Maple Syrup Time - Ideal Time of Year for Cross Country Skiing and Nordic Walking!

Cold nights and warm days are ideal for the tapping of maple trees for maple syrup. It is also an ideal time for spring skiing and/or Nordic Walking.

This has been a perfect spring for making maple syrup and the snow is still holding up and very skiable.

And for those deprived of snow - just get out and beef-up your walking campaign with walking poles. Walking with poles provide many of the awesome health benefits of cross country skiing. The walking poles also radically reduce the stress to the shins, the knees, the hips and back.

Originally skiers deprived of snow knew the secret benefits of walking, hiking, trekking, ski walking, hill-bounding, ........... with poles. And now the word is out. You can burn 20-40% more calories by walking with poles. That is 20-40% more calories than regular walking - walking without poles. The poles also radically improve balance and stability.

When deprived of snow and not cross country skiing I use my poles for hiking in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and during my lunch break I run with my poles up the hill here behind the office and then ski walk back down. I not only get a better workout, but my knees find the poles eliminate the stress and strain.

When looking for walking poles be sure to not get scammed by all the cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles flooding the market from China and costing anywhere from $20.00 per pair to $200.00 per pair. If the poles are equipped with twist-locks or flip-locks be sure to avoid them. Skiers only use one-piece poles and the same quality one-piece poles work best for hiking, walking, trekking, running, ski walking and hill-bounding with poles.

Skiers and other athletes would destroy cheap/flimsy collapsible poles. Plus they rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse or fail altogether unexpectedly. Seniors and anyone with a balance issue should NEVER use cheap/flimsy collapsible poles. Quality one-piece poles that are sized correctly will always prove to be safer, lighter, stronger, more durable and much more user-friendly.

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.

According to Nick Mahood, SWIX USA Nordic Walking Director, "Pete Edwards, The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM's owner/founder/coach, 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!".

We are the #1 retailer of quality one-piece poles in North America. Unfortunately thousands of Americans in the USA and Canada are getting scammed everyday into purchasing cheap/flimsy collapsible poles from China. When those collapsible poles prove unfriendly they find us and our 100% positive satisfaction ratings.

Walking with poles is the best! Walking with one-piece poles that are sized correctly makes a good thing even better.

Walking Is Man's Best Medicine

Nordic Walking Can Help!
 

Hundreds of years BC, Hippocrates (a Greek physician), stated clearly that "walking is man's best medicine." Centuries later studies have proven that walking could help with many physical and mental challenges.

The benefits of walking?

Walking strengthens the lower back - helping to eliminate lower back pain. If the pain already exists walking with poles that are sized and used correctly can help to radically reduce that back pain.

Walking helps with weight loss. Pills and diets alone are not the answer. Walking with poles can help to burn more calories and help to reduce the stress to the shins, the knees and back.

Walking provides the weight bearing benefits many of us need. And again quality walking can help provide the weight bearing benefits, but at a reduced stress level compared to regular walking. The poles reduce the pounding and the stress when sized correctly and when used correctly.

For those with balance issues walking with a can or walker is not comfortable or biomechenically correct. When using the Perfect Length Poles the individual is tricked into walking taller - this improved posture makes walking so much more comfortable and the poles add an element of 4-Wheel Drive to the walking campaign while improving balance and stability.

Walking can help many reduce the medications they are currently taking. Walking with poles can effectively help to shed the pounds, improve balance/stability, improve posture and walking comfort, lower blood sugar levels, help with blood pressure, .........

The poles not only add the element of 4-wheel-drive and improve stability, but the poles help to engage more muscles than regular walking.

At WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we receive happy customer emails and thank you cards in the mail everyday. Happy because their poles have helped them to find walking success. We are honest about the simple fact that our quality one-piece walking poles will prove to be safer, lighter, more durable and much more user-friendly than cheap/flimsy 2-piece or 3-piece collapsible poles flooding the market from China. We NEVER recommend collapsible 2-piece or 3-piece poles for individuals with balance issues. Our one-piece poles are custom fit to each individuals height so there are no cheap/flimsy twist-lock or flip-locks insecurely holding the pieces/sections of the the collapsible poles together. Collapsible poles tend to rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse/shorten while walking or unexpectedly fail altogether. We carry and recommend one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles.

