordic Walking and cross country skiing are my favorite activities. Luckily my family is addicted to both Nordic Walking and cross country skiing too.

My cross country ski poles and Nordic Walking poles have the same comfortable patented straps on them (kind of like a fingerless glove) – patented by the Salomon Ski Company. The best XC ski racing poles (Exel, One-Way and SWIX) utilize this same patent on their top poles. These straps also work great for Nordic Walking, Nordic Running, Nordic Snowshoeing, Nordic Blading and Nordic Skiing (cross country skiing). If you are considering a purchase of Nordic Walking Poles it is well worth it to be sure the straps are "Salomon Patented Straps" – be careful because there are many cheap imitations out there. I have tested a lot of sample straps from China and they all ripped out with-in just a couple weeks. One test pair didn’t last two days. A quality strap allows you the chance to push off – applying pressure into the cradle of the strap through the heel of your hand. Quality straps also eliminate the need to squeeze or grip the poles and eliminate wrist-lock.

For more information about Nordic Walking Technique and proper use of Nordic Walking Straps check out: http://www.skiwalking.com/getStarted.asp

My next Nordic Walking challenge will be Deer Season.

Have FUN Nordic Walking!

Nordic Walking At The Glen Lake Turkey Trot

2008-11-09T16:46:00.002-05:00

Runners, Walkers and Walkers Using Nordic Walking Poles Participate in the Glen Lake Turkey Trot

Despite early forecasts of snow, a near record turnout was recorded at the Glen Lake Turkey Trot on Saturday, Nov. 8th. The beautiful cross country trails behind the Glen Lake campus were part of the 5km course. Participants were rewarded with tons of randomly drawn prizes – including 24 frozen turkeys. The event was a fundraiser for the Glen Lake Varsity Cross Country Teams.

The Turkey Trot attracts runners and walkers of all ages and all fitness levels. Nordic Walkers have always been welcome too.

Finishing 1st in the Nordic Walking Division was Glen Lake Teacher, Amy Johnson – using SWIX Nordic Walking Poles.

As Race Director, I didn’t get a chance to use my poles Saturday morning, but my wife and I did squeeze in a great afternoon ski walk up on Alligator Hill after tearing down the course.

Hopefully ALL running races across the country will include the option to Nordic walk soon.

Walking with poles is the best - especially for ex-runners like myself that have had to give up running due to knee and other issues. Besides helping to burn more calories than walking without poles, the poles help to radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. For individuals with balance issues the poles provide 4-Wheel-Drive type stability and added security.

For more information about Nordic Walking Poles please contact The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM are dedicated to the simple fact that one piece poles that are sized correctly are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

NORDIC WALKING WELCOME AT GLEN LAKE CROSS COUNTRY TURKEY TROT AND TRAIL RUN

2008-11-02T12:03:00.008-05:00

Runners, walkers, Nordic walkers and jogging strollers are welcome at the Glen Lake 5K Turkey Trot Cross Country Trail Run - costumes are optional. The event is a fundraiser for Glen Lake’s Varsity Cross Country Running Teams.

When: Saturday November 8th 2008 at 10 a.m.

Where: Glen Lake High School – Maple City, Michigan

Entry Fee: $15 before November 2nd, $20 thereafter.

Registration & Packet Pick up: 8:00am – 9:45am at Glen Lake School

Course Description: 3.1 miles (5K) on Glen Lake’s beautiful cross country course. Two loops of pure Northern Michigan Cross Country running!

Awards: DOZENS OF TURKEYS WILL BE RAFFLED OFF!!!
Lots of great raffle items. No age group awards will be given out. Special awards for the male and female overall plus masters winners.

Sponsor: Running Fit

For more info call Coach Edwards: 231-334-3080

Email: getfit@skiwalking.com

NORDIC WALKING FITNESS POLES - PART OF BOOK LAUNCH CONTEST PROMOTING DR. CHRISTINE NORTHRUP’S NEW BOOK “ THE SECRET PLEASURES OF MENOPAUSE"

2008-10-30T12:04:00.011-04:00

The American Nordic Walking System And WWW.SKIWALKING.COM Are Teaming up With Hay House Inc. To Help Promote Dr. Christine Northrup’s Book: The Secret Pleasures of Menopause

Ten pairs of high tech carbon fiber EXEL Urban Skier Nordic Walking Poles ($129.95 per pair retail value) are part of the prize list celebrating the release of Dr. Northrup’s newest book. These quality Nordic Walking Poles are provided by The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALING.COM – the leading retailer of Nordic Walking Poles in the USA. The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALING.COM are dedicated to the simple and proven fact that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

Dr. Northrup recognized the many benefits of Nordic Walking Poles during her first time out with her new poles from SKIWALING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. Dr. Northrup wrote this about Nordic Ski Walking: "I was introduced to this fitness method last spring. When I got my Nordic Ski Walking poles and tried them out, I was astounded at how effective this way of walking is. And my colleague Mona Lisa Schulz (who has about ten rods in her spine) found that the poles allowed her to walk upright, thus minimizing the wear and tear of usual walking. She walks regularly because it’s the only thing that has kept her mobile after multiple surgeries."

The Secret Pleasures of Menopause is a groundbreaking book that is long overdue! Christiane Northrup, M.D., delivers a breakthrough message that will help millions and millions of perimenopausal and menopausal women just like you understand that at menopause . . . life has just begun! It is the beginning of a very exciting and fulfilling time, full of pleasure beyond your wildest dreams!

Dr. Northrup believes that it’s time for you to step forward and learn to enjoy the best years of your life! Even though studies show that menopause doesn’t decrease libido, ease of reaching orgasm, or sexual satisfaction, the majority of menopausal women aren’t experiencing the pleasure and sexual satisfaction that is their birthright. It is a long-held misconception that menopause signals "the beginning of the end," and nothing could be further from the truth.
In this fascinating book, Dr. Northrup candidly guides you toward experiencing life after 50 as the most pleasurable time of your life!

Christiane Northrup, M.D., a board-certified ob-gyn, is a visionary pioneer; beloved authority in women’s health and wellness; and the author of the New York Times bestsellers Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom and The Wisdom of Menopause. Her third book, Mother-Daughter Wisdom, was voted Amazon’s number one book of the year in both Parenting and Mind/Body Health in 2005. Following a 25-year career in both academic medicine and private practice, Dr. Northrup now devotes her time to helping women create vibrant health through tapping into their inner wisdom.

Here is a link to participate in this exciting book launch contest: http://promos.hayhouse.com/northrup/101508email/index.php?utm_campaign=pete_edwards&utm_medium=web&utm_source=partner

Walking with the perfect length poles and with the correct length poles can help to burn 40% more calories than regular walking, improve balance/stability and radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back.

For more information about Nordic Walking Poles contact: WWW.SKIWALKING.COM or call toll free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255

NORDIC WALKING AT 95 YEARS YOUNG

2008-10-24T20:15:00.003-04:00

AGATHA - Nordic Walking At 95 Years Old

While hosting Nordic Walking Clinics in the Chautauqua Lake Area in Western New York this past summer I had the chance to do some Nordic Ski Walking with Agatha. Her enthusiasm was contagious. She cruised comfortably with Nordic Walking Poles at a speed twice as fast as with her walker. NO snow and NO skis are required for Nordic Walking.

Participants of our Nordic Walking Clinics that day included avid hikers, skiers, casual walkers, runners and seniors. Many of the seniors in attendance came in using a cane or a walker and ALL found that our one-piece Nordic Walking Poles when sized correctly radically improved balance and stability. Individuals with knee issues (including new knees), hip issues (including new hips) and back issues (including scoliosis, osteoporosis and/or rods in their backs) found that the poles helped to reduce the stress to their knees, hips and back.

Every day we receive thank you cards and thank you emails filled with great testimonies about how our Nordic Walking Poles have helped to improve the quality of their lives. Individuals have successfully lost over 100 pounds by combining Nordic Walking with improved diet. Individuals have lowered cholesterol levels and/or blood sugar levels thanks to their new Nordic Walking campaigns. I love it when we hear that some of our customers have improved their health and fitness levels so much that their doctors are taking them off their meds.

Given the diverse spread in our customers' ages and fitness levels we prove daily that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Regardless of the terrain, quality one-piece poles sized correctly are safer and much more dependable. I would NEVER suggest to Agatha that cheap twist-lock poles would be a good idea because one-piece poles won't collapse unexpectedly.

More info about quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles can be found at The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Have FUN walking with poles!

Nordic Walking During Fall Color Season

2008-10-18T15:04:00.004-04:00

High School Cross Country Runners Doing A Little Cross Training

The weather is cooler and the fall colors are at their peak. Anytime is a great time for Nordic Walking, but fall is a fantastic time year to do some Nordic Walking – in the city, in the country and up in the mountains.

Even though I was the only one at the Elk Rapids Cross Country Invitational with Nordic Walking Poles, I know ski season is just around the corner. Nordic Walking isn’t just for skiers deprived of snow. Nordic Walking is ideal for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels. Nordic Walking Poles are certainly helping skiers get ready for ski season, but the vast majority of Americans that have discovered Nordic Walking are finding that the poles help to turbo charge their walking campaigns.

Does walking with poles look a little silly? Yes, but in Europe over 6 million individuals are walking with poles. And those of us here in the USA know for a fact that the poles make walking more effective, reduce stress to the weight bearing joints and help to burn more calories than regular walking because the arms are so much more actively engaged than regular walking.

