The Transition From A Summer Of Nordic Walking And Running With Poles To Cross Country Skiing

Three days in a row for cross country skiing! And the middle day was 11/12/13 - a very special day!

 

The Nordic Walking + the running hills with poles and the long treks up on the Sleeping Bear Dunes really paid off. Even after an hour and 1/2 of skiing yesterday I wanted to go longer. The sun was out and we had that awesome blue sky spring skiing thing happening in November.

 

Walking, running, hiking and trekking with poles is a great cross trainer for all sports. The key is using the Perfect Length Poles and the correct technique. At WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we provide quality one-piece poles (no cheap/flimsy twist-locks or flip-locks allowed on our quality poles) and professional instruction for all ages and all fitness levels. The key is to offer options and 16 different lengths of poles.

 

Our poles are tough enough for world class athletes to pound and push. They are also dependable enough for those transitioning from crutches, canes and/or walkers. Don't get scammed by collapsible poles! Be sure to look for SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles. Both come with a Perfect Length Guarantee.

 

And as any ski coach knows - one-piece poles are always going to prove to be safer, lighter, stronger, more durable and much more dependable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles flooding the market from China - including those $200 collapsible ones. Quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles the perfect solution for skiing, walking, running, hiking, trekking, snowshoeing, roller skiing and inline skating.

 

And a good ski coach knows how to wax the skis for these early season ski outings when the leaves and grass are still wet. SWIX CH10 ironed in, allowed to cool, scraped and then brushed out. If there is a No-Wax base under foot be sure to use some SWIX F8LE Red Liquid Glide on the no-wax area (no wax doesn't mean NO wax - SWIX F8LE liquid waxes really help the no-wax area from drying out, clumping up and wrecking your ski time when the leaves or grass are wet. SWIX F7LE and F6LE are for colder temps and are a must for those no-wax areas on colder days. This secret combo will allow for better glide and eliminate clumps of snow underfoot and/or snow/ice freeze up that wrecks a beautiful xc wicked fast.

 

My skis were in great shape and had great glide.

 

Back to running hills today - with poles of course. But happy for 3 days of xc skiing before the snow melted. Glad to that the Nordic Walking proved to be a successful cross trainer to get ready for ski season.

 

Think Snow!

 

What are the best Poles for Nordic Sports in hilly terrain?

Every day I am asked about the best walking poles for use in hilly terrain. And every day I say the same consistent thing: “cross country ski racers don’t change pole length at the bottom of the hill and again at the top”. There is a huge myth going round that you need shorter poles on the uphill and longer on the downhill.

One-piece poles prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable for all Nordic Sports – including cross country skiing, Nordic walking, Nordic running, Nordic blading (inline skatng), Nordic Snowshoing and roller skiing. Nordic sports enthusiasts would NEVER consider trading their lighter + stronger one-piece poles for heavier and questionable 2-piece or 3-piece poles.

My wife and I don’t change pole length each evening when we Nordic walk or Nordic run up the mile long trail behind town to the scenic look-out on Alligator Hill or when we continue on our favorite loop that returns back down to the trail head. We have also tested our SWIX and EXEL Nordic walking poles in the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountains, White Mountains, on the Application trail and in the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. One-piece poles that are sized correctly work great in the city, out in the country and up in the mountains.

Our daughter is a professional outdoor educator and Outward Bound instructor. The #1 equipment failures while in the wilderness are 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock poles (typically the ones from China, but not always).

If twist-locks and flip-locks were so awesome ski shops and ski rental shops would have them for rental and demo.

Check out a sampling of the disappointing reviews at REI regarding collapsible poles – some costing nearly $200.00!

I broke 2 pair while hiking the PCT this summer. The grips on the handles came unglued on the first pair in the desert after 3 days. The second pair snapped in the cold High Sierras (I was barely leaning on them).
* Locking mechanism very difficult to get it to lock. Very annoying if you want to change length of poles frequently.
* Poles are delicate and not suitable for heavy duty use (and I only weigh 150#).
*Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

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I was very disappointed when my locking mechanism failed. When I originally purchased these on sale, there were several pairs that would not lock. I had to pick through a lot to find a pair that would work. I was hoping that it was a manufacturing flaw, and that the pair I found would work. I have used them about four times, and I can no longer lock them. I am unimpressed with how it locks.