Over 10 million Europeans are walking with poles in the cities (with the rubber Nordic Walking Tips/Asphalt Paws on), out in the country and up in the mountains using the metal tips.

Walking can add years to your lifespan and improve the quality of your life!

Please get out and walk more. Encourage your family and friends too.

Nordic Sports and REAL Nordic Poles - For Walking, Running, Roller Skiing, Roller Blading (In-Line Skating), Nordic Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing

Nordic Sports require poles. And one-piece poles that are sized correctly are the norm in the Nordic Countries in Europe. Over 10 million Europeans are walking with poles in the cities, out in the country and up in the mountains and they are using one-piece poles - for hiking, trekking, ski walking, hill bounding and Nordic Walking. And millions more are using one-piece poles for roller skiing, roller blading (in-line skating), Nordic snowshoeing and cross country skiing. And then there is the "Alpine" culture - downhill skiers are strictly using quality one-piece poles too.

Why aren't they using cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece poles? Because they rattle, vibrate, aren't durable, aren't user-friendly, gradually collapse or fail altogether when not expected. There isn't a single ski shop or ski rental business that promotes 2-piece or 3-piece collapsible poles. Why? Because they are cheap, flimsy and inferior products.

So why are cheap/flimsy collapsible walking poles from China flooding the market here in the USA and Canada? Why do thousands of big box, sporting goods and online stores promoting the wonderful benefits of collapsible poles from China?

The answer is ignorance and/or making a fast buck. Seniors and anyone with a balance issue should never use cheap/flimsy collapsible poles. For everyday use quality one-piece poles superior.

A friend of mine manages a successful running shoe store. They carry snowshoes and by accident they were shipped dozens of pairs of collapsible snowshoe poles. He hides them under a bench out of sight. He states that they run a 100% dissatisfaction rate. They are expense poles collapsible poles. They are made by a big name in snowshoeing. They are made in China. And they are cheap/flimsy and do not hold their settings if they can even be twisted and locked into position in the first place. One-piece poles would prove to be user-friendly and super durable - not cheap, flimsy and disposable.

Here at WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we only recommend quality one-piece poles that are sized correctly for all Nordic and Alpine sports. We provide safe and effective Nordic Walking techniques that provide a variety of different exertion levels - there is an ideal level of intensity for everyone, every age and every fitness level. Our $69.95 basic Nordic Walking Poles from Norway are far superior to collapsible poles costing as much as $200.00 (from China).

When it comes to Nordic Walking a credible retailer would need to offer at least 16 different lengths. We offer 16 different lengths of quality EXEL Nordic Walking Poles from Finland and 16 different lengths of quality SWIX Nordic Walking Poles form Norway. All of these quality one-piece poles are equipped with metal tips for off-road use on grass, dirt, trails, the beach, the dunes, snow and ice. Removable rubber tips (asphalt paws) are included for use on pavement and other hard surfaces. All come equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps - quality fingerless glove type straps that are patented by the Salomon Ski Company. Free DVD and printed instructions included as well to ensure a successful walking campaign.

Alpine and Nordic means one-piece poles regardless of the hype put into promoting cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles from China.

Holiday Weekend - Nordic Walking, Roller Skiing and Cross Country Skiing

The Thanksgiving weekend started out with some really nice Indian Summer weather that was ideal for Nordic Walking (hiking with poles). As things started to cool down we did some roller skiing. And then today we were cross country skiing! Got snow.

It was a Nordic "triple crown" - Nordic Walking, roller skiing and cross country skiing (Nordic skiing). All of these fitness activities included specialized one-piece poles sized to our specific heights. Cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles wouldn't be able to hold up. One-piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be safer, lighter, stronger, much more durable and much more user-friendly than collapsible poles that tend to rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse or fail altogether. All these activities originated in Scandinavia and they only use one-piece poles for Nordic sports. Over 10 million Europeans are walking with poles in the cities (with the rubber tips/asphalt paws on), out in the country and up in the mountains.

We used SWIX poles for all three activities. While Nordic Walking we used the perfect length poles - elbow at about 90 degrees and forearm parallel to the ground when standing tall and strapped into our comfortable and patented fingerless glove type straps. Using the Perfect Length Poles helped 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 includes all of the positives about walking with handweights, but none of the negitives.

