Nordic Walking Instruction and Nordic Walking Poles - Another HUGE Sucess At Senior Health Fair

Real Nordic Walking Poles were provided no charge during free Nordic Walking Lessons during the 2011 Bay Ridge Senior Health Fair on April, 6, 2011.

The Village at Bay Ridge, a retirement community, in Traverse City, Michigan hosted Nordic Walking Pole demo/free rental, Nordic Walking Classes and Instruction, blood pressure checks, hearing device displays and testing, nutritional information, breathing tests, fire department safety tips, senior legal service information, eye care information and much more.

The Nordic Walking Classes where held both indoors in the long hallways and outside on the beautiful grounds - including a paved walking path around Bay Ridge's pond. All participants used durable one-piece poles sized to each of their specific heights - 16 different lengths were available to ensure a Perfect Length Guarantee. All of the Nordic Walking poles also were equipped with REAL Nordic Walking Straps - comfortable fingerless glove type straps patented by the Salomon Ski Company. The poles were also equipped with removable rubber tips/asphalt paws that proved ideal for the carpeted hallways and the paved walkways outside. The adventurous removed the rubber tips/asphalt paws and test the durable metal tips on the grass.

The poles were provided by SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. The classes were taught by Pete Edwards, North America's leading Nordic Walking Instructor and the owner/founder/coach of SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. Edwards has introduced thousands of Americans to Nordic Walking and has hosted Nordic Walking Classes from Coast to Coast.

The fitness levels of the Nordic Walking participants varied from super active individuals to restricted individuals to using canes, walkers and even wheelchairs. In all situations the one-piece Nordic Walking Poles proved to be a huge success. Many participants were reluctant to try Ski Walking or Nordic Walking - assuming it was only for skiers or more active individuals. Once they were asked if they felt most comfortable walking when pushing a shopping cart they all responded "yes - how did you know" and then they were informed that the poles are even more comfortable and much more versatile.

One participant got up out of her wheel-chair and successfully tested the poles and of course loved them. Ages included individuals over 90 years young. One 90 + year old came using one old ski pole - and claimed one ski pole was better than none and much more comfortable than her cane. She found that two real Nordic Walking Poles sized for her height were ideal.

Some individuals had weight and/or balance issues. Many had knee, hip and/or back issues. In every situation the poles proved to be the most comfortable walking option they had encountered.

Edwards is committed to the simple fact that one-piece Nordic Walking Poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock or flip-lock collapsible poles. Edwards has been coaching runners and skiers for over 25 years and would never allow his athletes to use cheap collapsible poles that tend to rattle, vibrate, freeze up, gradually collapse or collapse unexpectedly.

The one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles provided were often referred to "miracle sticks" and "enablers". Nordic Walking Poles when used correctly really do radically improve balance, stability and walking posture (biomechanically a good thing).

SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles from can be ordered easily at SKIWALKING.COM or by calling toll free: 877-SKIWALK or 877-754-9255

The original Nordic Walking Poles were made by EXEL in Finland. More information about the new EXEL Urban Skier Nordic Walking Poles can be found at EXEL NORDIC WALKING

SWIX makes the world's best ski racing poles and the world's fastest ski wax. More info about SWIX Nordic Walking Poles can be found at SWIX NORDIC WALKING

Don't get scammed by cheap/flimsy collapsible poles making false claims about their durability. One-piece poles are much more user-friendly and do not involve twist-lock systems or flip-locks systems.

2010 Glen Lake Turkey Trot Welcomes Runners, Walkers, Jogging Stollers and Nordic Walking Poles

Costumes Are Optional, But A Tradition For The Glen Lake Varsity Cross Country Team

The 2010 Glen Lake Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk are all about celebrating health and fitness out on beautiful wooded trails. Runners, walkers, jogging strollers and Nordic walking poles are welcome. The Turkey Trot is being held on Saturday, November 13th - 10am start time.

Over a dozen turkeys and other prizes will be randomly drawn and awarded at the conclusion of the event.

The Turkey Trot is a fundraiser for the Glen Lake Cross Country Running Program.

There will be race day registration. Turkey Trot applications can be picked up at the Glen Lake Athletic Office or in Traverse City at either of the Running Fit Locations - downtown or on south airport.

Runners, walkers, Nordic walkers and Nordic runners of all ages welcome.

For more info please contact Coach Schut

by phone: 231-334-3061 ext. 405

by email: schutr@glenlake.k12.mi.us

Nordic Walking Classes Offered During Annual Hagerty Employee Wellness Fair

For the third year in a row free Nordic Ski Walking Clinics were made available to employees of Hagerty Insurance (the industry leader in antique car and antique boot insurance) during Hagerty’s annual Employee Wellness Fair.

