Showing posts with label Diabetes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diabetes. Show all posts

Thursday, November 14, 2013

World Diabetes Day - fresh air, exercise and a healthy diet is the logical solution for millions! Nordic Walking could be part of the success?


Today is World Diabetes Day. Exercise and a healthier diet would radically reduce the pain and suffering of millions suffering from Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for at least 90% of all cases of diabetes. I have had many customers eliminate or reduce their meds thanks to their SWIX Nordic Walking Poles and an improved diet. Walking with poles burns more calories and reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Some of my happy customers have walked off over 100 pounds. Fresh air, walking and a healthier diet - a WINNING combination. For more info about World Diabetes Day check out http://www.idf.org/worlddiabetesday/about

The benefits of daily exercise are huge.

Nordic Walking with the Perfect Length Poles and the correct technique is often the answer for athletes, those with weight issues, balance issues, joint issues, ............ The amazing 4-wheel drive action turbo charges walking for athletes and makes walking doable and comfortable for many that are typically uncomfortable due to aches and pains. Often the poles will totally reduce or eliminate those aches and pains. The poles also radically improve balance and stability for those with balance issues too.

As a ski coach I can not recommend collapsible poles with twist-locks or flip-locks. One-piece Nordic walking poles that are sized correctly will always prove to be safer, lighter, stronger, more durable and much more user-friendly than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles that tend to rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse or fail unexpectedly altogether.

Encourage everyone you know to lead a healthier and a more active lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy. Unhealthy is unhappy.

We would cut our medical costs here in the USA by billions if everyone would walk or exercise for at least a 1/2 hour everyday.

Lets hope for a huge decrease in Diabetes when World Diabetes Day comes around again in 2014.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Nordic Walking Classes Return To Traverse City's Annual Diabetes Day Open House April 10th, 2013

Nordic Walking (walking with special fitness poles for a better workout and improved balance) will once again be a part of this annual free event sponsored by Munson Medical Center Diabetes Education. See the latest in blood glucose meters, insulin pump therapy and learn about the newest therapies and medications. Munson Medical Center Diabetes Educators and others will provide information and education materials including carbohydrate counting, recipes with taste-testing, exercise options, medications, accessing health resources at the Community Health Library and much more. Local physicians will also be on hand to answer questions regarding diabetes management. For more information, call (231) 935-8200 or visit munsonhealthcare.org

Location: Bayview Wesleyan Church, Traverse City, Michigan

Originally Nordic Walking or Ski Walking was a sport for skiers deprived of snow during the summer months. Dryland training with poles has always played a key role for skiers trying to stay in shape for the upcoming ski season. These skiers exclusively have used one-piece poles for their hiking, trekking, running, ski walking, hill-bounding and roller skiing.

One-piece poles always prove superior over cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles that are flooding the market from China with a lot of false promises and marketing hype. Seniors and anyone with a balance issue should NEVER use cheap/flimsy collapsible poles with wimpy plastic flip-locks or twist-locks. One-piece poles will always prove superior.

The poles being used for all of the Nordic Walking Classes during the Diabetes Day Open House will be one-piece poles and sized for each individuals height. Nationally renowned fitness expert and coach Pete Edwards will be on hand to provide the free lessons and the free use of quality Nordic Walking Poles (not collapsible poles). These quality poles often replace the use of canes and/or walkers for those with balance issues. Individuals with neuropathy have found huge success walking with one-piece poles that are sized correctly and when instructed with the correct technique. Edwards speciality is finding the Perfect Length Poles for individuals and teaching the best technique for each individuals situation. Edwards provides safe, user-friendly and doable techniques for all ages and all fitness levels.

World Headquarters for WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System is located in the back hills of Empire, Michigan. The company ships it quality Nordic Walking Poles all over the world everyday from HQ.

Everyday Edwards receives thank you cards and thank you emails from happy customers. Here is one happy customers comments that came this week:

Hi there - I have been Nordic walking since 2008, started at age 50. Living with Diabetes, I have found that Nordic walking has helped me to control my diabetes, and it has enabled me to get off two insulin needles a day. Since turning age 50, 5 years ago, I am presently training for my 10th half-marathon, Nordic Walking. I took the course to be certified by the INWA as a Nordic Walker instructor and have taught the sport to various locations throughout the province of New Brunswick. In 2008, I was asked by the Premier of New Brunswick to be a Lifestyle Leader to encourage other folks that live with diabetes

I love the Nordic walking sport and I use the Exel poles daily.

Fresh air and exercise can help individuals find similar success. Nordic Walking Poles can help get you off the couch and out the door walking effectively and successfully.

For more information contact WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System.

GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

231-334-3080

Friday, February 22, 2013

Nordic Walking With Neuropathy - REAL Nordic Walking Poles Can Help With All Types Of Balance Issues

Nordic Walking Poles when sized correctly and when using the proper technique can radically improve balance and stability. Using the Perfect Length Poles is much more comfortable than using a cane, a walker and  or pushing a shopping cart.

