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

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

Location: Bayview Wesleyan Church, Traverse City, Michigan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

231-334-3080

The Nordic Walking Scam And The Lip Stick On A Pig Thing

Unfortunately at the holidays thousands of well meaning Americans order walking poles for their spouse or parents not knowing that poles that they just ordered were nothing close to real Nordic Walking Poles. By total accident they ordered cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles that were marketed as "real Nordic Walking Poles" but were in reality just cheap/flimsy telescoping/collapsible/adjustable length poles mass produced in China. Sure these cheap/flimsy poles came with a lot marketing hype and many had "Nordic Walking" printed on them, but were they really the ideal choice for the targeted audience? NO - these cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles are not ideal for every day use or for seniors or for anyone with a balance issue. Only quality one-piece poles equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps are the real deal. In North America the only one-piece poles equipped with REAL Nordic Walking Straps are made by SWIX and EXEL - both are available from WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System.

Big Box Stores also stock those cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece poles from China. Many of the floor models at these big box stores are defective and just spin for infinity - never tightening and allowing them to be taken for a test drive. Quality one-piece poles don't have that problem. And the only source in North America for real Nordic Walking Poles in 16 different lengths is WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System.

Cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece poles vary in price from $20.00 per pair to $200.00 per pair. They all tend to rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse or fail unexpectedly. REAL Nordic Walking Poles are a one-piece design and are custom fit to your height. Companies that offer only 6 or less different lengths of poles are unable to provide the Perfect Length Poles to their customers. At WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we offer 16 different standard lengths and also custom fit those in-between sizes and back it all up with  a Perfect Length Guarantee. Prices start at a reasonable $69.95 per pair for a complete package that includes the Perfect Length Poles, free Nordic Walking DVD, printed instructions, patented comfortable straps (patented by the Salomon Ski Company), durable metal tips (for snow, ice, trails, grass, the beach and the sand dunes), removable rubber tips/asphalt paws for pavement and hard surfaces, .......

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 WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we offer both SWIX Nordic Walking Poles from Norway and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles from Finland. These quality Nordic Walking Poles are the real thing and not cheap/flimsy crap from China.

Many of our customers accidentally purchased or were given as a well meaning gift 2-piece or 3-piece collapsible poles. Many of these poles came right from the store or online retailer with defective twist-locks or flip-locks and the poles couldn't be set at the proper length - they just kept spinning and twisting without catching and tightening as advertised. Luckily, many of these disgruntled individuals found us and our hassle free one-piece Nordic Walking Poles - Real Nordic Walking Poles.

The mass produced and inexpensive 2-piece and 3-piece poles are all made in the same factories in China and all have a typically short life span due to their cheap/flimsy design. Typically these imitation Nordic Walking Poles either come with no straps or old-fashion/cheap loop straps or velco slings that are no where near as effective and comfortable as real Nordic Walking Straps. All of the straps on our SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles are the comfortable patented fingerless glove type straps. These are REAL Nordic Walking Straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

Cheap/flimsy mass produced poles are often identical the to "free" poles often included in SnowShoe packages. And these cheap/flimsy snowshoe poles have the worst reputation. This past week one of my new customers said that his new $140 Leki poles (made in China) vibrated even more than his cheap snowshoe poles. Clearly showing that 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles will NEVER come close to the quality and positive performance of one-piece poles that are sized correctly.

Skiers, Ski Shops and Ski Rental Shops all know that 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles wouldn't hold up for downhill or cross country skiing. These same cheap/flimsy poles should never be sold to seniors or anyone with a balance issues. Only quality one-piece poles can provide the added safety, strength and user-friendly advantages.

Don't get scammed by cheap/flimsy collapsible poles. If you did return them. And don't be embarrassed that you fell for all that lipstick and marketing hype put into those cheap/flimsy collapsible poles from China. Tons of lipstick on a pig doesn't make that pig something that it isn't. Real Nordic Walking Poles are a quality one-piece design and at WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we sincerely feel that it is an ethical violation to sell seniors and those with balance issues cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles. We only recommend quality one-piece poles for walking, hiking, treking, downhill skiing (alpine), Nordic skiing (skate and classic cross country skiing), snowshoeing, roller skiing and Nordic blading (inline skating).

Nordic Walking With The Piping Plovers In the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

One of the best ways to tour the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is with hiking poles. The 4-wheel drive action works great in the sand. The poles eliminate back-pain that many encounter when walking on the sand dunes or along the beach.

This summer we Ski Walked past several marked nesting areas of the Piping Plover - an endangered shorebird slightly smaller and shorter legged then the killdeer.

The greatest concentration of Piping Plovers in the Great Lakes occurs at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. More info about the Piping Plover can be found here: http://www.nps.gov/slbe/naturescience/pipingplover.htm

My favorite Ski Walk this summer has been up at Glen Haven - the views are spectacular. The route passes through a ghost tree forest.