Dozens of health and fitness providers provided testing, screening and suggestions for a healthier lifestyle during the Employee Wellness Fair. Free Nordic Walking Instruction and the free use of REAL Nordic Walking Poles was provided by SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. ALL 14 lengths were available to accommodate the heights of all individuals – more lengths than any other Nordic Walking Company in North America.

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.

All of the participants in the Nordic Walking Classes commented that they could feel the automatic posture improvement when walking with the correct length poles. Many immediately noticed that more muscle groups were involved while walking with poles – much more so than regular walking.

SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System are dedicated to the simple fact that quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles from SWIX and EXEL are far superior to cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and/or flip-lock poles flooding the market from China. Numerous participants in the Nordic Walking Classes commented on their dislike of their telescoping/collapsible yard tools and/or adjustable walking poles that proved to be a hassle. The one-piece Nordic Walking Poles provided for the lessons and for demo proved to be lighter, simpler and much more user-friendly than cheap/flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock poles that tend to rattle, vibrate and/or collapse unexpectedly.

Hagerty Insurance employees appeared to enjoy and benefit from the Wellness Fair. Not only does Hagerty Insurance lead the industry in collector car and collector boat insurance, they are a leader in the “employee health” arena as well. In addition to hosting the Annual Employee Wellness Fair, Hagerty Insurance provides healthy activities and incentives to their valued employees all year round. And then there is Hagerty University, a corporate university that provides over 25 training classes for employees. One of Hagerty Insurance’s trademarks is their commitment to hiring great people and inspiring them to do their best! When many Michigan businesses are struggling it is inspiring to see such a success story.

For additional information about Hagerty Insurance check out their website: http://www.hagerty.com/

For more info about Nordic Walking Poles and the American Nordic Walking System please go to: http://www.skiwalking.com/

Toll Free #: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255

Email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

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 and 2009 World Heart Day

In 2007 the World Heart Federation and EXEL Sports Oy teamed up to encourage heart disease prevention. And this year Nordic Walking is one of several healthy activities planned for World Heart Day – Sept. 27th, 2009.

Nordic Walking is playing an important role in helping many individuals around the world to burn more calories then regular walking. Not only does Nordic Walking burn more calories than regular walking, perfect length poles and the correct technique the poles can help to radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Durable one-piece Nordic Walking Poles that are sized correctly are also proving to safely improve balance, stability, gait and walking posture for those with balance and stability issues.

For 2009 The World Heart Federation is placing additional emphasis on increasing awareness for the many benefits of workplace healthy habits. A workplace that encourages healthy habits really can reduce heart reduce and stroke. To find out more about workplace wellness programs please go to: http://www.world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/world-heart-day/get-involved/about-workplace-wellness-programmes

From a 2007 press release highlighting the teaming up of the World Heart Federation and EXEL Sports Oy:

Heart disease and stroke is the world’s largest killer, claiming 17.5 million lives a year. Eighty per cent of these lives are from populations in low and middle income countries, many amongst people of working age. A healthy diet and quitting smoking can prevent heart attacks and stroke. Regular physical exercise is also vitally important as it reduces the risk of stroke by over 25% and the risk of coronary heart disease by over 40% . Currently, 60 to 85% of women worldwide, for example, are not physically active enough to gain health benefits.

Physical inactivity contributes significantly to obesity, diabetes and hypertension. The heart is a muscle which needs regular exercise to keep it pumping blood efficiently with every heart beat. Regular activity and its impact on associated risk factors helps to slow down the narrowing of the arteries to the heart and brain, encourages the body to use up excess stored fat, can help to reduce high blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels (by increasing the high density lipid (HDL) level) and maintains normal blood glucose levels.

Nordic Walking was first used as a summer training method by cross-country skiers in Finland. It was then developed into a fitness exercise with specific training equipment in co-operation with the Finnish sports equipment manufacturer Exel Sports Oy, researchers in sports medicine, and other fitness professionals. Nordic Walking is an enhancement of regular walking using specifically designed poles to engage the upper body during fitness walking and to create a complete body workout. It is natural, safe and effective physical activity suitable for all. Nordic Walking increases heart rate by 5-17 beats per minute (in normal walking, heart rate is 130 beats/minute and in Nordic Walking, 147 beats per minute, an increase of 13%) and energy consumption by an average of 20% compared with ordinary walking without poles. Nordic Walking was first launched in Finland in 1997. It has rapidly increased in popularity and today Nordic Walking is one of the fastest growing outdoor fitness sports.