For those of us that had to give up running, Nordic Walking is saving the day. The poles totally eliminate knee pain for many suffering from runners knee and those with other knee, hip and back issues are finding equal success. Individuals with weight issues are finding that Nordic Walking Poles help to encourage them to walk faster and farther, while burning more calories than regular walking. Individuals with balance issues are finding an improved balance and stability – including those with MS, Parkinson’s, Neuropathy and Post Polio.

In order to maximize Nordic Walking success it is important to use the correct length poles. Ideally your elbow should be at about 90 degrees and your forearm parallel to the ground when strapped into your Nordic Walking Straps and standing tall.

Real Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with Nordic Walking Straps – kind of like fingerless gloves. Real Nordic Walking Poles also include both metal tips for trail use, snow and ice, plus removable rubber tips for use on pavement and other hard surfaces. The rubber Nordic Walking tips act as both a shock absorber and a silencer so that you do not have to listen to the "clank" of the metal tip on pavement.

It is also important to note that one-piece Nordic Walking Poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Everyday I receive emails and phone calls from individuals that are having problems with their poles equipped with twist-locks. I also receive the same feedback during my Nordic Walking Clinics from folks that accidentally purchase poles with twist-locks and find they won’t hold position or lock into place at all. Others tell of checking the "floor sample" at their local sporting good store and not being able to get the twist-locking system to work at all.

For more information about Nordic Walking technique check out: www.skiwalking.com/getStarted.asp

For information about durable one-piece poles that come with a Perfect Length Guarantee, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a Life Time Breakage Guarantee check out: WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Don’t let the beautiful fall colors or Nordic Walking pass you by!

THE MANY BENEFITS OF NORDIC WALKING POLES MOTIVATE LAUNCH OF THE "NORDIC SPORTS USA" BLOG

2008-10-14T22:52:00.003-04:00

The Nordic Sports Blog was launched to help promote all Nordic sports: Nordic skiing (cross country skiing), Nordic walking, Nordic running, Nordic snowshoeing and Nordic blading (in-line skating or roller blading with poles). These healthy activities originated in Scandinavia. And all of these Nordic activities include the use of sport specific poles – improving balance, stability and overall fitness.

Check out our new Nordic Sports Blog at: http://nordicsportsusa.blogspot.com
I love cross country skiing (Nordic skiing). Cross country ski racers are proclaimed to be the most aerobically fit athletes on the planet. Cross country skiing was the first of the Nordic Sports. Then came Nordic Walking. Nordic Walking Poles not only help to burn more calories than regular walking, the poles help to reduce stress to the weight bearing joints and improve balance/stability.

When I was forced to stop running marathons I discovered that Nordic Walking Poles helped to radically reduce the stress to my knee. My wife and I were never compatible as running partners, but Nordic Walking together has been fantastic. Now we are actually Nordic running (running with our Nordic Walking Poles) up the hills of our favorite trail here in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

As a ski coach I know that ski walking and hill bounding with poles are key components to summer training for ski racers deprived of snow. Walking with poles can help to turbo charge everyone’s walking campaign. Walking with poles can burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking. And that is why the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM developed the three basic levels of Nordic Walking – allowing ALL ages and ALL fitness levels to find the ideal level of exertion. More Nordic Walking info on how to get started walking effectively with poles can be found at: http://www.skiwalking.com/getStarted.asp

Given the many health benefits of Nordic Skiing and Nordic Walking it is important to look into Nordic Blading and Nordic Snowshoeing. Both of these activities take existing fitness activities and make them better by adding poles to increase upper body involvement/workout and improve balance, stability and back support. Blading (in-line skating or roller blading) and snowshoeing with poles really does help to eliminate back pain – helping to automatically improve posture without having to think about it. Adding poles to these fitness activities has proven to be a win-win situation.

Nordic Sports provide us with some unique fitness options that are huge and successful in Europe and doable here in the USA regardless of time of year:

Nordic Skiing: ideal anywhere there is snow. NO lift ticket required. Huge calorie burn, plus gentle on the weight bearing joints.

Nordic Walking: can be done successfully anytime of year and in any climate. Removable rubber tips make Nordic Walking doable on pavement, in the mall and on indoor/outdoor tracks. Remove the rubber Nordic Walking tips and you are good to go on trials, the beach, snow and ice.
Nordic Blading: in-line skating with poles requires dry pavement and hard surfaces. Nordic Blading is a great way to get a better workout while skating. Balance and stability are greatly improved.

Nordic Snowshoeing: can be done anywhere there is snow and may be perceived as easier than cross country skiing in certain terrain and in certain snow conditions. If it is a little icy for cross country skiing it may be the perfect time for Nordic Snowshoeing - adding poles to snowshoeing not only improves balance and stability, the stress to the lower back is often eliminated completely!

Poles are obviously a key to all of the fantastic Nordic Sports. It is important to note that Nordic Skiing and Nordic Blading are done exclusively with durable one-piece poles. And when it comes to Nordic Walking and Nordic Snowshoeing it has been proven repeatedly that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. I am contacted everyday from individuals that have experienced problems with their poles equipped with twist-lock systems. Skiers don’t use cheap twist-lock poles and neither should Nordic Walkers or Nordic Snowshoers. The cheap twist-lock poles included in many snowshoe kits often fail right out of the box and if not right out of the box they are not durable enough to hold up with repeated use.

Nordic Sports are huge in Europe and are improving the health and fitness of millions. Hopefully as more Americans become aware of the many benefits of Nordic Sports we will see an increase in Nordic Skiing, Nordic Walking, Nordic Running, Nordic Blading and Nordic Snowshoeing.

Nordic Walking Clinics A Success During Michigan Health Department #10’s Staff Meetings At The Michigan 4-H Foundation’s Kettunen Center

2008-10-12T00:24:00.002-04:00

On Friday, October 10th I had the opportunity to offer an introduction to Nordic Walking to about 150 Health Department employees, followed by Nordic Walking Clinics for the most adventurous health department employees.

The setting was ideal – lakeside in the beautiful northern Michigan woods at the Kettunen Center, a complete conference and retreat facility owned and operated by the Michigan 4-H Foundation. The District Health Department #10 is the largest geographical health department in Michigan. The mission of District Health Department #10 is to promote and enhance the health of all individuals through education, prevention, intervention, and protection of the environment.

The mission of The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM is to provide helpful, proven and safe Nordic Walking Instruction and quality Nordic Walking Poles to as many North Americans as possible. After hosting hundreds of Nordic Walking classes during the past four years I have developed a pretty good feel for sizing everyone into the correct length poles. ALL our customers receive a perfect length guarantee. ALL sizes are in-stock and ready to ship. Once we know how tall someone is we select the perfect length poles for their height and we back it up with a perfect length guarantee. Our customer satisfaction rating is 100%! And every day we receive thank you cards and emails from happy customers all across the USA and Canada.

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.

The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM are dedicated to the simple and proven facts that one-piece Nordic Walking Poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length poles. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should never use poles equipped with twist-locking systems that can fail and collapse unexpectedly. While hosting Nordic Walking all across the country we consistently hear the same feedback from individuals that accidentally purchased twist-locking poles that failed and/or collapsed unexpectedly from discount stores, sporting goods stores and other sources. Many of our newest customers call us after they can’t get their twist-locking poles to set correctly and they ask us about our quality hassle-free one-piece poles.

Last night a lady called about her new twist-lock poles that, right out of the box, wouldn’t set correctly – obviously she didn’t purchase them from us. There were no instructions and no Nordic Walking DVD. She decided to order some one-piece poles from us in the perfect length for her height and was going to return the cheap twist-locking poles. Even the best twist-lock poles are not as dependable and user-friendly as quality one-piece poles sized correctly. When it comes to sizing, be sure that at a minimum all nine sizes are available from 100cm to 140cm in 5cm increments. And when it comes to Nordic Walking Straps, the best ones are patented by the Salomon Ski Company – don’t get scammed by the cheap straps from China. All of the Nordic Walking Poles from The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM are patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

Nordic Walking isn’t just for skiers deprived of snow during the summer!

Nordic Walking is ideal for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels.

Walking with poles is the best!

NORDIC WALKING CLINICS COMING TO BAY RIDGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

2008-10-05T11:51:00.003-04:00

Nordic Ski Walking Clinics are coming to Traverse City, Michigan's Bay Ridge Retirement Community on Tuesday, October 21st. Walking with special Nordic Walking Poles (modified hiking poles) is the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe

These Nordic Walking clinics are open to the public and there are two start times on Tuesday, October 21st:

11:00 am Nordic Walking Clinics will be held at Bay Ridge East in the private dining room.
1:00 pm Nordic Walking Clinics will be held at Bay Ridge West in the main dining room.

Participants will learn about the many benefits of walking with real Nordic Walking Poles. Participants will also have the opportunity to demo real Nordic Walking Poles that will be sized specifically for each individual's height - all sizes will be available to test drive. One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Seniors should avoid cheap twist-locking adjustable length poles that can collapse unexpectedly.

These Nordic Walking Clinics at The Village of Bay Ridge Retirement Community will be hosted by me (Glen Arbor, Michigan's Pete Edwards - owner/founder/coach of the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM). My Nordic Walking Clinics are open to ALL ages and ALL fitness levels. Successful participants often include athletes, seniors, individuals with balance issues (including MS, Parkinson's, Neuropathy and Post Polio), individuals with weight issues and individuals with shin, knee, hip and/or back issues - including new knees, new hips, rods in the back, arthritis, scoliosis, osteoporosis and other challenges. Individuals that use canes and/or walkers often find that Nordic Walking Poles are much more comfortable and stable than their cane or walker. If you feel comfortable pushing a shopping cart, then Nordic Walking Poles typically provide even more support and much improved balance, stability and versatility.