Our roller ski poles are our longest poles. Our roller ski poles are equipped with special hardened carbide tips that are extra sharp and dig into the pavement to help provide some push-off. Our cross country poles are just slightly shorter.

All of our poles are a durable and user-friendly one-piece design. All of our poles are equipped with comfortable patented straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

One-piece poles also prove to be safer and much more user-friendly for seniors and for anyone with a balance issue because they are so darn dependable. Seniors and those with balance issues should especially avoid cheap/flimsy collapsible poles. Don't get scammed by cheap/flimsy 2-piece or 3-piece twist-lock or flip-lock poles - most are made in China.

Quality SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles can be found at WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System.

Nordic Walking Study - The Cooper Institute

Nordic Walking is huge in Europe and the benefits of walking with the perfect length poles and the correct technique are many. Over 10 million Europeans are walking with poles - in the cities (with the rubber tips/asphalt paws on), out in the country and up in the mountains.

Here in the USA Nordic Walking has yet to really catch on. Skiers know the huge benefits of training with poles when deprived of snow. Backpackers know that their poles often save their knees and back when hiking when poles. Seniors and anyone with a balance issue also know that walking poles radically improve balance and enable them to walk faster and farther. Skiers, backpackers, seniors and anyone with a balance issue will find that one-piece poles are superior to all the collapsible poles being heavily promoted in stores and online.

The study done by the The Cooper Institute shows that walking with poles really does help to provide a better workout too - burning more calories than regular walking. Nordic Walking provides all the wonderful health benefits of cross country skiing, but doesn't require skis or snow - just quality one-piece poles are ideal. Many of my happy customers have lost upwards of 100 pounds just by walking with their poles and changing their diet. Some have also found swimming to be an added benefit too.

Don't get scammed by all the 2-piece ad 3-piece collapsible poles flooding the market. Over 99% of the cheap/flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock poles in the big box stores and all over the internet are made in China and destined for the landfill. One-piece poles that are sized correctly will always prove to be safer, lighter, more durable and much more user-friendly than 2-piece and 3-piece poles with twist-lock and flip-lock systems.

One-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles can be found at WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System - 16 different lengths ensure a perfect fit. One-piece poles are ideal for ALL Nordic Sports - Roller Skiing, Nordic Snowshoeing, Nordic Walking, Nordic Running, Hill Bounding, Roller Blading (In-line Skating), Classic Cross Country Skiing, Skate Cross Country Skiing, .....

When using the perfect length poles and the correct technique we are almost tricked into automatically walking with a super straight back (without having to think about it) - 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 Best Poles For All Nordic and Alpine Sports - Including Nordic Walking

Roller Skiing, Nordic Blading (roller blading), Nordic Snowshoeing, Down Hill Skiing (Alpine), Classic Technique Cross Country Skiing, Skate Technique Cross Country Skiing and Nordic Walking all have one important commonality. One-piece poles for success.

I've been coaching skiers for over 30 years and have always proposed one-piece poles that are sized correctly. I would never consider using 2-piece or 3-piece adjustable length/collapsible/telescoping poles for beginner skiers or for my racers. Cheap/flimsy collapsible poles just couldn't take the tough treatment. The same goes for all Nordic and Alpine Sports. One-piece poles that are sized correctly will always prove to be safer, lighter, stronger, much more durable and much more user-friendly than collapsible poles equipped with twist-locks or flip-locks that are destined to fail and end up in the dumpster.

We are doing a lot of roller skiing this fall and our one-piece poles are totally dependable. Collapsible poles couldn't take the punishment. So, when it comes to walking poles why would anyone trust cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles? I would never sell seniors or individuals collapsible poles. Collapsible poles are easy to sell, but their satisfaction ratings are horrible. Their life-span is short too. Many of my new customers report that prior to calling us for quality poles they first attempted to buy at big box stores and the floor models twist-locks were already broken - including the $140 Leki Poles at numerous locations. Hundreds of other customers report the same poor results from a variety of collapsible poles they purchased by mistake thinking they were quality poles. Our 100% positive satisfaction ratings wouldn't be doable if we promoted collapsible poles and the headaches that come with them.

Once we know tall a customer is we select the Perfect Length Poles for their height. The correct length poles radically improve balance and stability. They also help to radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back.