My favorite wooded trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes Area is up on Alligator Hill with a trailhead located behind Glen Arbor.

I do all of my hiking with durable and user friendly one-piece Nordic Walking Poles from SWIX or EXEL. SWIX out of Norway and EXEL out of Finland. Quality one-piece walking poles with real Nordic Walking Straps (comfortable patented straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company). One-piece walking poles that are sized correctly prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles that tend to rattle, vibrate, collapse gradually or  fail unexpectedly.

Real Nordic Walking Poles and helpful instruction can be found at SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System.

For more information about the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore check out:
http://www.nps.gov/slbe

World Nordic Walking Day Celebrated by the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

On Sunday, Oct. 10th, I’ll be providing free Nordic Walking Classes – group and private lessons here in Glen Arbor, Michigan at our Nordic Walking Headquarters. I’ll also be offering free guided Nordic Walking trips into the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Potential trips will go to Pyramid Point, Glen Haven, Alligator Hill and/or Devil’s Bowl. Flatter trails and less demanding trial options will also be offered. Durable and user-friendly one-piece Nordic Walking Poles will be provided at no charge during the lessons and the trips into the National Lakeshore - all individuals will receive the perfect length one-piece Nordic Walking Poles for their heights.

Over 8 million Europeans are walking with Nordic Walking Poles – in the cities (with rubber tips/asphalt paws on), out in the country and up in the mountains (rubber tips/paws off and exposing the durable carbide metal tips).

The INWA (International Nordic Walking Association) was formed 10 years ago and Nordic Walking enthusiasts from around the world will be celebrating “Nordic Walking Day”.  EXEL Nordic Walking Poles out of Finland founded and funded the INWA for years. Unfortunately for many years the INWA refused to accept my membership with their organization because I was dealing with SWIX Nordic Walking Poles from Norway. EXEL did coin the term “Nordic Walking” and developed teaching methods and techniques that stood apart from other forms of hiking, trekking and fitness walking with poles. SWIX and EXEL poles are very similar, known for extreme quality and both are most respected in the Nordic ski racing community.

Here in North America http://www.skiwalking.com/ (The American Nordic Walking System) has been the leading supplier of SWIX and EXEL poles for years and is currently the exclusive source for all 16 lengths and is also the exclusive source for SWIX and EXEL rubber Nordic Walking tips/asphalt paws.

SWIX and EXEL have proven their quality in the Olympics and out on the World Cup. Both SWIX and EXEL are dedicated 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 and flip-lock poles from China and Taiwan. Collapsible poles tend to rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse or collapse unexpectedly or simply fail/break.

All of us here at http://www.skiwalking.com/ and the American Nordic Walking System are dedicated to this same simple fact about one-piece poles being superior to cheap/flimsy collapsibles. I’m a ski coach and it is a fact that collapsible poles are NEVER used for Nordic Skiing (cross country skiing), Roller Skiing or Nordic Blading (inline skating). Collapsible poles can’t take the stress. Skiers wouldn't use cheap/flimsy collapsible poles for the Ski Walking and Hill Bounding drills during the summer when deprived of snow - they only use and only recommend one-piece poles that are sized correctly.

Have FUN on World Nordic Walking Day!

SWIX Ski Poles In The Olympics and Ideal For Nordic Walking In Your Neighborhood

2010 U.S. OLYMPIC CROSS COUNTRY SKI TEAM - 9 of 11 Athletes Use Swix Ski Poles

SWIX Ski Racing Poles dominated at USA Cross Country Ski Nationals. And  9 out of 11 members of the USA Olympic Ski Team  use SWIX Ski Racing Poles.

USA Olympic Cross Country Ski Team Members:
Morgan Arritola, Ketchum, ID, SWIX
Holly Brooks, Anchorage, AK, SWIX
Caitlin Compton, Minneapolis, SWIX
Kris Freeman, Andover, NH, SWIX
Simi Hamilton, Andover, NH, SWIX
Torin Koos, Leavenworth, EXEL
Garrott Kuzzy, Minneapolis, SWIX
Andy Newell, Shaftsbury, VT, SWIX
Kikkan Randall, Anchorage, SWIX
James Southam, Anchorage, SWIX
Liz Stephen, Montpelier, VT, ONEWAY

All of these skiers have confidence in their quality one-piece poles. Their one-piece high tech poles are equipped with comfortable and highly effective fingerless glove type straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company. Retail cost for these some of these quality poles: $399.95 per pair.

At SKIWALKING.COM the American Nordic Walking System we offer quality SWIX Nordic Walking Poles equipped with comfortable fingerless glove type straps, removable rubber tips/asphalt paws for pounding the pavement and durable carbide metal tips for off-road, the beach, snow and ice. The straps are also patented by the Salomon Ski Company. Retail cost: $69.95 per pair and a free Nordic Walking DVD is included. A Perfect Length Guarantee is also included. There are 14 different lengths of these SWIX Nordic Walking Poles available, more lengths than any other retailer in North America. Our customer satisfaction rating is 100% positive!