Over 6 million Europeans are walking with poles. Walking with the correct length poles and proper technique burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking.

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.

Real Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with comfortable fingerless glove type straps, durable metal tips (for use on trails, the beach, snow and ice) and special rubber tips that are removable and designed for use on pavement and other hard surfaces.

According to Nick Mahood, SWIX USA Nordic Walking Director, "Pete Edwards, of the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM, has single handedly introduced thousands of Americans to Nordic Walking through his enthusiastic Nordic Walking 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 Classes A Huge Success At Senior EmPower Day

2008-09-28T21:35:00.005-04:00

Senior EmPower Day provided free Nordic Walking Lessons and the opportunity to hear from a variety of informative speakers and learn from other event sponsors and exhibitors. They even had a chance to hear from me, Pete Edwards – owner/founder/coach of The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM Nordic Walking Poles. Many of the participants found that they could walk farther than they had in years thanks to the many benefits of walking with poles. Others found that their knee and/or hip pain was also eliminated thanks to the Nordic Walking Poles they got to test-drive.

Walking with poles provided a more effective workout than regular walking – basically turbo charging the average walking campaign. Walking with poles can burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking.

Nordic Walking’s unique 4-Wheel Drive Action burns more calories and provides additional balance and stability. Even folks with MS, Parkinson’s, Neuropathy, Post Polio and other balance issues have found the added stability of Nordic Walking Poles allows them to successfully walk further, faster and much more comfortably.

Nordic Ski Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe. Over 6 million Europeans are walking with special Nordic Ski Walking fitness poles everyday - no snow and no skis required. Walking with the perfect length poles and with correct technique provides a more effective aerobic workout than walking without poles.

The free Nordic Walking Clinics included an introduction to Nordic Walking, an explanation of the three basic levels of the American Nordic Walking System and an opportunity to demo real Nordic Walking poles – complete with removable rubber tips and patented comfortable straps (kind of like fingerless gloves). One-piece poles custom fit to each individual’s height are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should use one-piece poles because they are safer, lighter and more durable than cheap twist-locking poles.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, increased physical activity can help prevent risk factors for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some forms of cancer.

According to the Physical Activity and Health Report by the Surgeon General, moderate regular exercise has been found to be associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases, some forms of cancer, and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

Nordic Ski Walking Fun Facts – Walking, Hiking & Trekking With Poles:

* Walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back – and provides an effective aerobic workout.

* Ski Walking is kind of like cross-country skiing, but no skis & no snow required.

* Nordic Ski Walking poles are modified hiking poles. Poles from The American Nordic Walking System and SkiWalking.com are custom made in Lillehammer, Norway and come with patented comfortable straps, durable carbide tips for off-road and removable rubber tips for use on hard surfaces (indoor or outdoor on pavement).

* Nordic Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe. Over 6 million Europeans are Nordic Walking – in the cities, in the country and in the mountains.

* Unlike walking, running and biking, Nordic Ski Walking works the arms, shoulders and abs – providing a more effective workout. Providing a full body workout.

* Nordic Ski Walking provides all the low impact benefits of walking, while reducing knee and joint strain, burning more calories, working the upper body, increasing oxygen consumption and providing a more effective aerobic workout.

* Nordic Ski Walking Poles are ideal for all ages and all fitness levels – athletes, seniors and even folks with balance issues (including MS, Parkinson’s and Neuropathy).

* Nordic Ski Walking produces up to a 46% increase in energy consumption (Cooper Institute, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sports 2002 publication).

* Walking poles have been used at the University of Wisconsin in the rehabilitation of patients after myocardial infarction (MI). In the MI study, the oxygen uptake increased on average 21% compared to walking without poles.

* One-Piece Nordic Walking Poles custom fit to each individual's height are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles.

ONE-PIECE NORDIC WALKING POLES DON'T COLLAPSE UNEXPECTEDLY

2008-09-21T21:21:00.005-04:00

ONE-PIECE NORDIC WALKING POLES DOMINATE

Last December we tested one-piece/fixed length Nordic Walking (Ski Walking) poles in the Grand Canyon. Lots of other folks were using poles too. Our poles performed flawlessly on the descent and during the climb back out of the canyon. We heard mixed reviews however from individuals using twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

My eldest daughter is a professional guide and she just updated us on her latest guide trip. She commented how the group's trekking poles came in handy and made the long hikes doable for several of her clients. She also commented that the twist-locks failed a couple times and caused some major concern, but luckily no injuries.

One-piece Nordic Walking poles custom fit to an individual's height have repeatedly proven to be safer, lighter and more durable than twist-locking poles in the city, in the country and in the mountains. One-piece poles don't have twist-lock systems that can fail.

Using the correct length poles is important! 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.

The American Nordic Walking System has developed effective Nordic Walking instructions to assist all ages and all fitness levels. For information about proper Nordic Walking technique and instruction check out WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Nordic Walking Poles For Runners And Skiers

2008-09-15T14:18:00.005-04:00

NORDIC WALKING FOR RUNNERS AND SKIERS

Nordic Walking is also a great cross-trainer for runners and skiers! Even runners with killer shin splints and/or runner's knee find that walking with the correct length Nordic Walking Poles help to radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking too. Nordic walking is LOW IMPACT, yet highly effective.

Over 6 million Europeans are walking with poles - in the cities, in the country and up in the mountains.

Nordic Walking is a great way to get ready for Ski Season - for both downhill (Alpine) and cross country (Nordic).

Nordic Walking Poles also help individuals with balance issues improve their balance and stability. Walking with the correct length poles is like 4-Wheel-Drive.

Real Nordic Walking Poles include comfortable Nordic Walking Straps - kind of like fingerless gloves. The poles also include removable rubber tips for use on pavement and other hard surfaces. The metal tips are designed for use off-road - on your favorite trial, the beach, snow and ice.

Don't get scammed by cheap twist-locking adjustable length poles. Skiers use durable one-piece poles. One-piece Nordic Walking Poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles.

For more information about Nordic Walking please contact The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Three Generations Of Nordic Ski Walking FUN!

2008-09-11T00:34:00.002-04:00

Three Generations Of Nordic Ski Walking FUN!

Nordic Walking provides a safe and effective workout for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels. The poles help to burn more calories than regular walking - up to 40% more calories! The poles also help to improve balance and stability.

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.

Don't get scammed by cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking poles. The SWIX VIP Nordic Walking Poles are the #1 selling Nordic Walking Poles in the USA. The EXEL Urban Skier Poles are the newest in the line-up from The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Nordic Ski Walking Poles from The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM are custom fit to each individual's height. They also come equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps (patented by the Salomon Ski Company), a free Nordic Walking DVD, metal tips for off-road (trails, snow and ice) and removable rubber tips for pavement and other hard surfaces.

Walking with poles is the best!

Nordic Walking, High School Cross Country and Wild Blackberries

2008-09-07T10:17:00.004-04:00

High School Runners Warming Up With Nordic Walking Poles

Scott Tinley, two-time Ironman World Champion, has recommended that runners warm up with a good walk prior to running. My high school track and cross-country teams follow that advice and often we use Nordic Ski Walking Poles during this important warm-up period. The poles help to radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Runners with shin and/or knee issues often find that when using the correct length poles and proper technique their shin and/or knee pain is eliminated. We also hike up a super steep hill behind campus. Walking up hills helps to naturally and safely stretch the calf and achilles.

The wooded trails behind the school are ideal for running, walking and Nordic Ski Walking. Some sections of the trail are packed with wild raspberries and blackberries. I love coaching cross country - late summer and early fall is a great time of year. I am usually spotted at practices and races with my Nordic Ski Walking Poles. And occasionally I’m spotted picking wild blackberries – okay, maybe daily during blackberry season.

My athletes that are building up to longer runs, but lack distance base, find that a shorter run and a long hike with Nordic Walking Poles provides a winning combination. Athletes with shin splints or runners knee can substitute Nordic Walking for running and still get a great workout. Nordic Walking burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking and the poles work the upper body unlike regular walking and running. Nordic Walking is similar to cross-country skiing, but no snow and no skis are required.

We only use one-piece Nordic Walking Poles because they are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. Perfect length poles are achieved when the elbow is at 90 degrees when the individual is strapped in and standing tall.

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 are great for athletes, plus they are ideal for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels – including individuals with balance issues.

For more information about Nordic Walking Technique and Nordic Walking Poles contact The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Nordic Walking The VASA Trail - With Poles Spring/Summer/Fall

2008-09-06T07:20:00.006-04:00

The VASA Trail is a beautiful trail network that is open year-round. The trails are ideal spring, summer and fall for hikers, runners and mountain bikers. And come winter, the professionally groomed cross-country ski trails provide thousands of skiers with a world class experience – just minutes from downtown Traverse City, Michigan.

I have skied all of the VASA trials. I ran them all before my knee forced me to give up running. The trails are also perfect for Nordic Walking in the spring, summer and fall. Now I’m Nordic Walking the VASA trials with my poles and loving it. I have had the opportunity to host Nordic Walking Clinics at the main trail head off of Bunker Hill Road and up at Timber Ridge Campground/Nordic Center (the start/finish area for the North American VASA Cross Country Ski Races).

Over 6 million Europeans are walking with poles! The ski countries of Scandinavia helped to launch Nordic Walking about 10 years ago. Ski coaches saw backpackers complaining about back and/or knee pain, but when they started using trekking poles the knee and/or back pain was radically reduced and often eliminated. Real Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with special fingerless glove type straps. The best straps are patented by the Salomon Ski Company. Real Nordic Walking Poles are also equipped with removable rubber tips for use on pavement and other hard surfaces. The poles’ metal tips are for use on trails, snow and ice.