 Nordic Walking’s winning combination of improved posture, a unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits are 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.

The best poles for all Nordic and Alpine Sports are one-piece poles - don't get scammed by all the marketing hype behind 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles. No matter how much lipstick you put on a pig it is still a pig.

When it comes to one-piece poles the sizing is critical. We offer 16 different lengths of SWIX Poles from Norway and EXEL Poles from Finland. Plus custom fit when necessary. We offer a Perfect Length Guarantee. Retailers with just 6 or 7 different pole lengths can't possibly get the sizing right even 50% of the time. And sizing is critical. It is also important to remember that collapsible poles especially don't work for tall guys. Collapsible poles are even extra flimsy when fully extended and when extended to their limit they are far to short for taller men - to short and even more flimsy.

At WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we take sizing and quality very seriously. That is why we are running 100% positive with all the ratings services. Plus all of our quality one-piece poles are equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps, metal tips for off-road and removable rubber tips/asphalt paws for pavement and hard surfaces.

Have FUN and remember to get in as much Nordic Sports action as possible!

Olympic Ski Star Lindsey Vonn Promotes Nordic Walking

The 1st Americans to embrace Nordic Ski Walking have typically been skiers. When deprived of snow skiers often grab their poles for hikes, ski walking and hill bounding.

When celebrity athletes endorse a virtually unknown and misunderstood fitness activity like Nordic Walking only good things can result. Awareness and curiosity are good things. And an enthusiastic celebrity endorsement is fantastic. When more Americans realize the many wonderful health benefits of Nordic Walking this fitness activity will take off here like it already has in Europe. Nordic Walking Poles often empower individuals to start walking taller, faster, longer and remain much more happy.

Typically skiers know that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece poles from China. These collapsible poles tend to rattle, vibrate and often collapse unexpectedly. While one-piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than collapsible poles equipped with twist-locks or flip-locks.

At WWW.SKIWALKING.COM we carry 16 different lengths of SWIX and EXEL one-piece Nordic Walking Poles. We also carry rubber replacement tips/asphalt paws for both SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles.

SWIX Nordic Ski Poles Win Prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design

The SWIX Triac cross country ski racing poles received the Red Dot Award for its innovative advances and technical improvements. Over 1,600 companies from 57 countries submitted entries. A total of 4,252 entries were presented to Red Dot’s internationally renowned expert jury. In the end only the very best from the field of the top-class participants were selected. The SWIX Triac cross country ski racing poles also had proven success in both the world cup and the Olympics. Especially notable are the fingerless glove type straps and the poles unique ability to accommodate a variety of basket sizes in order to adapt to varying snow conditions.

Link to the Red Dot website: http://en.red-dot.org/index.php?id=2878&tx_smtdbsearch_pi1%5Bswords%5D=swix

SWIX of Lillehammer, Norway makes the world’s best ski racing poles, the fastest ski wax and quality Nordic Walking Poles.

At SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System all of our Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with special fingerless glove type straps that prove to be comfortable and highly effective. All of our SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with these real Nordic type straps – patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

Strapless poles, simple loop strap poles and velcro sling type straps are not as effective as real Nordic straps that allow the power to be transmitted into the cradle of the strap eliminating the need to squeeze the poles. These quality straps are ideal for all Nordic Sports – including Nordic Walking.

The award winning Triac Poles are a durable, lightweight one-piece design. Those active in Nordic Sports demand quality one-piece poles and avoid cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles that are heavier and tend to rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse and/or collapse unexpectedly. One-piece poles prove to be lighter, safer and much more durable than cheap/flimsy collapsible poles.

And when it comes to Nordic Walking one-piece poles prove to be lighter, safer and much more durable than collapsible 2-piece and 3-piece poles.

Swix continues to lead the charge providing award winning ski poles, fast ski wax and quality Nordic walking poles.

Nordic Walking Poles Welcome At The Port Oneida Barn To Barn Trail Run/Walk 5K

The Port Oneida barn to barn trail run/walk will be unique in that the National Park Service (Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore) hasn’t approved a running/walk event in nearly two decades. This special running and walking event is a fundraiser for Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear (PHSB).

