NORDIC WALKING CLINICS COMING TO BAY RIDGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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)

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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

 

   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