One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable (also known as telescoping or collapsible poles). Nordic Walking Poles are helping individuals with balance issues too. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should avoid twist-locking poles that could collapse unexpectedly. A woman participating in one of my Nordic Walking Classes at Timber Ridge told our group of about 40 people that she "Super Glued" her $140 Titanium poles the night before because the twist-locks refused to twist-lock and hold. Participants in my Nordic Walking Clinics consistently share their stories about the twist-locking poles they accidentally purchased and the problems they have had with the twist-locks - the vibration, the noise from the twist-locks, the twist-locks locking up (requiring a pipe-wrench to change the settings), the twist-locks not holding, the poles annoyingly getting shorter and/or collapsing unexpectedly. I’ve never seen skiers using twist-locking adjustable length poles while skiing at the VASA Trail or out on the Birkie Trail. One-piece Nordic Walking poles are much more dependable and user friendly than twist-locking poles. Nordic Walking Poles are sized much shorter than cross-country ski poles.

Walking with poles burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking! The perfect length poles and proper technique help to radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back.

Nordic Walking isn’t just for athletes - we are all supposed to walk for at least a 1/2 hour each day and Nordic Walking poles may just be the perfect answer. I love hosting Nordic Walking clinics for MS, Parkinson’s, Diabetes and Weight Management support groups. The poles have also proven extremely helpful for individuals with shin, knee, hip and back issues. I also love Nordic Walking with my family. Walking with poles is the best!

More info can be found at the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Nordic Walking The Beach

2008-09-02T10:07:00.003-04:00

Nordic Walking The Beach

The unique 4-wheel drive type action of Nordic Ski Walking makes beach walking and running with poles a blast! Even men that walk like apes start walking automatically with a super straight back when utilizing the perfect length poles. One-piece poles custom fit to each individual's height are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. When using the perfect length poles and correct technique you not only burn more calories than regular walking, the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back are radically reduced as well. Quality Nordic Walking instruction and real Nordic Walking Poles are available from The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Nordic Walking - The American Nordic Walking System

2008-08-27T00:26:00.002-04:00

Nordic Walking - The American Nordic Walking System

Real Nordic Ski Walking Poles are custom fit to each individual's height. One piece Nordic Walking Poles are safer, lighter and more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. Real Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with Real Nordic Walking Straps - kind of like a fingerless glove. Nordic Walking Poles also come equipped with removable rubber tips that are ideal for use on pavement and other hard surfaces including roads, sidewalks, indoor/outdoor tracks and even in the shopping mall. Poles from The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM are custom fit to each individual’s height and come with a Perfect Fit guarantee.

Free Nordic Walking Clinics Are Returning to the Chautauqua Lake Area on Friday, August 29th – NO Snow and NO Skis Required!

2008-08-19T17:45:00.005-04:00

The Heritage Village Retirement Campus in Gerry, New York will host the Nordic Walking Clinics. Nordic walking poles are no longer just for expert skiers deprived of snow during the summer months. Nordic Ski Walking (walking with special Nordic Walking poles) burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking. Nordic walking poles not only improve balance and stability, these special poles help to radically reduce the shins to the shins, knees, hips and back.

The public is invited to attend a free Nordic Walking Clinic hosted by the Heritage Group. On Friday, August 29th the free clinics will be offered from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. on the Heritage Village Retirement Campus at the outdoor gazebo. Edwards will also host a private clinic for the Heritage Village Staff on Friday from Noon – 1 p.m. in the Physical Therapy/Out Patient Therapy Gym at the Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing Facility.

Participants will be introduced to the many benefits of walking with poles. Participants will also be able to demo and test-drive user friendly one-piece Nordic Walking Poles custom fit to their individual heights and equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps . The Nordic Ski Walking Poles will be provided by WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System. One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles.

There is no charge to attend this event. Reservations are not required.

The SMART Car Meets Smart Walking (Nordic Ski Walking)

2008-08-10T22:13:00.014-04:00

SMART Cars Burn Less Gas And Nordic Walking Poles Burn More Calories!

Four years ago I launched http://www.skiwalking.com/ and The American Nordic Walking System. Fourteen months ago I put a $99 deposit down to reserve a SMART Car. On August 8th, 2008, The SMART Car and Nordic Walking (Smart Walking) met up at the Bloomfield Hills SMART Car Dealership (the only SMART Car dealership in Michigan). The SMART Car staff tried Nordic Ski Walking and I got to test drive my new Smart Car. Both received two thumbs up!

It was definitely worth the 14-month wait for my SMART Car to arrive. I made several stops in my new SMART Car the next morning to introduce Nordic Walking to staff at two of the Beaumont Health Centers in Royal Oak, Michigan. I always have FUN hosting Nordic Walking Clinics, but my SMART Car made getting to my Nordic Walking Clinics twice as FUN. I had to drive with the windows down because at every intersection folks wanted to ask questions and give compliments.

Why Nordic Walking? Because walking with the perfect length poles and correct technique can burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking. The another added bonus from walking with poles is the fact that the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back is radically reduced – making walking comfortable, even for individuals with new knees, new hips, Scoliosis, arthritis, weight issues and even cancer survivors. The poles are also a huge benefit for individuals with balance issues including MS, Parkinson’s, Neuropathy, Post Polio and other challenges. Please note that one-piece poles custom fit to an individual’s height are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Seniors and those with balance issues should NOT use cheap twist-locking poles. Our one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable and user friendly than cheap twist-lock poles.

Why the SMART Car? Its great mileage, the fact that it is a totally recyclable car, that it provides a smaller carbon footprint and that it is a way to inform both the US oil industry and US auto industry that smaller is better. The US oil and auto industries have spent millions of dollars lobbying against improved MPG standards and should have been investing that money into improving MPG ratings and developing more efficient, cleaner and green energy sources. Over 900,000 Smart Cars have been sold in 36 countries.

On the 5-hour drive north to the home office in Glen Arbor my SMART Car cruised along at 80 miles per hour on I-75 without hesitation or reservation. Gas mileage was only around 40 mpg, but considering this is the "break in" period that isn’t bad.

My favorite car of all time was the VW Thing, but my new favorite car of all time is my new SMART Car - faster, much safer, cleaner (greener) and way more efficient! With the front seat down I can carry 7 full pole bags (77 pairs of Nordic Walking Poles). My 206cm Salomon cross-country skis also fit – even with my son buckled into the passenger seat! There is room for the two of us plus downhill ski gear too! With ESP (electronic stability program with hill start assist) and ABS (Anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution) standard, there won’t be any issues come winter driving. My VW Eurovan has ESP and ESP should be standard on all cars sold in the USA – it is the next best thing to 4-Wheel Drive!

While parked in front of SKIWALKING.COM headquarters today, my SMART car posed for pictures with dozens of tourists walking and cruising down Lake Street in Glen Arbor. The little car is super comfortable, a total blast to drive and NOT just a little car restricted to short little commutes. I’ll be taking this sporty little rascal to all of my Midwest Nordic Walking Clinics. For longer trips I may snag my wife’s Honda Fit (a fantastic 5 seater with tons of storage space and magic seats that fold into the floor).

While my one-piece Nordic Walking Poles are make walking smarter (effective, efficient and FUN), my SMART car is helping to make driving smarter and a whole lot more affordable and FUN!!!!

Get off the coach and launch your Nordic Walking campaign today! Go to http://www.smartusa.com/ and reserve yourself a FUN and efficient driving machine too!

NORDIC RUNNING – WITH NORDIC WALKING POLES

2008-08-03T13:18:00.008-04:00

NORDIC RUNNING - INCREASE THE AEROBIC BENEFITS!

Scandinavian ski coaches were the first to officially embrace Ski Walking and Hill Bounding—a kind of Nordic running with cross-country ski poles. These ski-specific activities have since become a key training component for all serious cross-country skiers around the world when they are deprived of snow during the summer.

The famous running coach Arthur Lydiard incorporated hill bounding (without poles) into his training system (The Lydiard System) after coaching in Finland and observing the Finns success in cross-country skiing. Lydiard knew that running hills was a good thing and bounding up hills became an integral part of the Lydiard System.

Just over 10 years ago the coaches in Finland gave us Nordic Walking –basically, hiking with poles and a less ski-training focused activity. They developed special one-piece poles custom fit to each individual’s height (shorter than cross-country ski poles). The poles were equipped with special fingerless glove-type straps, durable metal tips for off-road use and removable rubber tips for use on pavement and other hard surfaces.

As a running coach and ski coach I, too, know the importance of hill training. For over 25 years my skiers have been Ski Walking and Hill Bounding with poles when deprived of snow. My distance runners are often asked to warm up by walking some extremely steep hills – naturally and safely stretching their Achilles and calf muscles. Runners with shin splints and/or runners knees can successfully Nordic Walk for an hour or more because the poles radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Many of the teams’ favorite running routes include challenging mile-long hills.

My wife Lissa and I have found that running up all the hills with our poles— less technical and lower impact than actual hill bounding—is another great way to train with our Nordic Walking Poles. I had to give up marathon running because of my knee and yet I can Nordic Walk and Nordic Run pain free. Nordic Walking poles are a HUGE help on the downhills too – reducing the stress and protecting my knee. I experimented with Nordic Running last year and this year we are running up all the hills with our poles. Lissa says that the poles have eliminated the lower back pain she had always experienced while walking and/or running our favorite hilly trails. "My Nordic Walking Poles not only do they eliminate my back pain, they also support my upper body so much it makes running up the hills almost fun," Lissa says. "My 76-year-old mother is also out there Nordic Walking (though not running) and tearing it up on same hilly trails!" she adds.