World Heart Day is run by the World Heart Federation’s member organizations in over 100 countries. Communities - from families to schools, social groups, workplaces and religious circles - can encourage smoke-free environments, regular physical activity and health food choices. As well as Nordic Walking events, other World Heart Day activities will include health checks, organized walks, runs and fitness sessions, public talks, stage shows, scientific forums, exhibitions, concerts, carnivals, and sports tournaments. Visit www.worldheartday.com

About Exel Nordic Walking Poles:

Exel Sports Oy, based in Finland, is one of the leading producer of composite high-end products such as poles for Nordic Walking, cross-country skiing, alpine, trekking and sports accessories. The #1 retailer of EXEL Nordic Walking Poles in the USA is SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. EXEL is committed to providing durable one-piece ski poles and Nordic Walking Poles – that prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Nordic Walking Poles from SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System are currently being used in Cardiac Rehabilitation Centers and utilized at numerous Healthy Heart Day Programs.

http://www.exelnordicwalking.com

About the World Heart Federation:

The World Heart Federation is a non-governmental organization based in Geneva Switzerland dedicated to the prevention and control of heart disease and stroke, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. It is comprised of 195 member societies of cardiology and heart foundations from over 100 countries covering the regions of Asia-Pacific, Europe, East Mediterranean, the Americas and Africa.

http://www.worldheart.org

Nordic Walking At The Haggerty Insurance Health Fair

Nordic Walking Clinics and Lessons were offered from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18th during Haggerty Insurance Company's "Employee Health Fair". Haggerty Insurance is the nation's leading insurer of antique cars and boats. Haggerty Insurance company also cares about the health and fitness of their employees.

The clinics and lessons were tons of FUN. Haggerty employees were introduced to Nordic Walking and were able to try all three basic levels of Nordic Walking from The American Nordic Walking System and http://www.skiwalking.com/

Level 1: burns up to 20% more calories than walking without poles

Level 2: burns up to 30% more calories than regular walking and includes a full arm extension

Level 3: burns up to 40% more calories and is REAL Nordic Walking (most Americans do not really enjoy Level 3). Level 3 includes the full arm extension, a hard pole plant and a tremendous amount of pressure into the cradle of the strap (do NOT squeeze or grip the poles!) from pole plant to the hand coming by the hip. Most Americans prefer Levels #1 and #2. Level #3 is kind of like trying to cross country ski on sandpaper.

Participants had the opportunity to demo quality one-piece poles selected for their height - including nine standard lengths + several additional lengths. The demo poles were equipped with Salomon patented straps - kind of like a fingerless glove. The poles were also equipped with boot-shaped rubber Nordic Walking Tips or Paws for use on carpet, indoor/outdoor tracks, in the mall and all types of pavement/concrete.

After hosting hundreds of Nordic Walking classes/clinics and selling thousands of pairs of Nordic Walking Poles during the past four years I have developed a pretty good feel for sizing everyone into the correct length poles. ALL my customers receive a perfect length guarantee. ALL sizes are in-stock and ready to ship. Once I know how tall someone is I personally select the perfect length poles for their height. Our customer satisfaction rating is 100%!

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 least seven different individuals during the day came up to me and told me about the problems they had with their twist-locking poles. Several were the cheap adjustable poles included with snowshoe packages and the poles are pretty much garbage and disposable. Others had paid over $100 for their adjustables. After trying one-piece poles on Tuesday they were all believers in the simple fact that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

After a FUN day Nordic Walking at Haggerty Insurance, I was lucky enough to get in a good cross country ski with my son Keefer that evening.

Nordic Sports are the best!

NORDIC WALKING FITNESS POLES - PART OF BOOK LAUNCH CONTEST PROMOTING DR. CHRISTINE NORTHRUP’S NEW BOOK “ THE SECRET PLEASURES OF MENOPAUSE"

The American Nordic Walking System And WWW.SKIWALKING.COM Are Teaming up With Hay House Inc. To Help Promote Dr. Christine Northrup’s Book: The Secret Pleasures of Menopause

Ten pairs of high tech carbon fiber EXEL Urban Skier Nordic Walking Poles ($129.95 per pair retail value) are part of the prize list celebrating the release of Dr. Northrup’s newest book. These quality Nordic Walking Poles are provided by The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALING.COM – the leading retailer of Nordic Walking Poles in the USA. The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALING.COM are dedicated to the simple and proven fact that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

Dr. Northrup recognized the many benefits of Nordic Walking Poles during her first time out with her new poles from SKIWALING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. Dr. Northrup wrote this about Nordic Ski Walking: "I was introduced to this fitness method last spring. When I got my Nordic Ski Walking poles and tried them out, I was astounded at how effective this way of walking is. And my colleague Mona Lisa Schulz (who has about ten rods in her spine) found that the poles allowed her to walk upright, thus minimizing the wear and tear of usual walking. She walks regularly because it’s the only thing that has kept her mobile after multiple surgeries."