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These are typical of comments that I hear every day from individuals that accidentally purchased twist-lock and flip-lock poles from other sources. It doesn’t matter if it is REI, Cabela’s, EMS, LLB or another big name store. I am told over and over again about collapsible poles and how they tend to rattle, vibrate and/or collapse unexpectedly.

Seniors and individuals with balance issues should especially avoid cheap flip-lock and twist-lock collapsible poles. Be sure to look for the Perfect Length Poles for your height. At SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we offer 16 different lengths of REAL Nordic Walking Poles. Some companies only offer three sizes and others maybe six, but they can’t provide the Perfect Length Poles for most people.

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.

Don’t get caught up in the marketing hype that suggests 2-piece and 3-piece poles are the best option for hilly terrain.

Nordic Sports are the best!

SWIX Ski Racing Poles, SWIX Ski Wax and SWIX Nordic Walking Poles - Commitment To Quality

SWIX Poles Sweeps The Podium at USA Nationals - Classic Mass Start Races

In the men's race SWIX poles and wax dominate

SWIX racing poles and ski wax stole the show at USA XC Ski Nationals last month in Alaska. The podium results and medal counts were extremely consistent.

For more additional results and cross country info here is the US Ski Team link: http://www.usskiteam.com/crosscountry

 

In the women's race its Gold, Silver and Bronze again!

Quality SWIX poles and super fast SWIX wax proved again to be the choice of champions at USA XC Ski Nationals. SWIX's demonstrated commitment to quality at USA Cross Country Ski Nationals was evident for the world to see.

If you would like assistance in waxing like those on the podium check out the SWIX Wax Wizard: http://www.swixschool.com/web/wizard.html?langInput=lang2&menuInput=subM2

SWIX's commitment to quality is also evident in their recreational ski pole and wax lines too. Dependable and user-friendly products - including Nordic Walking Poles. At SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System quality one-piece walking poles are available in 14 different lengths - more than any other retailer in North America. The SWIX Nordic Walking VIP's are equipped with comfortable Nordic Walking Straps patented by the Salomon Ski Company (please note that ALL six of the medal winning athletes above skied with similar straps - proven to be extremely efficient and effective. The SWIX Nordic Walking VIP's are also equipped with durable metal tips for walking off-road - on trails, the beach, grass, snow and ice. They also come with removable rubber tips/paws for pounding the pavement and other hard surfaces.

Recreational skiers and races alike know that their one-piece poles are far superior to cheap twist-lock/flip-lock adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Yesterday during ski practice we passed a snowshoer with just one pole - one of her twist-lock poles broke as soon as she hit the trail. Skiers would never use twist-lock or flip-lock poles that can vibrate, rattle, collapse unexpectedly and/or fail altogether. One-piece poles are proven to be safer, lighter and stronger than cheap twist-lock and flip-lock poles. Seniors and individuals should especially avoid cheap twist-lock and flip-lock poles.

When looking for trekking or Nordic Walking Poles be sure to ask yourself this simple question: "would these poles pass the "skier" test?" The answer will always be NO - they won't. And that is why SWIX has been committed to provide superior one-piece poles.

February is American Heart Month and the Winter Olympics are this month too. Exercise is a key component to improving heart health. Let's hope that the Olympics will help to motivate more of us to get outside and exercise - skiing, snowshoeing, Nordic Walking or just plain walking.

Nordic Walking, Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing On Winter Trails Day

Saturday, Jan. 9th was Winter Trails Day and perfect conditions greeted snowshoes and cross country skiers. And the Nordic Walking was fantastic too - though not snow dependant. SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System offered free Nordic Walking Classes, free Nordic Walking Pole rentals and provided poles for Nordic Snowshoeing too. SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles were the poles of choice.

After hosting Nordic Walking Clinics from 10am - 2pm in celebration of winter trails day we hit the trails on cross country skis. The skiing was fantastic up on Alligator Hill behind Glen Arbor and part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Nordic Walking can be done any time of year and in any type of weather. When used on trails, the beach, grass, snow and/or ice the rubber Nordic Walking Tips/Paws are removed - exposing the metal tips. When Nordic Walking on dry pavement the rubber tips/paws act as silencers (eliminating the annoying clank of the metal tips) and they act as shock absorbers too.