Skiers know that one-piece poles are lighter and much more durable than flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece poles. And when it comes to Nordic Walking, one-piece poles prove to be safer, lighter and much more user-friendly than cheap twist-lock and flip-lock poles.

I been coaching skiers for over 25 year and have never coached a skier that used adjustable length/collapsible poles. Skiers use one-piece poles. Ski Rental Shops don't utilize flimsy 2-piece poles either. Adjustable poles sound tempting in that you can adjust the length and collapse them down, but they are not as dependable as one-piece poles. Ajustable length/collapsible poles are also heavier than one-piece poles.

The comfortable and effective straps on my SWIX ski poles are identical to the straps on my Nordic Walking Poles. I coach skiers during the winter and teach Nordic Walking year-round. I have tremendous confidence in my poles. My one-piece SWIX poles are proven to be safer, lighter and much more durable than flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock poles that often vibrate, rattle and/or collapse unexpectedly.

The American Nordic Walking System and SWIX Nordic Walking Poles are ideal for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels. They are user-friendly in the city and out on the trail anytime of year. SWIX Nordic Walking Poles prove superior for casual walking, hiking and trekking too. When using the Perfect Length Poles they 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.

USA Olympic Team Members Garrott Kuzzy and Simi Hamilton are both graduates of Middlebury College and captains of the Middlebury Ski Team. My daughter Cassidy Edwards is also a recent graduate and former captain of the Middlebury Ski Team. She had the opportuntiy to ski with both Garrott and Simi at Middlebury, on the college carnival circuit and at NCAAs.

Here is a link to the US Ski Team: http://www.usskiteam.com/crosscountry


For information about SWIX Ski Racing Poles: http://www.swixsport.com/eway/default.aspx?pid=278&trg=MainContent_6179&MainContent_6179=6117:0:24,2656&MainPage_6117=6546:38043

Nordic Walking With Neuropathy -
REAL Nordic Walking Poles Radically Improve Balance and Stability!

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 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

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 CLINICS COMING TO BAY RIDGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nordic Walking Classes A Huge Success At Senior EmPower Day

Senior EmPower Day provided free Nordic Walking Lessons and the opportunity to hear from a variety of informative speakers and learn from other event sponsors and exhibitors. They even had a chance to hear from me, Pete Edwards – owner/founder/coach of The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM Nordic Walking Poles. Many of the participants found that they could walk farther than they had in years thanks to the many benefits of walking with poles. Others found that their knee and/or hip pain was also eliminated thanks to the Nordic Walking Poles they got to test-drive.

Walking with poles provided a more effective workout than regular walking – basically turbo charging the average walking campaign. Walking with poles can burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking.

Nordic Walking’s unique 4-Wheel Drive Action burns more calories and provides additional balance and stability. Even folks with MS, Parkinson’s, Neuropathy, Post Polio and other balance issues have found the added stability of Nordic Walking Poles allows them to successfully walk further, faster and much more comfortably.

Nordic Ski Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe. Over 6 million Europeans are walking with special Nordic Ski Walking fitness poles everyday - no snow and no skis required. Walking with the perfect length poles and with correct technique provides a more effective aerobic workout than walking without poles.

The free Nordic Walking Clinics included an introduction to Nordic Walking, an explanation of the three basic levels of the American Nordic Walking System and an opportunity to demo real Nordic Walking poles – complete with removable rubber tips and patented comfortable straps (kind of like fingerless gloves). One-piece poles custom fit to each individual’s height are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should use one-piece poles because they are safer, lighter and more durable than cheap twist-locking poles.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, increased physical activity can help prevent risk factors for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some forms of cancer.

According to the Physical Activity and Health Report by the Surgeon General, moderate regular exercise has been found to be associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases, some forms of cancer, and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

Nordic Ski Walking Fun Facts – Walking, Hiking & Trekking With Poles:

* Walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back – and provides an effective aerobic workout.

* Ski Walking is kind of like cross-country skiing, but no skis & no snow required.

* Nordic Ski Walking poles are modified hiking poles. Poles from The American Nordic Walking System and SkiWalking.com are custom made in Lillehammer, Norway and come with patented comfortable straps, durable carbide tips for off-road and removable rubber tips for use on hard surfaces (indoor or outdoor on pavement).

* Nordic Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe. Over 6 million Europeans are Nordic Walking – in the cities, in the country and in the mountains.

* Unlike walking, running and biking, Nordic Ski Walking works the arms, shoulders and abs – providing a more effective workout. Providing a full body workout.

* Nordic Ski Walking provides all the low impact benefits of walking, while reducing knee and joint strain, burning more calories, working the upper body, increasing oxygen consumption and providing a more effective aerobic workout.