The 5K (3.1 miles) course be a single loop trail course. The loop should prove to be one of the most scenic in the country. The course is pure cross country. Runners should not expect to break the 5K personal records due the challenges provided by the footing and hills. Runners and walkers will be treated to exceptional view of Sleeping Bear Bay while they traverse the top of the ridge along the Bay View Trail.

My daughter Cassidy Edwards, gold medallist at Junior Olympics in both cross country skiing and track, designed the trail course for serious runners, joggers and those who would enjoy a hike with beautiful vistas. She describes the run, which begins and ends at the Charles Olsen Farm, as a “unique tour of Sleeping Bear’s historic Port Oneida farmsteads.” The loop she has selected for the 5K will include several sections of the Bayview Trail and will take runners and walkers through the beautiful scenery of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – a National Park just 30 miles west of Traverse City.

My wife Lissa Edwards was one of the founders of Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear and was instrumental in helping to save many of the now protected and newly renovated farmsteads from being torn down during the 1990’s.

Runners, joggers and walkers will find the 5K course to be a special tour of the Port Oneida Rural Historic district which is “one of the most prized historic landscapes in the country”! The course meanders through the pastoral landscape of farmsteads from the late 1800s nestled among the hills, and along the shores of Lake Michigan. The start and finish points are at the Park's historic Olsen farmstead which Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear restored in 2004.

Both Nordic Walking and Nordic Running (running with poles) will be allowed. Free use of Nordic Walking Poles will be provided by  WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System.

Event Website: http://www.phsb.org/programs/?id=189

For information call 231-334-6103 or email phsb@leelanau.com

To reserve Nordic Walking Poles for the event please call SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System: 231-334-3080 or email: getfit@skiwalking.com

Nordic Walking Certification Includes Unexpected 5km Gold Medal

Jim Bennett and Kathe Swanson decided to head north this summer, tour the Great Lakes in their RV and attempt to become certified Nordic Walking Instructors. When they arrived in beautiful Northern Michigan, home of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, they never envisioned that their Nordic Walking Certification Course would include bringing back a 5K "Gold Medal" to Orlando, Florida.

Kathe had personally seen the enthusiasm and high participation levels of Nordic Walking while visiting Europe. She and her partner Jim contacted SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System to see if they could partner with a North American company dedicated to quality Nordic Walking Poles and effective Nordic Walking Instruction.

They had researched a variety of Nordic Walking companies and manufactures. Many of the companies they contacted had amnesia when it came to where their 2-piece and 3-piece poles were made? Most likely they were all made in China.

After testing the one-piece EXEL Urban Skier Nordic Walking Poles sized specifically for each of their heights from SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System they knew they had found quality poles from a company dedicated to maintaining 100% positive satisfaction ratings. Quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles are safer, lighter and stronger than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles. One-piece poles that are sized correctly don’t rattle, vibrate, collapse gradually or collapse unexpectedly. SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System offer 16 different standard lengths, while others may only offer three to six different lengths that can’t possibly provide the perfect length poles for most individuals.

EXEL, based in Finland, is credited for producing the first carbon composite ski racing poles and dominated the medal count at the Olympics for years. Then EXEL launched the first true Nordic Walking Poles when they produced the EXEL Nordic Walker poles. EXEL's Nordic Walking poles differed from other walking poles in that they were based on a cross country pole design/Nordic design - lighter and stronger than 2-piece and 3-piece collapsibles. Prior to the introduction of the EXEL Nordic Walker Poles, walking poles were based more on heavier alpine/downhill designs - similar to trekking poles.

All of the SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles from WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System are equipped with highly effective and comfortable fingerless glove type straps – patented by the Salomon Ski Company. Other types of walking poles may come with no straps, a simple loop strap or cheap velcro slings. Quality cross country ski poles are now all equipped with the more effective fingerless glove type straps – eliminating the need to grip the poles and effectively transmit power into the cradle of the straps through the heel of the hand. SWIX cross country racing poles dominated at the Olympics this year and all were equipped with fingerless glove type straps.

Individuals can experience some, but definitely not all of the many wonderful benefits of Nordic Walking with nearly any type of poles as long as they are sized correctly – downhill poles, cross country poles, trekking poles, ...... Many of my customers said they had experimented with yardsticks, two canes (too short, but better than one cane) and misc. yard tools. One of my favorite fitness instructors provides simple strapless bamboo sticks to help get his classes moving while he uses REAL Nordic Walking Poles and further explains their many advantages.

