The Best Nordic Walking Poles For Nordic Running

Nordic Walking is a great cross-trainer for runners. So is Nordic Running - running with poles. The best poles for runners are also the best poles for used for Nordic Walking - durable and user-friendly one-piece poles that are sized correctly and equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps (not the cheap strapless poles or loop strap poles or velcro sling equipped poles). Real Nordic Walking Straps can be found on SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles.

Nordic Walking Poles are especially helpful for runners with shin-splints or runner's knee. The poles radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. I have been coaching runners and skiers for over 30 years and poles have played an important role in our training for track and cross country running - not just dry-land training for my skiers when deprived of snow. Poles are an excellent recovery tool for runners. Running or walking with poles provides a great workout, plus the wear and tear, stress and impact are minimized.

And of course only one-piece poles can handle the added stress of running with poles, ski walking and hill bounding. Cheap/flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles just can't handle it - they rattle, vibrate and automatically shorten themselves or fail altogether. Always look for quality one-piece poles that are sized correctly to your height. Don't get scammed by cheap/flimsy collapsible poles.

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

Quality one-piece Nordic Walking Poles in 16 different lengths 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!

Roller Skiing and Nordic Walking

I'm totally hooked on the Swenor Finstep Cap Classic Roller Skis. These super smooth roller skis even come with a slight Nordic camber. These roller skis are light years ahead of classis roller skis made of aluminum.

The Salomon  S-LAB SKIATHLON is my favorite roller ski and cross country ski boots. WOW. Best boots ever. Even with my weird feet they all skied great right out of the box.

My favorite Nordic Walking Poles are the original SWIX VIP's from Lillehammer, Norway and made exclusively for us here at WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. All of our SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with durable metal tips and removable rubber tips/paws that act as shock absorbers and silencers on pavement.

And when it comes to roller skiing my favorite poles are my SWIX CT1's - equipped with special SWIX "road" ferrules (metal tips) that hold a sharp point even when pounding down the pavement.

The similarities between roller skiing and Nordic Walking are many. The most important however is the simple fact that durable one-piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be lighter, stronger and much more dependable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles that tend to rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse or collapse unexpectedly. Skiers also use dependable one-piece poles while ski walking and hill bounding with poles - they would never considering heavy collapsible poles.

Skiers ski with one-piece poles because collapsible poles don't hold up and are a hassle. The same goes for hiking, trekking and Nordic Walking - one-piece poles will always prove to be superior to cheap/flimsy collapsible poles.

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.

Free Nordic Walking Classes Coming To Leelanau County's Senior Expo

NORDIC WALKING POLES = 4-WHEEL DRIVE

FREE Nordic walking classes and FREE Nordic walking pole demos will again be offered during the Annual Older American Expo in Suttons Bay, Michigan on Tuesday, June 15. The Expo will be held at the Suttons Bay High School from 10am – 2pm.

The Older Americans Expo will feature a variety of activities including Nordic walking, plus exhibits from businesses and organizations with products and services geared for seniors. Local agencies and Leelanau County Departments will also be on hand to answer your questions and provide health screenings. Local artisans and crafts people will also display their talents as well.

The free Nordic walking classes and pole demos will be provided by Glen Arbor's Pete Edwards – the owner, founder and coach of SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System. Edwards’ company is North America’s leading retailer and supplier of Nordic walking poles and the exclusive source for all sizes of one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic walking poles here in the USA. Edwards is also the exclusive supplier for SWIX and EXEL Nordic walking rubber tips/asphalt paws. Edwards ships his one-piece Nordic walking, sized specifically to each individual’s height, all over the world every day from his Glen Arbor, Michigan headquarters.

Pete Edwards has been coaching runners and skiers of all ages and fitness levels for over 25 years. Edwards is a former ski school director, running coach, personal trainer and the owner/founder of The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM Nordic Walking Poles, headquartered in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Edwards has coached State Champions (individuals + teams), All-Americans and National Champions. He has also introduced Nordic Walking to thousands of Americans through Nordic Walking clinics, radio interviews, newspaper interviews and TV interviews. His Nordic Walking Poles have been featured on ABC News and the New York Times. He has skied in 50K marathons and won 26.2 mile running marathons. His skiers have been hill bounding and ski walking with poles for years in the summer when deprived of snow. Hosting Nordic Walking clinics is extremely enjoyable for Edwards and he especially enjoys hosting Nordic Walking clinics for MS, Parkinson’s, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Diabetes support groups, plus Wounded Warrior Programs. Edwards also donates free Nordic Walking Poles to Wounded Warrior Programs at Walter Reed, Fort Carson, Fort Lewis/Madigan/McChord and Vicenza, Italy.

The Older American’s Expo is being hosted by the Leelanau County Commission on Aging. Their phone number is: 231-256-8121

For more information about SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles please go to http://www.skiwalking.com/ or call toll free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255.

