> August 2008 > Nordic WalkingNordic Walking
It's the hottest and easiest way to burn, baby, burn!
Courtesy Swix
Glen Arbor’s Pete Edwards has helped raise two Junior Olympian daughters. He’s coached runners, skiers, state champions, and national champions over the last quarter-century.
So that’s why when Edwards gets behind a fitness kick like ski walking, we listen. Ski walking, or Nordic walking, originated in Finland in the 1930’s, and was officially launched as a sport in 1997. Now 750,000 Finns are Nordic ski walking each day.
If you can walk, you can easily master ski walking. Just put your hands through the comfortable staps and hold the poles at a slight angle behind you then push off lightly as you walk—just as if you were skiing, only this is done on pavement or trails. You become, essentially, a fuel-burning four-wheel-drive humanoid.
Say no more. I’m an avid NordicTrack fan, which is a great aerobic exerciser, but in early fall the idea of working out inside is less than tempting. I took a short Nordic ski walk with Edwards down my long, steep driveway, and was breaking a sweat on the way back up. I was sold, and bought another pair for my husband Joe. I like the idea that the poles’ rubber tips are removable for trails, and this new exercise will get me in shape to tackle those ski trails come November.
The lightweight poles are custom made in Lillehammer, Norway, and cost $69.95 a pair. For more info about Edwards' American Nordic Walking System and to order poles, visit skiwalking.com or call 877-SKIWALK (877-754-9255).
The Benefits of Nordic Ski Walking
Nordic Ski Walking is the fastest-growing fitness activity in Europe. Here’s why:
- It burns up to 40 percent more calories than walking and increases oxygen consumption, thus providing a more effective aerobic workout with the same low-impact benefits.
- It naturally strengthens the neck, back, arms, shoulders and abs.
- Because you’re centered and supported by the poles, ski walking improves your posture and reduces back, knee, hip and joint strain.
- The University of Wisconsin is using walking poles for the rehab of patients who’ve had heart attacks, and it’s being tested for patients with neuromuscular diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s.
Watch a demonstration video
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Reader Comments:
Walking with poles is the best!
Thanks for posting this great article about Nordic Ski Walking and our company - WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System.
We are an "Up North" company and dedicated to the simple fact that one-piece poles custom fit to each individuals height are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.
Seniors and individuals with balance issues should not use twist-locking collapsible poles. One-piece poles are safer and much more user friendly than poles with annoying twist-lock systems that vibrate, rattle and often fail.
Walking with poles really does increase calorie burn and the poles also radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Even folks with balance issues are trading in their canes and walkers for our Nordic Walking Poles - the poles provide the stability of 4-Wheel Drive.
Have FUN Nordic Walking!