While Nordic Walking and/or Nordic Running up hills remember to keep your chin up, back straight (do NOT lean into the hill!!!) and fingers relaxed. If we lean into the hill we add stress to the lower back and deprive ourselves of the benefits of walking/running with the correct length poles. On the down hills feel free to plant the poles out in front a little and do NOT sit back! Sitting back puts a terrible amount of stress on the knees. I prefer to Nordic Walk down hills—the poles totally absorb the stress to the knees.

Many of my customers with runners knee issues have also found success by using Nordic Walking Poles for effective walking and pain free running. 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. The correct length poles also help to improve running posture too—automatically bringing the hips forward and the shoulders back.

As a ski coach it is obvious that one-piece poles are preferred by skiers and ski professionals. As a Nordic Walking instructor it is also obvious that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

A new customer made a four hour drive north today to pick-up some of our quality one-piece poles because the twist-locking poles (made in China) he found locally down in Kalamazoo rattle, vibrate, self –adjust and are a hassle to find replacement parts for. The instructions that came with his twist-locking poles were not helpful and the straps were not real Nordic Walking straps. We took a short test drive of the SWIX VIP Nordic Walking poles down to Lake Michigan and after a quick review of the three basic levels of The American Nordic Walking System he was totally impressed with the quality of real Nordic Walking Poles, the effectiveness of real Nordic Walking Straps and helpfulness of our instructions. He was also impressed that our poles are made in Lillehammer, Norway and NOT China. He loves the concept of walking with poles, but disliked the twist-locking poles he started out with. He is trying to manage his type 2 Diabetes through exercise and diet. Nordic Walking poles are helping to make walking more effective for individuals not just with Diabetes, but Arthritis, MS, Osteoporosis, Parkinson’s, Scoliosis, Post Polio, Cancer Survivors, Neuropathy, new knees, new hips, rods in the back, weight management participants and other challenges to launching a successful walking campaign.

Walking and running with poles is the best!

Sizing Nordic Walking Poles For Success – Perfect Length Poles

2008-07-31T18:48:00.006-04:00

When I placed my first large order of Nordic Walking Poles, I remember being told by the Norwegians that they recommended Nordic Walking Poles to be much shorter than cross country length poles. Their size chart was not as simple as taking your height and multiplying by .68 or .7 like several manufactures suggest. The goal should be to ensure that when standing tall and strapped into the comfortable patented Nordic Walking straps the elbow would be at 90 degrees and the forearm parallel to the ground. And they were right! When using the correct length poles even men that walk like apes begin to automatically walk with perfect posture without having to think about it.

As it turns out the multiplying your height by .68 or by .7 is only a rough guesstamater – often putting taller individuals and those in-between sizes in poles that are to short.

After hosting hundreds of Nordic Walking classes/clinics during the past four years I have developed a pretty good feel for sizing everyone into the correct length poles. ALL of my customers receive a perfect length guarantee. ALL sizes are in-stock and ready to ship. Once I know how tall someone is I personally select the perfect length poles for their height. Our customer satisfaction rating is 100%!

Perfect length poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back - better walking posture is bio mechanically 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 Runners and skiers I coach like their Nordic Walking poles sized the same as the senior citizens and the individuals with balance problems that take my classes. If we go shorter with the poles we find that there is "bending at the waist" and that is NOT a good thing! When testing pole length the REAL question should be "which pair makes your back feel the best". During my classes the customer response 100% of the time is the pair that puts the elbow at 90 degrees when standing still and standing tall. Please note that different pole manufactures measure poles slightly differently – just like the ski companies. I don't know why some companies suggest shorter poles for seniors? I have NEVER had a senior pick poles that were shorter than recommended.

I read today about a retailer suggesting 130cm poles for individuals up to 6’ 5"? Individuals that are 6’ 5" would be best served with 135cm or 140cm poles – depending on the manufacture’s sizing (different manufactures may vary actual pole length by up to 5cm). Regardless, 130cm poles would force someone 6’ 5" to bend forward at the waist and eliminate many of the benefits of walking with the correct length poles.

Last month I custom made some Nordic Walking Poles for an individual that was 6’ 8" because our longest SWIX VIP Nordic Walking Poles and EXEL Urban Skier Nordic Walking Poles are 140cm – way to short for a 6’ 8" Nordic Walker, but ideal for someone 6’ 4" – 6’ 6". I can take a pair of quality cross country ski poles or roller ski poles in longer lengths and add Nordic Walking tips plus straps in order to get a perfect fit for individuals above 6’6" and to tall for our 140cm poles. Twist-locking adjustable length poles are typically extra flimsy above 130cm and can not provide a Perfect Fit for taller Nordic Walkers.

One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Individuals with balance issues and seniors should avoid twist-locking adjustable poles. I just received an email from a professor at McGill University confirming that our one-piece poles are hassle free when compared to the twist-locking adjustable length poles she purchased by mistake from another source and found they "self-adjusted and partially collapsed" on most of her walks.

When demonstrating Nordic Walking to a dietitian this week she noted that her clients could ALL benefit from "MORE WALKING" too – most of her clients suffer from high blood pressure and/or diabetes. And of course "MORE WALKING" could be the most valuable prevention activity to help get Americans back on the path to improved health and fitness.

Walking with poles is the best!

Pete - owner/founder/coach The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM Nordic Walking Poles

REAL Nordic Walking Straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company

2008-07-24T23:42:00.021-04:00

REAL Nordic Ski Walking Straps

Proven Superior At The Olympics And While Walking

I read about poles with Nordic Walking Straps, about poles with old fashion loop straps and poles with no straps. The important thing is that more people get out there and walk! Poles are helping many individuals that have walking issues (balance, joint, weight and other issues) get out and walk comfortably and more effectively!

My background as a Ski Coach helps me to appreciate REAL Nordic Walking Straps. These fingerless glove type straps have helped to revolutionize cross country skiing! At the Olympics every medal winner skied with a version of the Salomon Patented Straps. These same highly effective ski straps are ideal on Nordic Walking Poles. I Nordic Walk and/or cross country ski with these fantastic straps every day.

I host Nordic Walking Clinics pretty much everyday – 7 days a week. Often I hear from individuals that they have a garage full or attic full of old ski poles and they don’t really want to buy Nordic Walking Poles, but they do want to learn proper technique and a little about optimum pole length. 100% of the time they are shocked at how comfortable and effective REAL Nordic Walking Straps are. Seniors and individuals with balance issues also appreciate the secure feeling they get when strapped into their comfortable and patented straps.

Real Nordic Walking Straps eliminate the need to tightly grip the poles. The pressure is all in the heel of the hand and effectively transmitted through the strap – no white knuckling and NO squeezing of the poles. No sweaty hands, no slimy grips and no numb hands!

It is important to note that strapless poles are credited for thousands of cases of "skiers thumb". Strapless ski poles are no longer available at ski shops. And old fashion loop straps are not nearly as comfortable or effective as REAL Nordic Ski Walking Straps.

Not only are REAL Nordic Walking Straps essential, perfect length poles are important too.

Many poles from China are copying the Salomon patent, but their quality and stitching is totally poor. My favorite Nordic Walking Straps are the SWIX SR2001 and the EXEL Evolution - both available exclusively in the USA and Canada through The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM

Our poles are helping individuals walk farther, faster and more comfortably even when they have arthritis, carpal tunnel, cardio issues, asthma, MS, Parkinson's, Post Polio, cancer survivors, neuropathy, diabetes, runners knee, shin splints, stroke recovery, scoliosis, knee issues, new knees, hip issues, new hips, back issues, metal rods in their backs, sciatic nerve and many other unfortunate issues.

Please let me know if you have any questions at any time about the fun and many benefits of walking with REAL Nordic Walking Poles.

Have a great day – Nordic Ski Walking is the best,

Pete - owner/founder/coach The American Nordic Walking System and http://www.skiwalking.com/ Nordic Ski Walking Poles

Email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

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

Nordic Ski Walking A Natural Fit At Scandinavian Folk Festival

2008-07-22T12:12:00.005-04:00

Folkdansgillet Nerkia

Swedish Folk Dance Team from Örebro, Sweden

Jamestown, New York’s 7th Annual Scandinavian Folk Festival provided a rewarding journey back in time complete with Scandinavian history, legend, music, folk art, folk dance and much more.

While I was hosting Nordic Walking lectures and classes during the festival it was rewarding to hear first hand from individuals living in Sweden, Norway and Finland about their LOVE for Nordic Ski Walking. Many Americans that had recently been to Scandinavia told of the dominance of Nordic Walking Poles in the countries they visited.

Cross Country Skiing has always been the favorite fitness activity in Scandinavian countries and when they can't find snow they are Nordic Ski Walking with special poles. Nordic Ski Walking originated in Scandinavia. Ski coaches in Finland saw backpackers with sore knees and backs find total relief when given trekking poles. These coaches also saw the benefits their athletes gain from Ski Walking and Hill Bounding with poles. They also added special fingerless glove type straps and removable rubber tips to their poles for use on pavement - and the fastest growing fitness activity is now Nordic Ski Walking.

When I offered Nordic Walking poles to the Swedish Folk Dance Team (specializing in both traditional and modern folkdance) they quickly recognized a good thing when they saw it. Dozens of the dance team members grabbed their cameras to take pictures of the team members in traditional costume and participating in one of their favorite activities back in Sweden – Nordic Ski Walking! They also recognized the quality of my poles – made in Norway and Finland.