Nordic Walking Success At Mercy Hospital's Cardiac Rehab Department

REAL Nordic Walking Poles Radically Improve Balance Stability And Gait

While hosting Nordic Walking Classes at Mercy Hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation Department and offering Nordic Walking Classes for the hospital staff during lunch I received the typical positive feedback from participants. The many benefits of walking with the perfect length poles and correct technique was recognized and appreciated by those in cardiac rehab, their spouses, the pt's, the doctors and other hospital staff members.

Mercy Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab Dept. has a nice selection of exercise equipment including real Nordic Walking Poles. The Cardiac Rehabilitation PT’s (physical therapists) utilize one-piece SWIX Nordic Walking Poles – safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy two-piece and three-piece twist-lock and flip-lock poles that tend to rattle, vibrate and/or collapse unexpectedly.

When I arrived at Cardiac Rehab I found one gentleman Nordic Walking the halls outside Cardiac Rehab. His technique was awesome and there was a real bounce in his step. When I caught up to Mr. Raymer I learned that he had just turned 71 the day before. I learned that he had also recovered from a heavy equipment accident and was lucky to even be able to walk. He told me that his Nordic Walking Poles keep him going spring, summer and fall. And come winter he cross country skis too. The benefits of Nordic Walking and cross country skiing are huge and they are very similar. They are both highly effective aerobically and both are gentle on the shins, knees, hips and back.

Skiers know that one piece poles are much lighter and much more durable than 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles. Skiers don’t use cheap/flimsy twist-lock or flip-lock poles for obvious reasons. During my Nordic Walking classes numerous participants told me about the problems they had with their collapsible walking and snowshoe poles. My dependable SWIX and EXEL one-piece Nordic Walking Poles proved to be far superior to their cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece poles. Plus all of my SWIX and EXEL poles are equipped with real Nordic Walking Straps – comfortable fingerless glove type straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

While Nordic Walking at Mercy Hospital we kept the rubber Nordic Walking tips/asphalt paws on. The rubber tips/asphalt paws are ideal on carpet, tile, indoor/outdoor tracks, pavement and of course asphalt. When the rubber tips are removed the metal tips are exposed and ideal for trails, grass, dirt, the beach, snow and ice.

Our SWIX and EXEL one-piece Nordic Walking Poles are being utilized at multiple cardiac rehabilitation locations across the country. PT’s and doctors recognize that our one-piece poles are user-friendly and won’t collapse unexpectedly like twist-lock and flip-lock poles can when they fail. SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System provides superior Nordic Walking Poles and has developed a variety of exertion and intensity levels, plus special instructions for individuals with balance issues. There is an ideal level of intensity and exertion appropriate for any age and any fitness level – from casual to maximum calorie burn.

Walking with poles is the best!

Nordic Walking Classes Return to NMC (Northwestern Michigan College)

On Wednesday, May 12, 2010, Nordic Walking Classes will return to Northwestern Michigan College’s Lifelong Learning Campus Day – a popular enrichment event designed especially for adults age 50 and over. Participants will select three sessions from over 30 unique options about the ever-changing world we live in—from our own challenges to local and regional issues, technology to area attractions and businesses, computer skills, wellness (including Nordic Ski Walking), travel, the arts, renewable energy, and more. Well-known community leaders and experts along with NMC faculty present insightful sessions.

The Nordic Ski 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.

Presenter Pete Edwards has introduced thousands of Americans to Nordic Walking. After hosting hundreds of Nordic Walking Clinics 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. He also hosts free Nordic Walking Classes for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's (PD), Diabetes and Cardiac Rehabilitation Support Groups, plus Wounded Warrior Programs. He also has donated hundreds of his special Nordic Walking Poles to Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed, Fort Carson, Fort Lewis/Madigan/McChord and Vicenza, Italy

Lifelong Learning Campus Day participants enrolled in the Nordic Walking Classes will have the opportunity to test drive real SWIX and EXEL 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. Edwards is committed to the simple fact that quality one-piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock or flip-lock collapsible poles.

Edwards has been coaching runners and skiers for over 25 years and knows for a fact that skiers use durable and dependable one-piece poles. Skiers do not use cheap/flimsy collapsible poles. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should especially avoid cheap/flimsy 2-piece twist-lock and flip-lock poles that can collapse unexpectedly, vibrate excessively, rattle and/or fail all together. Serious athletes and hikers can also depend on one-piece Nordic Walking Poles to out perform adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles.

For more information and to register for NMC’s Lifelong Learning Campus Day please contact the NMC Life Academy: 231-995-1700. Website: www.nmc.edu/ees/lifeacademy

The American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM are headquartered in Glen Arbor, Michigan and ships Swix and Exel Nordic Walking Poles worldwide every day.

Contact Information: Pete Edwards - Owner/Founder/Coach - American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

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

Swix Nordic Walking: http://www.swixnordicwalking.us/

Exel Nordic Walking: http://www.exelnordicwalking.com/

Nordic Walking Blog: http://nordicwalkingusa.blogspot.com/

Nordic Walking Blog USA: http://nordicwalkingusa.wordpress.com/

Nordic Walking Blog: http://nordicwalking.typepad.com/

Nordic Sports Blog: http://nordicsportsusa.blogspot.com/  

Email: getfit@SkiWalking.com

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.

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.