When someone is interested in Nordic Walking they should not run out and buy a cheap/flimsy pair of twist-lock or flip-lock poles to see if they will like Nordic Walking. They would be better off testing some old ski poles, two walking sticks or any thing handy that can give them a quick feel for walking with poles. I have been told by hundreds of happy customers that they could tell immediately that walking with poles was a huge improvement over regular walking, or walking with a cane, or even a walker.

The perfect length one-piece Nordic Walking Poles can help us all 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.

Part of Jim and Kathe’s Nordic Walking Certification process included not only a review of the American Nordic Walking System, but required participation in a 5km Race. Unfortunately Jim was under the weather and missed out on the Annual Sleeping Bear 5k, but Kathe rose to the occasion and won a gold medal in her age group!

The Nordic Walking certification courses offered by The American Nordic Walking System differ hugely from other certification courses. The cost is much less. The courses are based on my 25 plus years of coaching experience (runners and skiers), my hosting of hundreds of Nordic Walking Classes and my introduction of Nordic Walking to thousands of individuals.

When I became a certified Nordic Walking Instructor I knew the desired answers to many of the test’s questions were incorrect. My running and ski background had taught me that alignment and proper biomechanics are critical. I knew that there should be NO “leaning” while Nordic Walking (flats or uphills), NO fake elongated strides and NO siting back on the downhills. Many DVD’s and books about Nordic Walking include a lot of leaning, elongated strides and sitting back. Plus many DVD'’ and books provide poor sizing information – claiming that you can simply take one’s height and multiply by .68 or .7 and come up with the perfect length poles for an individual’s height. Being a ski coach I know that skis and poles from different companies are not measured the same and using .68 or .7 would be wrong. The goal is to get that elbow and 90 degrees and the forearm parallel to the ground when standing tall.

Congratulations to Kathe for winning her Gold Medal while Nordic Walking in the Sleeping Bear 5K - over 700 runners, walkers and Nordic Walkers participated! And as soon as she completes the written portion of her certification process she will become a Level 1 Certified Nordic Walking Instructor! Upon completion of additional requirements (including more hands on teaching and acquiring additional student testimonies) she will become Level 2 Certified. And next year she may be ready to tackle Level 3 Nordic Walking Certification.

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.

------

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.

---

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 Dominates Cross Country Events at Winter Olympics - SWIX Nordic Walking Poles Available In USA

70% of all the gold medals awarded during the Cross Country Competition

at the Vancouver Olympics were won by athletes using Swix poles!

The new SWIX TRIAC© Cross Country Ski Racing Poles reached the podium 54 times during the Olympics!

SWIX ski and snowboard waxes also raced to numerous podiums during the Olympics in ALL Snow-Sport events – Alpine, Nordic, Snowboard, …..

SWIX of Lillehammer, Norway also produces some of the world’s best Nordic Walking Poles and North America’s leading retailer and distributor SWIX Nordic Walking Poles is American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM – based in Glen Arbor, Michigan.

Pete Edwards has been leading the Nordic Walking charge in North America by offering honest advice and quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles in 14 different lengths.

As a ski coach Edwards knows that one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap and flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles from China and equipped with twist-lock or flip-lock systems that typically vibrate, rattle and/or collapse unexpectedly.

Doctors and therapists are quick to note that one-piece piece Nordic Walking Poles are safer, lighter and more durable than cheap adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Dr. Rekola’s research article “Walking is Good for Your Health – Nordic Walking may be even Better” includes this great quote: “when used for vigorous walking for exercise, the telescopic locking mechanism may fail and cause injuries if the mechanism fails under load and the pole unexpectedly gives way. For exercise, non-telescopic poles, made of composite fiber or other lightweight materials, are recommended.”

Edwards has been coaching runners and skiers for over 25 years and knows that it is just common sense to realize that one-piece poles that are sized correctly will prove to be the most effective and at the same time hassle-free. His experience hosting hundreds of Nordic Walking Classes has reinforced this simple fact about one-piece poles. At the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM there are 14 different lengths of quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles available and Edwards will custom make Nordic Walking poles for individuals over 6’ 7” at no extra charge.