* Nordic Ski Walking Poles are ideal for all ages and all fitness levels – athletes, seniors and even folks with balance issues (including MS, Parkinson’s and Neuropathy).

* Nordic Ski Walking produces up to a 46% increase in energy consumption (Cooper Institute, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sports 2002 publication).

* Walking poles have been used at the University of Wisconsin in the rehabilitation of patients after myocardial infarction (MI). In the MI study, the oxygen uptake increased on average 21% compared to walking without poles.

* One-Piece Nordic Walking Poles custom fit to each individual's height are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles.

ONE-PIECE NORDIC WALKING POLES DON'T COLLAPSE UNEXPECTEDLY

ONE-PIECE NORDIC WALKING POLES DOMINATE

Last December we tested one-piece/fixed length Nordic Walking (Ski Walking) poles in the Grand Canyon. Lots of other folks were using poles too. Our poles performed flawlessly on the descent and during the climb back out of the canyon. We heard mixed reviews however from individuals using twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

My eldest daughter is a professional guide and she just updated us on her latest guide trip. She commented how the group's trekking poles came in handy and made the long hikes doable for several of her clients. She also commented that the twist-locks failed a couple times and caused some major concern, but luckily no injuries.

One-piece Nordic Walking poles custom fit to an individual's height have repeatedly proven to be safer, lighter and more durable than twist-locking poles in the city, in the country and in the mountains. One-piece poles don't have twist-lock systems that can fail.

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

The American Nordic Walking System has developed effective Nordic Walking instructions to assist all ages and all fitness levels. For information about proper Nordic Walking technique and instruction check out WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Nordic Walking, High School Cross Country and Wild Blackberries

High School Runners Warming Up With Nordic Walking Poles

Scott Tinley, two-time Ironman World Champion, has recommended that runners warm up with a good walk prior to running. My high school track and cross-country teams follow that advice and often we use Nordic Ski Walking Poles during this important warm-up period. The poles help to radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Runners with shin and/or knee issues often find that when using the correct length poles and proper technique their shin and/or knee pain is eliminated. We also hike up a super steep hill behind campus. Walking up hills helps to naturally and safely stretch the calf and achilles.

The wooded trails behind the school are ideal for running, walking and Nordic Ski Walking. Some sections of the trail are packed with wild raspberries and blackberries. I love coaching cross country - late summer and early fall is a great time of year. I am usually spotted at practices and races with my Nordic Ski Walking Poles. And occasionally I’m spotted picking wild blackberries – okay, maybe daily during blackberry season.

My athletes that are building up to longer runs, but lack distance base, find that a shorter run and a long hike with Nordic Walking Poles provides a winning combination. Athletes with shin splints or runners knee can substitute Nordic Walking for running and still get a great workout. Nordic Walking burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking and the poles work the upper body unlike regular walking and running. Nordic Walking is similar to cross-country skiing, but no snow and no skis are required.

We only use one-piece Nordic Walking Poles because they are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. Perfect length poles are achieved when the elbow is at 90 degrees when the individual is strapped in and standing tall.

Perfect length poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back - better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout - burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.
Nordic Walking Poles are great for athletes, plus they are ideal for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels – including individuals with balance issues.

For more information about Nordic Walking Technique and Nordic Walking Poles contact The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Nordic Walking The VASA Trail - With Poles Spring/Summer/Fall

The VASA Trail is a beautiful trail network that is open year-round. The trails are ideal spring, summer and fall for hikers, runners and mountain bikers. And come winter, the professionally groomed cross-country ski trails provide thousands of skiers with a world class experience – just minutes from downtown Traverse City, Michigan.

I have skied all of the VASA trials. I ran them all before my knee forced me to give up running. The trails are also perfect for Nordic Walking in the spring, summer and fall. Now I’m Nordic Walking the VASA trials with my poles and loving it. I have had the opportunity to host Nordic Walking Clinics at the main trail head off of Bunker Hill Road and up at Timber Ridge Campground/Nordic Center (the start/finish area for the North American VASA Cross Country Ski Races).

Over 6 million Europeans are walking with poles! The ski countries of Scandinavia helped to launch Nordic Walking about 10 years ago. Ski coaches saw backpackers complaining about back and/or knee pain, but when they started using trekking poles the knee and/or back pain was radically reduced and often eliminated. Real Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with special fingerless glove type straps. The best straps are patented by the Salomon Ski Company. Real Nordic Walking Poles are also equipped with removable rubber tips for use on pavement and other hard surfaces. The poles’ metal tips are for use on trails, snow and ice.

