Nordic Walking Size Charts - a bad idea and basically silly

I came across an article posted on the Nordic Walking News Blog and the sizing chart in this article is the worst one I have ever come across. Other sizing charts are off, but this one is horrible. There are no 110cm poles or 105cm poles listed. No 140cm poles either. The silliest thing about including a sizing chart to begin with is that ski and walking pole manufacturers, just like ski manufacturers, measure their skis and poles differently. And all the junk walking poles flooding the market from China are sized all over the place - no consistency at all. Size charts are basically worthless. All these supposed Nordic Walking "experts" are ignorant of this basic fact and include size charts in their articles, videos and even in their books. And just as ignorantly these supposed Nordic Walking Experts promote cheap/flimsy collapsible poles.

At WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we ship REAL one-piece Nordic Walking Poles all over the world every day and all we need to know is the height of the individual to select the Perfect Length Poles for their height. We back up our sizing expertise with a Perfect Length Guarantee. All of our quality poles also come with a LifeTime Breakage Guarantee and a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Every day we hear from new customers that were unhappy with their cheap/flimsy 2-piece or 3-piece collapsible poles from other sources. Their original poles rattled, vibrated, gradually collapsed or unexpectedly collapsed all together. They are always excited about the improved quality of their new one-piece poles that we are shipping out to them and they can't wait for them to arrive. And we ship fast.

In North America you can not find quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles in stores. You can find a lot of cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles from China, but rarely quality poles and never REAL one-piece poles sized correctly to each individual's height. Quality one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles in 16 different lengths can be found at WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Seniors and those with balance issues should NEVER use cheap/flimsy collapsible poles. SWIX or EXEL one-piece Nordic Walking poles, when sized correctly, will always prove to safer, lighter, stronger and much more user-friendly than collapsible poles. Skiers know that one-piece poles will prove superior in every condition and every situation. As a ski coach I know for a fact that cheap collapsible poles are totally inferior to quality one-piece poles.

After hosting hundreds of Nordic Walking classes and clinics during the past eight 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.

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.

Please let me know if you have any questions at any time.

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

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

Email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

Phone: 231-334-3080

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

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

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!

Nordic Walking Returns To The Northern Michigan College Classroom

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

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

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

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.

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 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 Class Returns to Northwestern Michigan College LIFE Academy

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 Proves To Be A Great Cross Trainer For Runners Too

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!

NORDIC WALKING AND NORDIC SKIING IN NOVEMBER

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

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 AT 95 YEARS YOUNG

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 Poles For Runners And Skiers

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

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

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.