During Winter Trails Day we provided Nordic Walkers and Nordic Snowshoers with durable one-piece poles. One-piece poles that are sized correctly to each individual's height prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-lock and flip-lock adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles from China.

As skiers we know that one-piece poles prove to be superior for Nordic Walking, snowshoeing and skiing - one-piece poles are much more user-friendly and dependable than poles equipped with twist-locks and other gadgets. And when the correct length one-piece poles are used for Nordic Walking , snowshoeing and skiing the benefits are huge. The correct length poles help to radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Plus the poles improve balance and stability. Walking and snowshoeing with poles take the stress off the lower back and make walking and snowshoeing much more effective - burning more calories than not using poles.

You don't have to wait for Winter Trails Day to get out and enjoy our wonderful trails - anytime of year is a great time to hit the trails.

Nordic Walking Is A Great Way To Get Ready For Ski Season - Downhill and Cross Country (Alpine and Nordic)

The launch of the 2008-2009 cross country ski season in Leelanau County was on Monday, November 17th! The classic skiing couldn't have been better. We skied in our own tracks and didn't have any sticking or clumping problems on the bottoms or sides of our skies thanks to having our skies stored all summer with a thick coat of SWIX Base Prep Wax and a fresh application of liquid ski wax applied tip to tail - SWIX Violet Glide (F7LE - liquid glide).

Cross country skiing, also called Nordic Skiing, is one of several "Nordic Sports" including Nordic Walking, Nordic Running, Nordic Snowshoeing and Nordic Blading. After Nordic Walking since last ski season ended it was really great to be back on snow and skiing. Nordic Walking is the next best thing to skiing. Walking with poles has proven once again to be a great way to get ready for ski season. For more info about Nordic Walking contact The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM .

Fresh snow on top of wet grass and/or leaves can create a waxing problem, but proper base preparation can ensure more FUN skiing and eliminate the hassle of dealing with skis that ice up during tricky conditions.

SWIX Violet Glide (F7LE - liquid glide) works great on skate skis, waxable classic skis and no-wax classic skis when temps are below freezing. Apply tip to tail (including fishscale and step-type no-wax bases). Allow time to dry (a few minutes). Cork in. For colder temps try SWIX Blue Glide (F6LE - liquid glide). For temps at or above 32 degrees use SWIX Red Glide (F8LE - liquid glide). For more wax info please check out the SWIX Wax Wizard: http://www.swixschool.com/web_tysk/wizard2.html?langInput=lang2&menuInput=subM2

MY NEW SALOMON CROSS COUNTRY (NORDIC) SKI BOOTS HAVE ARRIVED!

SALOMON S-LAB CARBON SKIATHLON CROSS COUNTRY SKI BOOTS

My wife knows it is fall and ski season is around the corner when I'm spotted walking around the house in my new ski boots. My favorite classic cross country boots are my S-Lab Carbon Classics. My favorite skate boots are my S-Lab Carbon Skates. And now I'm hoping my new Skiathlon Boots will be my favorite teaching boots. I'll be able to change from skate to classic skis without having to change boots - sounds pretty good if jumping back and forth from teaching classic and skate lessons.

All of my Salomon cross country skis are equipped with the Pilot System so my new Skiathlon boots will work great with ALL of my skis. Sounds almost to good to be true. The new Skiathlon boots are the ultimate combi boots and actually designed for "Pursuit" cross country ski races. These boots are designed to handle classic cross country skiing with a soft flex under the ball of the foot while maintaining torsional stiffness for skating. The cuff is a softer material than the skate boot and offers a slightly lower profile for a wider range of motion. This Pursuit Racing Boot supposedly doubles as an excellent boot for coaches. The Salomon Skiathlon Boots have all of Salomon's top-end features: Carbon heel cup, sensifit compression fit, speedlace, one-piece carbon sole and more.

As and I'm sitting here typing this all I can say is they are super comfortable and I'll be dreaming of snow tonight.

For more info about Salomon Ski Equipment: http://www.salomonsports.com/US/#/nordic

If you are looking for a great way to get ready for ski season or know someone that could benefit from Nordic Walking Poles check out: The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Think SNOW!