One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable (also known as telescoping or collapsible poles). Nordic Walking Poles are helping individuals with balance issues too. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should avoid twist-locking poles that could collapse unexpectedly. A woman participating in one of my Nordic Walking Classes at Timber Ridge told our group of about 40 people that she "Super Glued" her $140 Titanium poles the night before because the twist-locks refused to twist-lock and hold. Participants in my Nordic Walking Clinics consistently share their stories about the twist-locking poles they accidentally purchased and the problems they have had with the twist-locks - the vibration, the noise from the twist-locks, the twist-locks locking up (requiring a pipe-wrench to change the settings), the twist-locks not holding, the poles annoyingly getting shorter and/or collapsing unexpectedly. I’ve never seen skiers using twist-locking adjustable length poles while skiing at the VASA Trail or out on the Birkie Trail. One-piece Nordic Walking poles are much more dependable and user friendly than twist-locking poles. Nordic Walking Poles are sized much shorter than cross-country ski poles.

Walking with poles burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking! The perfect length poles and proper technique help to radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back.

Nordic Walking isn’t just for athletes - we are all supposed to walk for at least a 1/2 hour each day and Nordic Walking poles may just be the perfect answer. I love hosting Nordic Walking clinics for MS, Parkinson’s, Diabetes and Weight Management support groups. The poles have also proven extremely helpful for individuals with shin, knee, hip and back issues. I also love Nordic Walking with my family. Walking with poles is the best!

More info can be found at the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Nordic Ski Walking A Natural Fit At Scandinavian Folk Festival

Folkdansgillet Nerkia

Swedish Folk Dance Team from Örebro, Sweden

Jamestown, New York’s 7th Annual Scandinavian Folk Festival provided a rewarding journey back in time complete with Scandinavian history, legend, music, folk art, folk dance and much more.

While I was hosting Nordic Walking lectures and classes during the festival it was rewarding to hear first hand from individuals living in Sweden, Norway and Finland about their LOVE for Nordic Ski Walking. Many Americans that had recently been to Scandinavia told of the dominance of Nordic Walking Poles in the countries they visited.

Cross Country Skiing has always been the favorite fitness activity in Scandinavian countries and when they can't find snow they are Nordic Ski Walking with special poles. Nordic Ski Walking originated in Scandinavia. Ski coaches in Finland saw backpackers with sore knees and backs find total relief when given trekking poles. These coaches also saw the benefits their athletes gain from Ski Walking and Hill Bounding with poles. They also added special fingerless glove type straps and removable rubber tips to their poles for use on pavement - and the fastest growing fitness activity is now Nordic Ski Walking.

When I offered Nordic Walking poles to the Swedish Folk Dance Team (specializing in both traditional and modern folkdance) they quickly recognized a good thing when they saw it. Dozens of the dance team members grabbed their cameras to take pictures of the team members in traditional costume and participating in one of their favorite activities back in Sweden – Nordic Ski Walking! They also recognized the quality of my poles – made in Norway and Finland.

My SWIX VIP Nordic Walking Poles and Exel Urban Skier Poles proved to be a hit. Many of the Scandinavians pointed out the quality of poles and the fact that they were one-piece construction – safer, lighter and more durable than twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. The patented comfortable straps proved to be a hit too.

While working with many festival participants with new knees, new hips and a variety of balance issues it was hugely clear again that the correct length one-piece poles are much more dependable than cheap twist-locking poles.

Walking with poles is the best and the six million plus Europeans that are Nordic Walking can’t be wrong!

Have FUN walking with poles,

Pete - owner/founder/coach The American Nordic Walking System and http://www.skiwalking.com/ Nordic Walking Poles
Email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM
Toll Free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255

Nordic Walking Poles from WWW.SKIWALKING.COM Make ABC News

The ABC News article about Nordic Walking is fantastic. And it is great to see our SWIX VIP Nordic Walking Poles in action. These quality Nordic Walking Poles are made in Lillehammer, Norway exclusively for The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM .

Over 6 million Europeans are walking with poles - in the city, in the country and up in the mountains. Walking with poles not only burns more calories than regular walking; the poles reduce stress to the weight bearing joints. Nordic Walking poles also help to improve balance and stability.

The SWIX VIP Nordic Walking Poles were also recently seen in action during a TV segment on New York’s CW11. Our one-piece poles custom fit to each individual's height are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking, adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

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

The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM developed the three basic levels of Nordic Walking so that all ages and all fitness levels could benefit from Nordic Walking.

Level 1: Casually walking, hiking and trekking with the perfect length poles is healthy and good - burning over 20% more calories than regular walking! Remember to keep your chin up, fingers relaxed and poles slightly angled back. Each pole plants inline with the opposing foot's heel - alternating and never planting out in front unless going down a steep hill. When done correctly you will immediately notice your improved posture – automatically walking taller and with a straighter back without having to think about it. Nordic Walking at Level 1 offers huge benefits, is low impact and allows individuals with joint and/or balance issues to participate successfully in this wonderful fitness activity.

Level 2: Requires the arms to fully reach out while keeping the poles slightly angled back. This full arm extension will help to burn over 30% more calories than regular walking! You will find that your walking pace will speed up and your stride will naturally lengthen. Never fake a long stride – allow it to happen naturally. Keep your chin up and fingers relaxed! Shifting from Level 1 to Level 2 is like shifting gears in a car. Level 2 continues to reinforce improved walking posture when done correctly. Again, the poles are NEVER planted in front of the lead heal unless your are descending a steep hill. Do NOT lean forward!

