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.

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.

Cross Country Skiing on Saturday, Nov. 6th Followed By Nordic Walking Barefoot On The Sand Dunes Nov. 7th

The first official day of cross country skiing here in Michigan’s Leelanau County was on Saturday, November 6th. The best snow was of course on the local golf course – located high up in the hills and away from Lake Michigan.

It is hard to believe that 24 hours later we were Ski Walking (Nordic Walking) barefoot high up on the Sleeping Bear Dunes at Devils Hole. Barefoot and in tee shirts.

We use our favorite SWIX one-piece poles for both skiing and Nordic walking. Our SWIX classic poles are longer than our SWIX Nordic walking poles. Both are equipped with comfortable fingerless glove type straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company. Armpit length poles are ideal for classic cross country skiing. The ideal length for Nordic Walking Poles is when standing tall, strapped into the comfortable fingerless glove type straps and the poles are perpendicular to the ground your elbow should be at about 90 degrees and forearm parallel to the ground.

One-piece poles are ideal for both cross country skiing and Nordic walking. I’ve been coaching skiers for over 25 years and it is a simple fact of physics that one-piece poles that are sized correctly are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles that tend to rattle, vibrate, gradually collapse or collapse/fail altogether.

My oldest daughter is a professional wilderness guide and she reports that the number equipment failure in the wilderness is collapsible poles.

At http://www.skiwalking.com/ and the American Nordic Walking System we offer 16 different lengths of quality one-piece SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles. We offer all customers a Perfect Length Guarantee, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a LifeTime Breakage Guarantee.

Nordic Walking and Cross Country skiing are the best!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nordic Sports are the best!

Clowning Around With Nordic Walking Poles

Teaching Nordic Walking Classes around the USA has provided a wonderful opportunity for me to see more of this great country.

On my way out to upstate New York to teach more Nordic Walking classes earlier this month I was scheduled to host Nordic Walking Classes at the Senior Expo in Cadillac, Michigan.

I thought the “theme” for the Senior Expo was supposed to be a pirate theme, but when I arrived it turned out to be a “circus theme”. Luckily I didn’t dress for the occasion.

However, I did get a chance to introduce Nordic Walking to several clowns – including Dynamite The Clown, the most famous clown in all of Northern Michigan. Despite the enormous shoes, all of the clowns benefited from our quality one-piece poles that are sized correctly to each individual’s and each clown’s height. The clowns also noticed that walking with poles turbo charged their typical walking program.

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.

We all need weight bearing exercise, including clowns, and Nordic Walking could be just the ticket for millions of Americans looking to turbo charge their walking campaigns. Nordic Walking poles can also help those wanting to launch an effective Nordic Walking Program. Nordic Walking poles can also help those with balance, stability and gait issues - the poles radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back PLUS the poles prove to be a HUGE balance aid.

Nordic Walking’s winning combination of improved posture, a unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits - helping many individuals to walk comfortably again. Nordic Walking Poles are helping individuals with balance issues, knee issues or new knees, hip issues or new hips, back issues (including those with rods in their back), weight issues, multiple sclerosis (MS), parkinson's (PD), neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, lumbar stenosis, fibromyalgia, post polio, osteoporosis, stroke recovery, cancer recovery and other limitations to walking. Nordic Walking poles are helping thousands of Americans get off the couch, successfully get outside, start walking safely and effectively launch much needed walking campaigns.

When looking for REAL Nordic Walking Poles be sure to find correctly fitted one-piece Nordic Walking Poles. Don't get scammed by cheap flip-lock and twist-lock 2-piece and 3-piece collapsible poles from China. One-piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-lock and flip-lock poles that tend to rattle, vibrate, freeze up and/or collapse unexpectedly.

SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles are quality one-piece poles and are equipped with REAL Nordic Walking Straps - comfortable and patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

Walking with poles is the best!

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

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

In the men's race SWIX poles and wax dominate

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nordic Walking 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.