The Secret Pleasures of Menopause is a groundbreaking book that is long overdue! Christiane Northrup, M.D., delivers a breakthrough message that will help millions and millions of perimenopausal and menopausal women just like you understand that at menopause . . . life has just begun! It is the beginning of a very exciting and fulfilling time, full of pleasure beyond your wildest dreams!

Dr. Northrup believes that it’s time for you to step forward and learn to enjoy the best years of your life! Even though studies show that menopause doesn’t decrease libido, ease of reaching orgasm, or sexual satisfaction, the majority of menopausal women aren’t experiencing the pleasure and sexual satisfaction that is their birthright. It is a long-held misconception that menopause signals "the beginning of the end," and nothing could be further from the truth.
In this fascinating book, Dr. Northrup candidly guides you toward experiencing life after 50 as the most pleasurable time of your life!

Christiane Northrup, M.D., a board-certified ob-gyn, is a visionary pioneer; beloved authority in women’s health and wellness; and the author of the New York Times bestsellers Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom and The Wisdom of Menopause. Her third book, Mother-Daughter Wisdom, was voted Amazon’s number one book of the year in both Parenting and Mind/Body Health in 2005. Following a 25-year career in both academic medicine and private practice, Dr. Northrup now devotes her time to helping women create vibrant health through tapping into their inner wisdom.

Here is a link to participate in this exciting book launch contest: http://promos.hayhouse.com/northrup/101508email/index.php?utm_campaign=pete_edwards&utm_medium=web&utm_source=partner

Walking with the perfect length poles and with the correct length poles can help to burn 40% more calories than regular walking, improve balance/stability and radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back.

For more information about Nordic Walking Poles contact: WWW.SKIWALKING.COM or call toll free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255

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 A Success During Michigan Health Department #10’s Staff Meetings At The Michigan 4-H Foundation’s Kettunen Center

On Friday, October 10th I had the opportunity to offer an introduction to Nordic Walking to about 150 Health Department employees, followed by Nordic Walking Clinics for the most adventurous health department employees.

The setting was ideal – lakeside in the beautiful northern Michigan woods at the Kettunen Center, a complete conference and retreat facility owned and operated by the Michigan 4-H Foundation. The District Health Department #10 is the largest geographical health department in Michigan. The mission of District Health Department #10 is to promote and enhance the health of all individuals through education, prevention, intervention, and protection of the environment.

The mission of The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM is to provide helpful, proven and safe Nordic Walking Instruction and quality Nordic Walking Poles to as many North Americans as possible. After hosting hundreds of Nordic Walking classes during the past four years I have developed a pretty good feel for sizing everyone into the correct length poles. ALL our customers receive a perfect length guarantee. ALL sizes are in-stock and ready to ship. Once we know how tall someone is we select the perfect length poles for their height and we back it up with a perfect length guarantee. Our customer satisfaction rating is 100%! And every day we receive thank you cards and emails from happy customers all across the USA and Canada.

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

The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM are dedicated to the simple and proven facts that one-piece Nordic Walking Poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length poles. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should never use poles equipped with twist-locking systems that can fail and collapse unexpectedly. While hosting Nordic Walking all across the country we consistently hear the same feedback from individuals that accidentally purchased twist-locking poles that failed and/or collapsed unexpectedly from discount stores, sporting goods stores and other sources. Many of our newest customers call us after they can’t get their twist-locking poles to set correctly and they ask us about our quality hassle-free one-piece poles.

Last night a lady called about her new twist-lock poles that, right out of the box, wouldn’t set correctly – obviously she didn’t purchase them from us. There were no instructions and no Nordic Walking DVD. She decided to order some one-piece poles from us in the perfect length for her height and was going to return the cheap twist-locking poles. Even the best twist-lock poles are not as dependable and user-friendly as quality one-piece poles sized correctly. When it comes to sizing, be sure that at a minimum all nine sizes are available from 100cm to 140cm in 5cm increments. And when it comes to Nordic Walking Straps, the best ones are patented by the Salomon Ski Company – don’t get scammed by the cheap straps from China. All of the Nordic Walking Poles from The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM are patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

Nordic Walking isn’t just for skiers deprived of snow during the summer!

Nordic Walking is ideal for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels.

Walking with poles is the best!