Level 3: Includes the full arm extension + a firm pole plant (don’t be gentle), constant pressure from the heel of the hand into the strap and a follow-through push when the hand passes by the hips. Level 3 burns over 40% more calories than regular walking. Level 3 requires maximum push and can only be effectively done with real Nordic Ski Walking Poles equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps. And remember the poles are NEVER planted in front of the lead heal unless your are descending a steep hill. Don't squeeze the poles - keep your fingers relaxed and take advantage of the fingerless glove type straps! Level 3 is big in Europe, but Levels 1 and 2 are more practical for most Americans.

The best Nordic Walking straps are patented by the Salomon Ski Company. These patents have revolutionized cross country skiing and ski racing by providing a secure, but hinged connection to the pole. By eliminating of the need to grip the poles and allowing the power to be transmitted from the hand into the strap maximizes effectiveness, stability and comfort.

Leading pole manufactures like EXEL, ONEWAY and SWIX all utilize these top quality straps on their best poles. Stay clear of cheap twist-locking poles coming out of China that have tried to copy these straps in violation of the patent rights and are manufactured with sub-standard materials and craftsmanship.

During every Nordic Walking Class that I taught last week the participants that already had adjustable length poles complained about the twist-locks on their poles. The twist-locking poles where noisy (rattled and vibrated), wouldn't hold their positions, froze up and/or stopped working altogether. That is why we always recommend durable one-piece poles custom fit to each individual's height for everyday use, for travel and especially for folks with balance issues. The participants that had been using downhill and cross country poles prior to taking one of my classes discovered the benefits of using the correct length poles and the many noticeable benefits of using real Nordic Walking Straps.

It is exciting that Nordic Walking is getting the attention it deserves here in the USA.

Have FUN walking with Poles!

Mimes LOVE Nordic Ski Walking Too!

MIMES CELEBRATE WINTER AND FIND SUCCESS NORDIC SKI WALKING!

At numerous Women's Winter Tour Events, Gals Get-A-Way Weekends and Other For Women only events Nordic Ski Walking provided hundreds of participants the opportunity to try an exciting NEW fitness activity called Nordic Ski Walking - hot from Europe. Over 6 million Europeans are walking with special fitness poles in the cities, in the country and up in the mountains.

The Europeans know that walking is good for you and walking with poles is even smarter. Walking with poles can burn 20%-40% more calories than regular walking. Using the correct length poles is important and using proper technique will help to radically reduce the stress on the shins, knees, hips and back. Even men that walk like apes start walking with a super straight back when they strap into a pair of the correct length Nordic Ski Walking Poles.

If Mimes could talk they would tell you that one-piece poles custom fit to each individual's height are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles.

Poles tested successfully by Mimes and hundreds of other participants at Women's Winter Tour and Gals Get-A-Way events were provided by SKIWALKNG.COM and The American Nordic Walking System.Some participants on snowshoes borrowed the poles too. Many snowshoers already had poles that came with their snowshoes - cheap twist-locking poles that didn't work half the time for the individuals. These individuals where shocked when they tested the durable one-piece poles from SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System.

Snowshoers also loved the comfortable patented straps that are included with ALL poles from SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System.

Cross country skiers were also intrigued by the Nordic Ski Walking Poles - especially the straps! These fingerless-glove type straps have revolutionized cross country skiing and they are ideal for walking poles too! Cross country skiers use much longer poles than the length used for Nordic Walking.

Nordic Walking Poles also radically improve balance and stability – a huge aid for those with balance issues including MS, Parkinson’s and Neuropathy (NO Longer Just For Athletes & Expert Skiers!)

Nordic Walking is an ideal fitness activity that can be done 12 months a year. Real Nordic Walking Poles come with removable rubber tips for pavement and other hard surfaces. They also come with durable metal tips for off-road use like grass, trails, the beach, snow and ice.All poles from SKIWALKING.COM come with a FREE Nordic Walking DVD too.

For more info please contact us by calling toll free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255
Walking with poles is the best!

Pete Edwards - owner/founder/coach http://www.skiwalking.com/ and the American Nordic Walking System
Email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

Elvis Spotted Nordic Ski Walking In Vegas!

Elvis was not only spotted during the Las Vegas Marathon with Nordic Ski Walking Poles from SKIWALKING.COM, but also during the awards ceremony. Please note how the ribbons on the Las Vegas Marathon Medals match the cool Norweigen Blue color of the SWIX VIP Nordic Ski Walking Poles!

The prior marathon record for Elvis finishing a marathon was 147, but on Dec. 2nd during the Las Vegas Marathon the world record was shattered when 208 Elvi finished - including two Elvi that opted to Nordic Walk and Nordic Run the marathon route.