REAL Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with removable rubber tips or asphalt paws. These rubber tips act as shock absorbers and silencers - eliminating the noise that the poles metal tips would normally make while walking on pavement and other hard surfaces. If the roads are snow covered remove the rubber tips and take advantage of the metal tip - much like a ski pole.

Actually REAL Nordic Walking Poles are similar to quality one-piece ski poles. Thousands of stores and online retailers are selling and promoting cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles equipped with twist locks or flip locks - they are poor imitations from China of the real thing. Cheap/flimsy collapsible poles rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse or fail altogether. Quality one-piece poles not only have the rubber tips included, but they have special fingerless glove straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company. The cheap/flimsy collapsible poles from China either have no straps, old fashion loop straps or velcro slings that are not the real deal.

Quality one-piece poles need to be selected for each individual's specific height. Perfect Length Poles radically 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.

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),diabetes, 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.

The only source for quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles in North America is WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. 16 different lengths of both SWIX of Norway and EXEL of Finland Nordic Walking Poles are available. These are the same quality poles used by world class athletes in downhill and cross country skiing. Cheap/flimsy collapsible poles would fall apart when used for downhill or cross country skiing. Cheap/flimsy collapsible poles are not recommended for daily use for walking either. Seniors and anyone with balance issues should also avoid cheap/flimsy collapsible poles from China. Don't believe the marketing hype behind collapsible poles.

One-piece walking poles that are sized correctly will always prove to be safer, lighter, stronger, much more durable and much more user-friendly.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Nordic Walking Coming to Diabetes Day Open House

Nordic Walking returns to the annual Diabetes Day Open House on Wednesday, April 11, from 1 - 3 pm at the Bayview Wesleyan in Traverse City, MI.

Nordic Walking Poles can help to making walking more comfortable and much more effective. Free lessons will be offered again this year at the Diabetes Open House.
Quality one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles from WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System will be available for free demo - sized correctly to each individual's height.. These are not the cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles flooding the market from China. Collapsible poles rattle, vibrate and often their twist-locks or flip-locks fail.

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.

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 Diabetes Expo you will also receive updated information and educational materials to help control blood sugar. See the latest in blood glucose meters, insulin pump therapy, and learn about the newest therapies and medications. Munson Medical Center diabetes educators will provide carbohydrate counting information, taste-testing, recipes, and meter maintenance (bring yours for an accuracy check). Learn about heart health, exercise options, how to use Community Health Library resources, talk with a Munson pharmacist about your medications, and more.

This free event is sponsored by Munson Medical Center Diabetes Education. Physicians will be on hand to answer questions. For more information about the Diabetes Day Open House, call (231) 935-8200 or visit munsonhealthcare.org

For more information about Nordic Ski Walking go to WWW.SKIWALKING.COM or call (231) 334-3080

Saturday, December 25, 2010

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


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

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

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

In ALL of my Nordic Walking Classes and Lessons I get the same positive feedback. In ALL of my Nordic Walking Classes/Lessons I only supply quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles. Cheap/flimsy twist-locks and flip-locks are terrible, while our one-piece poles prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles.

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

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

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

Nordic Walking’s winning combination of improved posture, a unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits - helping many individuals to walk comfortably again. Nordic Walking Poles are helping individuals with balance issues, knee issues or new knees, hip issues or new hips, back issues (including those with rods in their back), weight issues, heart disease/cardiac issues, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), multiple sclerosis (MS), parkinson's (PD), neuropathy, diabetes, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, lumbar stenosis, fibromyalgia, post polio, osteoporosis, stroke recovery, cancer recovery and other limitations to walking. Nordic Walking poles are helping thousands of Americans get off the couch, successfully get outside, start walking safely and effectively launch much needed walking campaigns.

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

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

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

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



Walking with poles is the best!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Nordic Walking Poles and Classes Come To True Blue University

Nordic Walking at Calvin College's Prince Conference Center

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

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

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

Edwards is one of the few Nordic Walking Instructors that utilizes one-piece poles for all his classes. Edwards selects the perfect length one-piece poles for each participant. One-piece poles prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles. WWW.SKIWALKING.COM offers 16 different lengths of quality SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles.

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

Nordic Walking’s winning combination of improved posture, a unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits - helping many individuals to walk comfortably again. Nordic Walking Poles are helping individuals with balance issues, knee issues or new knees, hip issues or new hips, back issues (including those with rods in their back), weight issues, multiple sclerosis (MS), parkinson's (PD), neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, lumbar stenosis, fibromyalgia, post polio, osteoporosis, stroke recovery, cancer recovery and other limitations to walking. Nordic Walking poles are helping thousands of Americans get off the couch, successfully get outside, start walking safely and effectively launch much needed walking campaigns.

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

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

Walking with poles is the best!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Walking and running with poles is the best!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Nordic Walking At Fort Carson And The Pikes Peak Area

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, September 28, 2008

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.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

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

Sunday, August 3, 2008

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!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

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


Friday, June 27, 2008

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!

Saturday, May 31, 2008

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!