NORDIC WALKING AND NORDIC SNOWSHOEING ELIMINATE LEG PAIN AND MUCH MORE

Members Of The Glen Lake Track Team Give Nordic Snowshoeing A Try When The Track Was Covered By An April Snow Storm

Just several days ago we launched the Nordic Sports Blog. And just today we received an email from a happy Nordic Walking customer reinforcing the simple facts that walking and snowshoeing with poles makes walking and snowshoeing more effective, more comfortable and often pain free for those inflicted with health issues that limit walking and snowshoeing for fun and fitness.

Everyday we receive thank you cards, thank you phone calls and thank you emails from happy Nordic Walking customers. This positive feedback is extremely motivating for all of us at the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM
Here is the email that we received today:

Pete: I met you at the Senior's Expo in Suttons Bay a few months back. I bought a set of your Nordic Ski Walking poles and they have been of immense help in dealing with my lumbar stenosis. A few years ago, I found that the only strenuous exercise that wouldn't cause shooting leg pains was snowshoeing. Obviously, the ski poles I use while snowshoeing had been taking enough weight off of my legs to eliminate the pain. Well, guess what? The same principle works with ordinary walking so long as I use your Nordic Ski Walking poles. The increase in exercise from Nordic Ski Walking poles has helped me with weight loss and has probably put off the need for spinal surgery for at least a few years. Thank you very much.

Jay

It is exciting to immediately post feedback from an individual that has found success Nordic Walking and Nordic Snowshoeing (Snowshoeing with poles). Using the correct length poles really does improve posture and help to minimize stress to the weight bearing joints. Walking and snowshoeing also helps to burn more calories because the arms are more actively engaged.
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.

Adding poles to your walking campaign and snowshoeing outings not only improve balance and
stability, but the poles often allow individuals with Arthritis, MS, Parkinson's, Post Polio, Neuropathy, Scoliosis, Osteoporisis, Lumbar Stenosis to successfully get outside and walk successfully, safely and effectively. At The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM we assist our customers with one-piece poles that are proven to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Don't get scammed by cheap twist-locking poles!

Please let me know if you have any questions at any time.

Have a great day – Nordic Skiing, Nordic Walking, Nordic Running, Nordic Blading and Nordic Snowshoeing are the best,

Pete - owner/founder/coach The American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM Nordic Walking Poles

Email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

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

WELCOME TO THE NORDIC SPORTS BLOG - PROMOTING ALL NORDIC SPORTS: NORDIC SKIING, NORDIC WALKING, NORDIC RUNNING, NORDIC BLADING AND NORDIC SNOWSHOEING

NORDIC SPORTS FOR ALL AGES AND ALL FITNESS LEVELS

These healthy Nordic Sport activities originated in Scandinavia and have spread all across Europe. And as Americans face alarming levels of obesity and the related complications of obesity, it is perfect timing for Nordic Sports to assist Americans in their efforts to exercise effectively, improve overall fitness and benefit from the added balance and stability provided by poles.

Cross country skiing (Nordic Skiing) has always been the leading fitness activity and sport in the Scandinavian Countries. And now Nordic Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe. Cross country ski racers are often proclaimed to be the most physically fit athletes on the planet and Nordic Walking has been embraced all across Scandinavia and the rest of Europe due to the many healthful benefits and similarities to cross country skiing.

Cross country skiing was the first of the Nordic Sports. Ski Walking, the predecessor to Nordic Walking, came next as a training activity for ski racers deprived of snow during the summer. Nordic Walking Poles provide effective, yet low impact walking on and off road – no snow and now skis required. Nordic Running incorporates Nordic Walking Poles into your running campaign. Next to hit the Nordic scene was Nordic Blading (in-line skating or roller blading with poles). Then came Nordic Snowshoeing – simply adding poles to while snowshoeing improves balance and stability, engages the upper body and helps to eliminate the lower back pain that often occurs while snowshoeing.

Nordic Sports burn more calories than regular walking and running. The poles help to improve posture and help to eliminate shin, knee, hip and back pain. Nordic Sports are proven to help effectively assist in weight management and weight loss.

For more information about Nordic Walking please go to http://www.skiwalking.com/

In future posts I will review the many benefits of these Nordic Sports.

I’m hoping that more Americans will get off the couch and participate in Nordic Sports.