Elvis was repeated sighted along the marathon route Nordic Walking and Nordic Running with quality one-piece poles from SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System. These durable one-piece poles are made in Lillehammer, Norway by SWIX - the world's maker of the world's fastest ski wax and best ski racing poles. One-piece Nordic Ski Walking Poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. Do skiers use twist-locking poles? Visit any ski resort from coast to coast and NONE of their rental departments use twist-locking poles. It is all about weight, durability, safety and fun.

We are working on red poles for Santa Claus.

Over 6 million folks in Europe are walking with poles!

Walking with poles really does burn more calories than regular walking!

The poles, when used in the correct length and with proper technique, really do radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back!

Ski Walking is NO longer just for world class athletes, Elvis and professional skiers! Even folks with balance issues are finding one-piece poles custom fit to their heights are a huge improvement over canes and walkers. Even folks with MS, Parkenson's and Neuropathy are finding huge success with quality one-piece poles. Here is a link to an article about Nordic Ski Walking success stories from folks with balance issues: http://nordicwalkingusa.blogspot.com/2007/01/nordic-walking-poles-radically-improve.html

For more info and more pictures please check out http://www.skiwalking.com/ The American Nordic Walking System.

For more info about the Las Vegas Marathon go to: http://www.lvmarathon.com/

Walking with poles is the best!

NORDIC SKI WALKING: NOT JUST FOR SNOW-DEPRIVED SKI RACERS ANYMORE!

NORDIC SKI WALKING IS THE FASTEST GROWING FITNESS ACTIVITY IN EUROPE. OVER 6 MILLION EUROPEANS ARE WALKING, HIKING AND TREKKING WITH THEIR SPECIAL NORDIC SKI WALKING POLES – IN THE CITIES, THE COUNTRY AND THE MOUNTAINS. NO SKIS AND NO SNOW REQUIRED!

Ski Coaches in Finland saw the success of their world class cross country skiers utilizing ski poles in the summer for Ski Walking and Hill Bounding. They also saw how hikers with knee pain could walk with a hiking stick and eliminate that knee pain. And how back packers complained that their backs hurt until they were given poles. The Finns then developed special walking poles with rubber tips (for hard surfaces, such as pavement), durable metal tips (for trails, the beach snow & ice) and comfortable patented cross country ski straps. They also discovered that the perfect length poles for recreational Nordic Ski Walking were poles that put the Ski Walker’s elbow at 90 degrees when strapped in and standing tall. And now, thanks to WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System, Americans of all ages and fitness levels have the opportunity to unlock the calorie burning and aerobic benefits of Nordic Ski Walking.

SKIWALKING.COM’s owner/founder/coach has hosted hundreds of Nordic Ski Walking Clinics from Lake Tahoe, California to the Green Mountains of Vermont. Clinic participants, regardless of age, are always pleasantly surprised by how good Nordic Ski Walking feels and how effective Nordic Ski Walking is—providing a better aerobic and cardio workout than regular walking and radically reducing the pounding and stress to the knees, hips, and back. Nordic Ski Walking has proven extremely successful for individuals with sore or new knees, sore or new hips, back problems, MS, Parkinson’s, Neuropathy, shin splints, runner’s knee, and other issues.

How? By utilizing the correct length poles, everyone is automatically forced to walk taller, with hips forward and with a straighter back. Better posture is biomechanically a good thing! Combine this improved posture with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive action of walking with fitness poles and there is a noticeable decrease in the stress put on the weight bearing joints. It is not magic. It is just physics. Balance and stability are also hugely improved.

Marketing hype? No, Nordic Ski Walking really does burn up to 40 percent more calories than regular walking. According to the Cooper Institute’s Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sports 2002 publication, Nordic Ski Walking produces up to a 46 percent increase in energy consumption compared to regular walking. Unlike regular walking, running, and biking, Nordic Ski Walking really works the arms, shoulders, and abs.

Perfect fitting poles are important. Make sure you are able to specify your height when you order Nordic Ski Walking poles online. Be sure to request a perfect fit guarantee. Most retailers only carry twist-locking poles – one size supposedly fits all – WRONG! Real Nordic Ski Walking Poles are fixed length (one piece shafts). Fixed length (one piece) poles are safer, lighter, more durable, hassle free, and designed for every day use, unlike twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles that are heavier, collapse at inconvenient times, and have twist lock systems that wear out. Real Nordic Walking Poles also come with patented comfortable straps. ALL poles from WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System include straps patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

SKIWALKING.COM’s "VIP’s" (Very Important Poles) are custom-made in Lillehammer, Norway and come with patented comfortable straps, natural rubber tips for the road/hard surfaces, and durable carbide tips for snow, ice, trail and beach. ALL poles come with a FREE Nordic Walking DVD and special instructions are emailed to all customers. The SWIX "VIP’s" are the #1 selling Ski Walking Poles in the USA. The NEW 2008 EXEL Urban Skier Poles are now in stock too!