My SWIX VIP Nordic Walking Poles and Exel Urban Skier Poles proved to be a hit. Many of the Scandinavians pointed out the quality of poles and the fact that they were one-piece construction – safer, lighter and more durable than twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. The patented comfortable straps proved to be a hit too.

While working with many festival participants with new knees, new hips and a variety of balance issues it was hugely clear again that the correct length one-piece poles are much more dependable than cheap twist-locking poles.

Walking with poles is the best and the six million plus Europeans that are Nordic Walking can’t be wrong!

Have FUN walking with poles,

Pete - owner/founder/coach The American Nordic Walking System and http://www.skiwalking.com/ Nordic Walking Poles
Email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM
Toll Free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255

Nordic Walking Introduced During “Women’s Wellness Weekend” at Michigan’s Kettunen Center

2008-07-05T15:35:00.002-04:00

The setting was all "Up North" Michigan – beautiful trails, sunny skies and lakeside. The participants were eager to learn about Nordic Walking. My Nordic Walking class reviewed the history of Nordic Walking, the equipment (poles), included lots of testimonies from happy fans of Nordic Walking and provided plenty of time to test drive real Nordic Walking Poles equipped with removable rubber tips for use on hard surfaces + metal tips for trails, the beach, snow and ice + real Nordic Walking Straps (kind of like fingerless gloves. The comfortable patented straps allow for an efficient and effective backward push-off – eliminating the need to grip the poles and allowing the fingers to remain relaxed. The power is transmitted from the heel of your hand into the cradle of the strap.

1st there was "Ski Walking" and "Hill Bounding" with poles – effective summer training routines for expert skiers deprived of snow during the summer months. Then came trekking poles – the poles helped backpackers eliminate knee and back pain from the poor posture and heavy packs. Then came Nordic Walking – special poles that can be used pretty much any where any time – in the city, in the country and up in the mountains. Real Nordic Walking Poles, like ski poles, are a durable one-piece design. These one-piece poles when used in the correct length radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. One-piece poles also do not rattle and vibrate like twist-lock poles do.

One of the participants ran back to her room to bring her twist-locking poles to show the group. When she attempted to adjust the length of the poles the shafts just kept spinning and refused to catch and tighten – typical of many twist-lock type poles. Many individuals have contacted me regarding the benefits of one-piece poles after their twist-lock poles failed – they loved the concept of walking with poles, but hated the twist-locks.

While demonstrating the 3 basic levels of the American Nordic Walking System all of the participants noticed that their backs where straighter and that their arms where much more engaged than when walking without poles. Individuals with hip and arthritis issues were pleasantly surprised at how the poles eliminated the pains that came with regular walking.
The group had been kayaking earlier in the day so their arms took extra notice of the increase muscle use – especially when practicing Level 2 and Level 3. The poles proved a huge hit while climbing hills and eliminated knee pain on the downhills.

Thanks again to the Kettunen Center for providing such a great setting and wonderful programs.
The Kettunen Center website: http://www.kettunencenter.org

For more info about Nordic Walking Poles: WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

To learn more about The American Nordic Walking System: http://www.skiwalking.com/getStarted.asp

TAKE OFF THE POUNDS SENSIBLY WITH “TOPS” AND NORDIC WALKING POLES!

2008-06-30T00:32:00.003-04:00

While hosting clinics the other day for TOPS (TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY - Weight Loss Group) I was reminded again why real Nordic Walking Poles are so effective and FUN!

Right away we heard from numerous participants about the trouble they had with their twist-locking poles that they had purchased elsewhere – the vibration, the rattle, the twist-locks failing and such.

After my introduction about Nordic Walking and the many benefits of walking with poles the entire "TOPS" group was off and walking successfully with one-piece poles sized to each individual’s height. Immediately I was told that there were several spouses that would especially benefit from the poles too – typically knee, hip and/or back issues.

It was a hot day and the individual with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) found the poles a huge aid given the improved balance and confidence they provided despite the heat (heat is not a good thing for many folks with MS). Seniors and individuals with balance issues should avoid twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. One-piece poles custom fit to each individual’s height are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking poles.

Before we start walking with the poles I always instruct the group to keep their chins up, poles slightly angled back and fingers relaxed (NO white knuckling of the poles). Real Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with special fingerless glove type straps – these special straps allow for effective push-off by accepting the pressure from the heel of the hand into the cradle of the strap – eliminating the need to ever uncomfortably squeeze the grips. These special straps even allow individual’s with carpal tunnel and/or arthritis in the hands/wrists to effectively use the poles – despite the fact that they can’t use traditional ski straps anymore.

Because of the heat, the individuals that squeezed their poles found they had sweaty hands. Those of us that took advantage of the straps didn’t have sweaty fingers. I always suggest that we guide the poles with either our little fingers or index fingers. A close examination of an elite cross-country ski racer shows the fingers fully extended and efficiently NOT gripping the poles. Also note that downhill skiers often complain about their expensive Gore-Tex/Thinsulate gloves – however, they are usually riding the chairlift squeezing their grips (white knuckling) and cutting off the circulation. Many of our customers complained of hand numbness while walking prior to purchasing our poles – our special straps and correct use (fingers relaxed) eliminated the numbness experience without poles.

Walking is obviously a simple and key component to a weight loss campaign. The use of perfect length poles and correct technique increases the success rate.

The goal of The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM is to help as many people as possible launch successful and safe walking campaigns. We specialize in sizing poles to each individual’s height and back it up with a Perfect Length Guarantee.

Please let me know if you have any questions at any time. Have a great day and have FUN Ski Walking!

Pete - owner/founder/coach The American Nordic Walking System and http://www.skiwalking.com/ Nordic Walking Poles

Email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

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

Nordic Walking In Glen Arbor, Michigan - Home of The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

2008-06-27T14:55:00.005-04:00

Nordic Walking In Glen Arbor, Michigan - 100% Happy Customers!

We had excellent cross country skiing right up to April 20th in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore this year (if you knew where the pockets of snow were). Spring was cooler than normal, but ideal for Nordic Walking! Summer is in full swing and we are hosting private and group Nordic Walking Classes daily - when we aren't out on the road hosting Nordic Walking Classes around the country.

Our Nordic Ski Walking Clinics are a way to much FUN! Couples are always fun to work with too. Typically one individual is super excited and the other is skeptical. Who would have thought that by walking with the correct technique and perfect length poles there could be so many benefits? The "doubting spouse" typically becomes a believer quickly after just a short test drive and a brief introduction to The American Nordic Walking System. The poles really do make walking more effective and FUN. The stress to the shins, knees, hips and back are radically reduced - thanks to the poles, the comfortable Nordic Walking Straps, improved posture thanks to the poles and the shock absorbing rubber pole tips.

In just the past week we have had tremendous success with individuals with the following issues:

1. new knee(s) + knee issues (torn ACL and runners knee)
2. new hip(s) + hip issues
3. arthritis
4. asthma - the improved posture brings the hips forward, shoulders back and opens the airways!
5. Neuropathy
6. post polio
7. diabetes and weight management issues
8. shin splints
9. MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
10. back issues - rods + scoliosis
11. Parkinson's
12. Carpal Tunnel - real Nordic Walking Straps allow folks with carpal tunnel and/or arthritis to use poles again when regular pole straps can't be used successfully.
13. Cardiac Rehab

It is all just good physics!

Every day we receive thank you cards in the mail and thank you emails from all across the USA and around the world. It is extremely rewarding teaching Nordic Walking - helping others get out walking safely and effectively.

Our one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. And our comfortable patented straps sell themselves. As a ski coach I know that we don't ski with collapsible poles and know from experience and the feedback from others that the perfect length one-piece poles can't be beat in regard to safety, performance and durability. One-piece poles don't rattle and vibrate excessively when used on pavement and other hard surfaces.

The American Nordic Walking System provides safe and logical instructions for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels. Because most Americans don't really like "true" Nordic Walking we developed the three basic levels of Nordic Walking.

Level 1: Casual hiking with correct length poles (burns up to 20% more calories than regular walking). Fingers need to be relaxed and the chin up. And of course each pole is planted in sync with the opposite foot.

Level 2: Includes a full arm extension (burns up to 30% more calories than regular walking). By simply reaching forward your stride lengthens and your tempo increases - kind of like shifting gears in a car. Chin up and fingers relaxed.

Level 3: True Nordic Walking - includes the full arm extension, a harder pole plant and resistance into the cradle of the strap (through the heel of your hand). The resistance is maintained from pole plant to when the hand passes the hip. Real Nordic Walking Straps allow you to do this effectively without gripping the poles. Chin up and fingers relaxed.

Individuals with balance issues prefer Levels 1 and 2. Individuals with carpal tunnel, arthritis in their hands/wrists/shoulders or shoulder issues (including rotor cuff) also prefer Levels 1 and 2.

For more information about The American Nordic Walking System please go to http://www.skiwalking.com/ or http://www.skiwalking.com/getStarted.asp

The important thing is to get out there and do it.

Have FUN Nordic Walking!

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

2008-06-22T15:14:00.004-04:00

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.

National Trails Day and Nordic Ski Walking - a Perfect Fit

2008-06-05T16:18:00.002-04:00

THREE GENERATIONS NORDIC WALKING

The American Nordic Walking System and www.SkiWalking.com are celebrating "National Trails Day" by offering free Nordic Walking Lessons and free Nordic Ski Walking Rentals all day on Saturday, June 7th.

The goal is to get more Americans off the couch ad out walking. Once more Americans start walking they will have a deeper appreciation for our wonderful trail systems throughout the USA.