Edwards will point out that he never saw any skiers this winter using 2-piece or 3-piece poles. He did see several pairs of broken 2-piece and 3-piece snowshoe poles at several trailheads. The best poles for skiing, snowshoeing and Nordic Walking are durable and user-friendly one-piece poles that are sized correctly.

Edwards is the only source in North America for all sizes of quality SWIX Nordic Walking Poles and he offers a Perfect Length Guarantee – resulting in 100% positive satisfaction ratings. Edwards passionately states that “we couldn’t maintain a 100% Positive Satisfaction Rating if we sold cheap twist-lock and/or flip-lock poles from China. And besides, I could NEVER sell cheap collapsible poles to seniors or individuals with balance issues – how rude and irresponsible would that be!”

Walking with poles is the best!

Many Nordic Walking Enthusiasts Started Out Using Old Ski Poles

Like myself, many of my customers launched their personal Nordic Walking campaigns using ski poles and then graduated to real Nordic Walking Poles.

Old ski poles work great on trails - especially if they are sized correctly. After my last running injury my ski poles provided a huge relief while hiking with poles on my favorite running trail. I already knew that ski poles worked great for ski walking and hill bounding - as a means to keep in shape and get ready for the next ski season. After coaching ski racers for over 25 years I knew that ski walking and hill bounding with poles, combined with running and roller skiing, were the secret weapons to prepare over the summer for another successful ski season.

One-piece ski poles, like one-piece Nordic Walking Poles, prove to be far superior to the cheap/flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock 2-piece and 3-piece Nordic Walking, trekking and snowshoe poles flooding the marketing from china.

One-piece ski poles and one-piece Nordic Walking Poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than  2-piece and 3-piece poles. One-piece Nordic Walking Poles have also proven to be lighter and much more user-friendly while hiking in the Grand Canyon. Skiers know that one-piece poles are better and skiers trust their one-piece poles.

At SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System we have 14 different lengths and we also custom build poles for individuals over 6' 7" (at no extra cost). We also offer a Perfect Length Guarantee.

While taking orders today, Judith, an enthusiastic 71 year young lady told me about her success with her ski poles this past winter while walking in her apartment and around the neighborhood. She mentioned that her ski poles were a huge improvement over her walker. She also informed me that she had PD (Parkinson's Disease). She had recently purchased some adjustable poles, but she said "they sucked" and then told me that she sent them back. She was delighted to find our company offers 14 different one-piece lengths. Her new Nordic Walking Poles are shipping out first thing tomorrow.

As Judith discovered, one-piece poles don't rattle, vibrate and/or collapse unexpectedly like the cheap/flimsy twist-locks and flip-locks from China do. I would recommend old ski poles, including the old bamboo poles, over these cheap/flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock poles coming in from China.

Be sure to ask where your poles are made. Judith's new SWIX Nordic Walking Poles are made in Lillehammer, Norway. Her poles are also equipped with comfortable patented straps (patented by the Salomon Ski Company) and include both durable carbide metal tips for trails, the beach snow and ice, plus removable rubber tips for pavement, carpet, tile and other hard surfaces.

Our company has donated hundreds of pairs of quality one-piece poles to the Wounded Warriors Programs. Once we know how tall a Wounded Warrior is we select the Perfect Length Poles for his/her height. While providing free Nordic Walking Classes for Wounded Warriors I quickly realized that they do not like their canes or walkers. The perfect length Nordic Walking Poles provided everyone that participated in our classes with improved walking posture (straighter back), plus greatly improved balance, stability and gait. Cheap/flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock poles could not hold up to the added stress put on the poles by the wounded warriors.

Walking with poles is the best, but be sure to avoid the cheap stuff from China and look for quality one-piece poles in the correct length for your height.

Nordic Walking Poles Welcome At More Running and Walking Events

Nordic Walking Poles are showing up at more and more walking and running events.

This past weekend I hosted the Glen Lake Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk - sponsored by Running Fit, Coca-Cola, SKIWALKING.COM and The American Nordic Walking System. Nordic Walking Poles have always been welcome. There are no specific rules. Participants are welcome to Nordic Walk or Nordic Run with their poles.

As Nordic Walking continues to catch on here in the USA I hope that more events will encourage Nordic Walking and Nordic Running.

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.