Over six million Europeans can’t be wrong!

Pete Edwards is a former Ski School Director, Running Coach, Personal Trainer and the owner/founder/coach of The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM Nordic Ski Walking Poles .

For more information, call toll free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255 or send an e-mail to GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

About SKIWALKING.COM - SKIWALKING.COM is the #1 retailer of Nordic Ski Walking fitness poles in the USA. World headquarters: Glen Arbor, Michigan. Our VIP Nordic Ski Walking poles are made in Lillehammer, Norway, exclusively for SKIWALKING.COM

Nordic Walking Poles Radically Improve Balance & Stability – A Huge Aid For Those With Balance Issues Including MS, Parkinson’s And Neuropathy!

Over six million Europeans are Nordic Walking every day (all ages and all fitness levels). This amazing new fitness activity turbo charges the normal walking regimen. Not only does Nordic Walking burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking, it automatically improves walking posture and helps to reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Utilizing the correct length poles encourages improved walking posture, while the poles and your arms absorb an impressive amount of the shock that would typically hit the shins, knees, hips and back.

Three years ago I launched SKIWALKING.COM and have received hundreds of thank you emails and thank you cards from happy customers - including folks with bad/new knees, bad/new hips, back problems and balance issues. One lady called me during the fall of 2004 and asked if the poles would help improve her balance problems stemming from an inner ear issue. I told her I wasn’t sure, but I did share with her several impressive success stories from folks with knee, hip and/or back problems. By using the correct length poles she was able to navigate even the roughest terrain with balance and security provided by the poles. She has been successfully using my Swix VIP Nordic Walking Poles for over two years now.

While hosting Nordic Walking at The Fitness Center in Traverse City, Michigan I was introduced to Michelle Honer. Michelle had signed up to participate in one of my Ski Walking Classes. When she walked up the handicap ramp prior to the class with her cane it was apparent that she had some balance issues and she informed her classmates that she had MS. Our 1st Ski Walk was only a few blocks down and back. Within several weeks we were covering about 2 miles in one hour.

For seven prior years Michelle had ridden an electric scooter in the Traverse City MS Walk. The last two years Michelle has Ski Walked the 5K (3.1 miles). Local newspapers and TV stations have covered her remarkable story.

"My special Nordic Walking poles have allowed me to walk taller, faster, further and with much more stability than with my cane. Their one-piece design is so much better than my old adjustable poles that broke unexpectedly at an extremely inconvenient time," says Michelle.

Michelle is now an official Ski Walking Ambassador for SKIWALKING.COM and proudly wears her Ski Walking Shirt made of organic cotton while assisting at many of my Nordic Walking Clinics.
Michelle’s success with the walking poles encouraged me to host free Nordic Walking Clinics at MS Support Group meetings.

I receive thank you letters and emails everyday from super happy customers. Here are a couple wonderful examples:

I just returned from a 14-day trip to London and Ireland. I was able to do almost everything using my ski poles or "walking sticks" as they call them in England and Ireland. I could not have considered this trip without my "walking sticks" and I am grateful for them. I hope all Parkinson's patients will be able make use of " walking sticks". Again, thanks for making my once in a lifetime adventure a reality.
Jean
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We've been Ski Walking everyday, I was truly amazed at watching Linda, if didn't know that she has MS and the related gate problems that most MS patients have, I would not have believed it! She walks "normal" what ever that is? Your poles are great!Howard
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My husband bought me your poles for my birthday last week. I LOVE them. I have MS and walk with a slight limp and my balance is off sometimes. I am now walking in the park at a brisk walk every day for about 1 1/2 miles. Thank you so much. They make a big difference in my walking. I told him they are the best birthday present he has ever bought me. Thanks again.
Peggy
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Nordic Walking may sound like magic, but it is just good physics. The key is using "perfect length" poles. Perfect length poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back - better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout - burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.

I recommend quality one-piece poles that won’t collapse unexpectedly. One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles.

Adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles should NEVER be
recommended to seniors or anyone with a balance issue. Hundreds of backpackers have tumbled when their telescoping poles unexpectedly collapsed.

My SWIX Nordic Walking VIP Poles are made in Lillehammer, Norway exclusively for us at SKIWALKING.COM and they are the #1 selling walking poles in the USA. All customers receive a FREE Nordic Walking DVD and a perfect length guarantee.

According to Nick Mahood, SWIX USA Nordic Walking Director, "Pete Edwards, SKIWALKING.COM's owner/founder, has single handedly introduced thousands of Americans to Nordic Walking through his free clinics! I have no doubt that Edwards is the #1 retailer of Nordic Walking Poles in the USA! You can quote me on that!"

For more information, pictures, info on how to get started and how to buy – please contact http://www.skiwalking.com/ email: getfit@skiwalking.com
toll free 877-SKIWALKING (877-754-9255)