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.

Nordic Walking Success - With COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung diseases. It makes it difficult to breathe.

Walking with the perfect length poles and the correct technique can radically improve the walking campaigns for those suffering from COPD. When using the correct length one-piece Nordic Walking Poles we automatically stand taller, with the hips forward and the shoulders back. Keep your fingers relaxed (don't grip, squeeze or white knuckle the pole grips) and our chin up. Be sure your poles are one-piece and that they are equipped with the fingerless glove type straps. These are the real Nordic Walking Straps and they are patented by the Salomon Ski Company. They can be found on all SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles - quality one-piece poles. Other poles include no straps, simple loop straps or cheap velcro slings and are equipped with cheap/flimsy twist-locks or flip-locks that attempt to hold the collapsible pole pieces together.

Students in my classes that have inhalers have NEVER needed to stop and use them - even on 2-mile hikes and mile long hills. Quality Nordic Walking Poles can really help make walking doable and more fun for those suffering from COPD and/or asthma.

Individuals with COPD and/or asthma should avoid cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece poles regardless of the marketing hype behind them. Typically collapsible poles are much heavier, they tend to rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse or unexpectedly fail altogether. The twist-locks and flip-locks are not user-friendly and are often reported to have failed. Heavier collapsible poles are not a good idea for seniors, anyone with a balance issue or those with COPD. One-piece poles that are sized correctly will always prove to be lighter, safer, stronger, much more durable and much more user-friendly than poles from China with twist-locks and flip-locks.

At WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System the SWIX and EXEL poles come in 16 different lengths and come with a Perfect Length Guarantee. We also have special instructions for those with balance issues.

A happy customer ordered another pair of our Nordic Walking Poles for herself yesterday. A friend of hers insisted that because of her COPD she couldn't walk the 1/2 mile to view a waterfall. She reluctantly tried her friend's SWIX Nordic Walking Poles and was shocked to discover that she could cover the whole mile so effortlessly. She hijacked the poles and happily refused to return them. We shipped out a replacement pair the same day we heard the story.

Everyday we hear similar success stories. Success stories regarding: 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.

Many of our new customers accidentally purchased collapsible poles from other sources or received them as a gift and found that one or both of the twist-locks or flip-locks was defective. They loved the concept of walking with poles but had huge problems with the twist-locks or flip-locks. Problems with twist-locks and flip-locks on 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles is typical. And that is why we insist that quality one-piece poles will always prove to be safer, lighter, stronger and much more user-friendly - always.

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

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!

Nordic Walking and the Sports Medicine Connection

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walking with poles is the best!

Nordic Walking Returns To The Northern Michigan College Classroom

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

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

Level 1: Casually walking, trekking and hiking with the poles is healthy and good - burning around 20% more calories than regular walking! Remember to keep your chin up, fingers relaxed and poles slightly angled back. Each pole plants inline with the opposing foot's heel - alternating and never out in front unless going down a steep hill. When done correctly you will immediately notice your improved posture – walking taller and with a straighter back –naturally and not having to think about it.

Level 2: Requires the arms to fully stretch out and slightly down, keeping the poles slightly less angled back and almost perpendicular. This full arm extension will help to burn about 30% more calories than regular walking! You will find that your walking pace will speed up and your stride will naturally lengthen. Never fake a long stride – allow it to happen naturally. Keep your chin up and fingers relaxed! Shifting from Level 1 to Level 2 is like shifting gears in a car. Level 2 reinforces improved walking posture when done correctly. Again, the poles are NEVER planted in front of the lead heal unless your are descending a steep hill.

Level 3: Includes the full reach/full arm extension + a firm pole plant (don’t be gentle), constant pressure from the heel of the hand into the strap and a follow-through push when the hand lines up with the hips. Level 3 is big in Europe, but most Americans don't want to be bothered. Level three burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking. Level 3 requires maximum push and can most effectively be done with real Nordic Ski Walking Poles equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps (kind of like a fingerless glove). And remember the poles are NEVER planted in front of the lead heal unless your are descending a steep hill.

* Individuals With Balance Issues: For individuals with balance, stability and gait issues it is recommended to keep the poles straight up and down – perpendicular to the ground. Do NOT focus on the arm movement as much as on enjoying the added balance and stability provided by the poles. Remember to NOT squeeze the poles – take advantage of the comfortable patented straps and keep your finger relaxed (no white knuckling of the pole grips!). Nordic Ski Walking is no longer just for athletes and expert skiers – it is ideal for individuals using canes and walkers too - including those with balance issues, knee issues or new knees, hip issues or new hips, back issues (including those with rods in their back), weight issues, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s (PD), neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, lumbar stenosis, fibromyalgia, post polio, osteoporosis, stroke recovery, cancer recovery and other limitations to walking. Edwards only recommends durable and user-friendly one-piece Nordic Walking Poles for seniors and individuals with balance issues and warns against the use of cheap twist-locking collapsible poles that can collapse unexpectedly, vibrate excessively, rattle and/or fail all together.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perfect length poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back - better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout - burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking. Quality one-piece fixed length SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles in 14 different lengths are found exclusively at SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic

Walking System.

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

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

Nordic Walking At Northport Highlands

Nordic Walking 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walking with poles is the best!

Nordic Walking In The Green Mountains

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walking with poles is the best!

Nordic Walking Comes To Buffalo Physical Therapy And Sports Rehabilitation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

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

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

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

ALL ages and ALL fitness levels can now unlock the calorie burning and aerobic benefits of Nordic Walking poles from WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System. These quality Nordic Walking Poles provide a winning combination of improved posture, unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits that help many individuals to walk comfortably again - even those with balance issues, knee issues or new knees, hip issues or new hips, back issues (including those with rods in their back), weight issues, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's (PD), neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, lumbar stenosis, fibromyalgia, post polio, osteoporosis, stroke recovery and other limitations to walking. Nordic Walking poles are helping thousands of Americans get off the couch, successfully get outside, start walking safely and effectively launch much needed walking campaigns.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The winning combination of improved posture, the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and the shock absorbing benefits of the poles help many individuals to walk comfortably again - even those with balance issues, knee issues or new knees, hip issues or new hips, back issues (including those with rods in their back), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's (PD), neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, post polio, osteoporosis and other limitations to walking.

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

Nordic Walking and Pilates Are Proving To Be A Winning Combination

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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