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

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 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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walking with poles is the best!

Happy Holidays!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NORDIC WALKING AT 95 YEARS YOUNG

AGATHA - Nordic Walking At 95 Years Old

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

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

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

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

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

Have FUN walking with poles!

NORDIC WALKING CLINICS COMING TO BAY RIDGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perfect length poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back - better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact.

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

According to Nick Mahood, SWIX USA Nordic Walking Director, "Pete Edwards, of the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM, has single handedly introduced thousands of Americans to Nordic Walking through his enthusiastic Nordic Walking Clinics! I have no doubt that Edwards is the #1 retailer of Nordic Walking Poles in the USA! You can quote me on that!"

NORDIC 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!