The American Nordic Walking System and www.SkiWalking.com are headquartered in Glen Arbor, Michigan – home of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Free Nordic Ski Walking lessons will be offered in town and free Nordic Ski Walking pole rentals will be available for walking in town, on the beach, on the dunes or out on many of the beautiful trails within the adjacent Sleeping Bear Dunes Area.

These special poles are custom made in Lillehammer, Norway by SWIX Sports exclusively for The American Nordic Walking System and www.SkiWalking.com . The poles are equipped with comfortable patented straps – patented by the Salomon Ski Company. The poles also include removable rubber tips for walking on pavement and other hard surfaces. For hiking off-road the rubber tips twist and pull off – exposing the durable carbide metal tips that are ideal for your favorite trail, the beach, snow and ice. All poles from www.SkiWalking.com come with a free instructional Nordic Ski Walking DVD.

Over 6 million Europeans are walking with poles – in the cities, in the country and in the mountains. Doctors in Europe are even writing prescriptions for Nordic Ski Walking Poles. Walking with poles burns more calories than regular walking – up to 40% more calories. The poles, your arms and the comfortable straps also help to reduce stress to the shins, knees, hips and back.

Originally Ski Walking was only embraced by serious skiers deprived of snow and as a means to get ready for the next ski season. Next came trekking poles – radically reducing the stress to the knees and backs of backpackers. Ski coaches in Finland saw the benefits of Ski Walking and introduced "Nordic Walking" to the masses. They developed durable one-piece poles with special fingerless glove type straps and added removable rubber tips to the poles so that Nordic Walking can be done on any type of surface.

One-piece poles custom fit to each individual’s height are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. The free rental poles provided by The American Nordic Walking System and www.SkiWalking.com on National Trails Day will all be one-piece poles complete with real Nordic Walking Straps.

These one-piece Nordic Walking poles are even helping individuals with balance issues get out walking again – including folks with MS, Parkinson’s, Neuropathy, Post Polio and other challenges. The poles provide added balance and stability. When using the perfect length poles and correct technique folks usually prefer the poles over their canes and walkers. The 4-wheel-drive type action also allows folks with knee, hip and back issues to take up walking again. Added comfort and stability means more individuals can get out and enjoy the trails.

For more information please contact The American Nordic Walking System and www.SkiWalking.com -

By phone: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255

By email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

Website: WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Walking with poles is the best!

Happy National Trails Day!

NORDIC WALKING PRESENTED TO 97 SENIORS AT THE BLUEBIRD RESTAURANT

2008-05-31T12:02:00.013-04:00

Pictured: The ALL-Star Staff from The Bluebird

Restaurant And the Leelanau County Commission on Aging

It was a record breaking turnout for the Leelanau Commission On Aging's luncheon at The Bluebird Restaurant in Leland, Michigan on Thursday, May 29th. Almost one hundred enthusiastic seniors attended the luncheon and my presentation on Nordic Ski Walking.

The presentation included an introduction to this wonderful walking exercise that is the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe - over 6 million Europeans are walking with poles. No snow and no skis required. Nordic Ski Walking is no longer just for serious skiers deprived of snow during the summer. A review of all the wonderful health benefits of walking with poles sounded almost too good to be true. Walking with the perfect length poles and correct technique really does burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking. Perfect length poles and correct technique also radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. And then there is the fact that the poles improve balance and stability - even for folks that use canes and walkers. I also love hosting Nordic Ski Walking clinics for MS, Parkinson's and Diabetes support groups. The group was also introduced to The American Nordic System and the three basic levels of Nordic Walking. FREE test drives, demos and lessons followed with real one-piece Nordic Ski Walking poles from The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM .

After personally hosting hundreds of Nordic Ski Walking clinics it is crystal clear to me that one-piece poles custom fit to each individual's height are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. In almost every Nordic Walking class I teach there are a few individuals that accidentally purchased twist-lock poles from other companies and about 9 out of 10 complain that their adjustable length poles broke, the twist-lock systems failed, they experienced annoying clicking noises or there was excess vibration and/or lack of durability.

We are all supposed to be walking for at least a half hour a day. Walking with poles can turbo charge your average walk and make walking more effective. Walking with poles is making walking a doable exercise again for those of us with weight issues, bad knees/new knee(s), bad hips/new hip(s), balance issues, Post Polio, MS, Parkinson's, Neuropathy and other challenges. Always be sure to consult your physician before launching any exercise program.

Walking with poles is the best!

Nordic Walking Poles from WWW.SKIWALKING.COM Make ABC News

2008-05-17T20:36:00.006-04:00

The ABC News article about Nordic Walking is fantastic. And it is great to see our SWIX VIP Nordic Walking Poles in action. These quality Nordic Walking Poles are made in Lillehammer, Norway exclusively for The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM .

Over 6 million Europeans are walking with poles - in the city, in the country and up in the mountains. Walking with poles not only burns more calories than regular walking; the poles reduce stress to the weight bearing joints. Nordic Walking poles also help to improve balance and stability.

The SWIX VIP Nordic Walking Poles were also recently seen in action during a TV segment on New York’s CW11. Our one-piece poles custom fit to each individual's height are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking, adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

All SKIWALKING.COM customers receive a Perfect Length Guarantee. 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.

The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM developed the three basic levels of Nordic Walking so that all ages and all fitness levels could benefit from Nordic Walking.

Level 1: Casually walking, hiking and trekking with the perfect length 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 planting out in front unless going down a steep hill. When done correctly you will immediately notice your improved posture – automatically walking taller and with a straighter back without having to think about it. Nordic Walking at Level 1 offers huge benefits, is low impact and allows individuals with joint and/or balance issues to participate successfully in this wonderful fitness activity.

Level 2: Requires the arms to fully reach out while keeping the poles slightly angled back. 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 continues to reinforce improved walking posture when done correctly. Again, the poles are NEVER planted in front of the lead heal unless your are descending a steep hill. Do NOT lean forward!

Level 3: Includes the full arm extension + 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 passes by the hips. Level 3 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 equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps. And remember the poles are NEVER planted in front of the lead heal unless your are descending a steep hill. Don't squeeze the poles - keep your fingers relaxed and take advantage of the fingerless glove type straps! Level 3 is big in Europe, but Levels 1 and 2 are more practical for most Americans.

The best Nordic Walking straps are patented by the Salomon Ski Company. These patents have revolutionized cross country skiing and ski racing by providing a secure, but hinged connection to the pole. By eliminating of the need to grip the poles and allowing the power to be transmitted from the hand into the strap maximizes effectiveness, stability and comfort.

Leading pole manufactures like EXEL, ONEWAY and SWIX all utilize these top quality straps on their best poles. Stay clear of cheap twist-locking poles coming out of China that have tried to copy these straps in violation of the patent rights and are manufactured with sub-standard materials and craftsmanship.

During every Nordic Walking Class that I taught last week the participants that already had adjustable length poles complained about the twist-locks on their poles. The twist-locking poles where noisy (rattled and vibrated), wouldn't hold their positions, froze up and/or stopped working altogether. That is why we always recommend durable one-piece poles custom fit to each individual's height for everyday use, for travel and especially for folks with balance issues. The participants that had been using downhill and cross country poles prior to taking one of my classes discovered the benefits of using the correct length poles and the many noticeable benefits of using real Nordic Walking Straps.

It is exciting that Nordic Walking is getting the attention it deserves here in the USA.

Have FUN walking with Poles!

BUSHWHACKING WITH MY FAVORITE NORDIC WALKING POLES IN SEARCH OF THE MOREL MUSHROOM

2008-05-08T10:56:00.009-04:00

My Nordic Walking Poles are doing double duty these days - it is spring and time to hunt for the prized morel mushroom. When I’m not hosting Nordic Walking classes I am hiking with my family and using my favorite Nordic Walking poles in the woods in search of the elusive morel mushroom.

My kids have always loved mushroom season – it is like a marathon Easter egg hunt involving 2-5 mile hikes and NO whining because they are so excited (especially if I keep my poles strapped on and let the kids pick my finds). But kids, being closer to the ground, don’t usually need any help finding their own secret stash.

Our best morel mushroom finds involve long hikes through hilly terrain and my Nordic Walking Poles save the day – just as they did when I had to give up marathon running. The poles really do radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back - on pavement, in the mall, on the beach, on your favorite trail or out bushwhacking. Even on the steepest terrain the 4-wheel-drive action of using poles makes bushwhacking much more enjoyable.

We tested our poles in the Grand Canyon last December and passed dozens of people that wanted to buy our poles on the spot. Again, the poles really saved the day. Using the right length poles reduces knee strain on downhills and reduces the stress to the lower back on the uphills. Sounds like magic, but it is just good physics. Poles are biomechanically a good thing!

Nordic Walking also burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking, works more muscle groups and improves balance and stability. As a ski coach it only makes sense to me to use one-piece poles for custom fit to my height for hiking and Nordic Walking. I find it hard to embrace twist-lock adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles – given the reported issues with some twist-locks collapsing unexpectedly, vibrating excessively and/or making annoying clicking noises with every pole plant. Quality one-piece poles custom fit to each individual’s height are safer, lighter and more durable than twist-locking poles. Using perfect length poles and correct technique help to maximize the many benefits of Nordic Walking.

Backpackers didn’t discover the walking stick, but they knew a walking stick radically reduced the stress to the knees and back. Trekking poles became popular because two poles are better than one. And now, thanks to the ski coaches in Finland, there is Ski Walking or Nordic Walking – special poles with comfortable fingerless glove type straps and equipped with removable rubber tips for pavement and hard surfaces, plus metal tips for off-road, the beach, snow and ice.

Have FUN Ski Walking!

Morel Mushroom Festival Links:
http://www.mesick-mushroomfest.org/
http://www.morelfest.com/

NORDIC WALKING CLINICS COMING TO WEIGHT WATCHERS AND TOPS!

2008-04-13T01:27:00.007-04:00

Over 6 million Europeans are walking with special Nordic Ski Walking Poles in the cities, in the country and up in the mountains! Walking with poles turbo charges your walking campaign - burning up to 40% more calories than regular walking!

Pete Edwards the owner/founder/coach of The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM Nordic Walking Poles hosts the Weight Watchers and TOPS Nordic Walking Clinics. Edwards has hosted numerous clinics at both Weight Watchers and Tops events in the past and is fired up to share the many benefits of walking correctly with the perfect length poles.

Walking with the perfect length poles and the correct technique not only burns more calories, but also improves balance and stability. Nordic Ski Walking is no longer just for expert skiers deprived of snow during the summer - even folks with severe balance issues are finding huge success walking with poles. Edwards loves hosting clinics at MS, Parkinson's and Diabetes support groups and notes that the success is almost magical, but it is really just good physics.

Once-piece Nordic Walking poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles.
Edwards specializes in fitting folks into the 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.

Edwards is also a ski coach and recommends one-piece poles based on the simple fact that skiers would NEVER use twist-locking poles - they all use one-piece poles because they are lighter, stronger and more dependable than twist-locking poles. After hosting hundreds of Nordic Walking Classes, Edwards says it is clear that folks with balance issues are best served with one-piece poles custom fit to their height too. Many clinic participants comment that the poles make walking a doable activity again.

For more information on Nordic Walking technique and equipment please contact the American Nordic Walking System and http://www.skiwalking.com/

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

Email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

Mimes LOVE Nordic Ski Walking Too!

2008-03-12T00:30:00.008-04:00

MIMES CELEBRATE WINTER AND FIND SUCCESS NORDIC SKI WALKING!

At numerous Women's Winter Tour Events, Gals Get-A-Way Weekends and Other For Women only events Nordic Ski Walking provided hundreds of participants the opportunity to try an exciting NEW fitness activity called Nordic Ski Walking - hot from Europe. Over 6 million Europeans are walking with special fitness poles in the cities, in the country and up in the mountains.

The Europeans know that walking is good for you and walking with poles is even smarter. Walking with poles can burn 20%-40% more calories than regular walking. Using the correct length poles is important and using proper technique will help to radically reduce the stress on the shins, knees, hips and back. Even men that walk like apes start walking with a super straight back when they strap into a pair of the correct length Nordic Ski Walking Poles.

If Mimes could talk they would tell you that one-piece poles custom fit to each individual's height are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles.

Poles tested successfully by Mimes and hundreds of other participants at Women's Winter Tour and Gals Get-A-Way events were provided by SKIWALKNG.COM and The American Nordic Walking System.Some participants on snowshoes borrowed the poles too. Many snowshoers already had poles that came with their snowshoes - cheap twist-locking poles that didn't work half the time for the individuals. These individuals where shocked when they tested the durable one-piece poles from SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System.

Snowshoers also loved the comfortable patented straps that are included with ALL poles from SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System.

Cross country skiers were also intrigued by the Nordic Ski Walking Poles - especially the straps! These fingerless-glove type straps have revolutionized cross country skiing and they are ideal for walking poles too! Cross country skiers use much longer poles than the length used for Nordic Walking.
Nordic Walking Poles also radically improve balance and stability – a huge aid for those with balance issues including MS, Parkinson’s and Neuropathy (NO Longer Just For Athletes & Expert Skiers!)

Nordic Walking is an ideal fitness activity that can be done 12 months a year. Real Nordic Walking Poles come with removable rubber tips for pavement and other hard surfaces. They also come with durable metal tips for off-road use like grass, trails, the beach, snow and ice.All poles from SKIWALKING.COM come with a FREE Nordic Walking DVD too.

For more info please contact us by calling toll free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255
Walking with poles is the best!

Pete Edwards - owner/founder/coach http://www.skiwalking.com/ and the American Nordic Walking System
Email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

Elvis Spotted Nordic Ski Walking In Vegas!

2008-03-03T16:24:00.012-05:00

Elvis was not only spotted during the Las Vegas Marathon with Nordic Ski Walking Poles from SKIWALKING.COM, but also during the awards ceremony. Please note how the ribbons on the Las Vegas Marathon Medals match the cool Norweigen Blue color of the SWIX VIP Nordic Ski Walking Poles!

The prior marathon record for Elvis finishing a marathon was 147, but on Dec. 2nd during the Las Vegas Marathon the world record was shattered when 208 Elvi finished - including two Elvi that opted to Nordic Walk and Nordic Run the marathon route.

Elvis was repeated sighted along the marathon route Nordic Walking and Nordic Running with quality one-piece poles from SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System. These durable one-piece poles are made in Lillehammer, Norway by SWIX - the world's maker of the world's fastest ski wax and best ski racing poles. One-piece Nordic Ski Walking Poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. Do skiers use twist-locking poles? Visit any ski resort from coast to coast and NONE of their rental departments use twist-locking poles. It is all about weight, durability, safety and fun.

We are working on red poles for Santa Claus.

Over 6 million folks in Europe are walking with poles!

Walking with poles really does burn more calories than regular walking!

The poles, when used in the correct length and with proper technique, really do radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back!

Ski Walking is NO longer just for world class athletes, Elvis and professional skiers! Even folks with balance issues are finding one-piece poles custom fit to their heights are a huge improvement over canes and walkers. Even folks with MS, Parkenson's and Neuropathy are finding huge success with quality one-piece poles. Here is a link to an article about Nordic Ski Walking success stories from folks with balance issues: http://nordicwalkingusa.blogspot.com/2007/01/nordic-walking-poles-radically-improve.html

For more info and more pictures please check out http://www.skiwalking.com/ The American Nordic Walking System.

For more info about the Las Vegas Marathon go to: http://www.lvmarathon.com/

Walking with poles is the best!

Nordic Walking The Grand Canyon

2007-12-27T22:47:00.004-05:00

   REAL Nordic Walking Poles Dominate The Grand Canyon
          (No Longer The Domain Of Trekking Poles)
               And Dominate In The City!

One-piece Nordic Walking Poles proved lighter, safer and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles while hiking the Grand Canyon and in the city.

We were all equipped with SWIX Nordic Walking VIP's (very important poles) - made in Lillehammer, Norway exclusively for The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

The SWIX Nordic Walking VIP's come with comfortable patented straps (real Nordic Walking Straps) - kind of like a fingerless glove. The straps are patented by the Salomon Ski Company. When Nordic Walking correctly you don't grip the poles - you keep your fingers loose and relaxed. The straps provide support and allow for effective Nordic Walking - including descending down into the Grand Canyon and climbing back up. Real Nordic Walking Poles come with real Nordic Walking straps. Many of the hikers we passed in the Grand Canyon complained about their straps and the blisters.

Many of the hikers we passed also complained about their poles' twist-lock and flip-lock systems. They found that the twist-lock and flip-lock systems didn't hold their position and some even collapsed unexpectedly. One lady we passed was just carrying both poles in one hand. All agreed that the poles radically reduced the stress to their knees on the way down and made the climb back up out of the canyon easier. Many were surprised that our Nordic Walking VIP's were so much lighter. It proved to all of us that one-piece poles custom fit to each individuals height are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles.

Our time in the Grand Canyon also proved that longer poles are NOT required on the descent down into the canyon and shorter poles are NOT required to climb out of the canyon. Our one-piece poles performed flawlessly.

We already knew that one-piece Nordic Waling poles are best for everyday fitness walking and hiking. We also knew that folks with balance issues (including MS, Parkinson's and Neuropathy) should never use twist-lock or flip-lock collapsible poles. Now we can state with confidence that our one-piece Nordic Walking poles out perform twist-lock and flip-lock poles on mountain type trails too.

Over 8 million Europeans are walking and hiking with poles - in the cities (with the rubber tips/asphalt paws on), in the country and in the mountains (with the rubber tips/paws off - exposing the durable metal tips). The Europeans realized about 10 years ago that walking with poles burned more calories and was gentle on the shins, knees, hips and back. Originally cross country skiers deprived of snow in the summer were ski walking and hill bounding with poles to stay in shape.

All of the poles from The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM include comfortable patented Nordic Walking Straps, durable carbide tips for off-road, the beach, snow and ice, plus rubber Nordic Walking Tips for pavement and other hard surfaces. In addition to the SWIX Nordic Walking VIP's The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM exclusively offer the Carbon VIP Nordic Walking Poles and the EXEL Urban Skier Nordic Walking Poles.

Once we know how tall an individual is we select the perfect length poles for them. We have 16 lengths in-stock and custom make poles for those over 6' 7". 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.

For more info please give us a call or send us an email.

toll free: 877-SKIWALK or 877-754-9255
Website: http://www.skiwalking.com

email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

Exel TravelFit Carbon Nordic Walking Poles Conveniently Fit Into Suitcases And Backpacks. Free Nordic Ski Walking DVD!

2007-12-05T10:18:00.001-05:00

The best twist-locking poles we have tested!

Our 1st recommendation is always for one-piece poles custom fit to your height, but if you demand adjustable length poles for travel these quality EXEL carbon poles are the best of the bunch. PLEASE note that adjustable poles are NOT recommended for everyday use - for durable one-piece poles go to WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

We have tested all types of poles and found that seniors and folks with balance issues should NOT use twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. Folks with balance issues should use one-piece poles custom fit to their specific height. One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking poles. American Nordic Walking System: AMERICAN NORDIC WALKING SYSTEM