Nordic Walking Poles and the Cross Country Skiing Connection

Glen Arbor, MI, July 12, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Cross country skiing is often credited as being the most effective exercise at burning calories. Walking with Nordic Walking Poles is a wonderful way to achieve many of the benefits of cross country skiing. Both cross country skiing and Nordic Walking are gentle on the weight-bearing joints - gentle on the shins, knees, hips and back. Plus both utilize all of the major muscle groups.

No snow - no problem. Nordic Walking Poles are practical year round in any climate. Nordic Walking Poles can help to burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking. In Europe over 8 million people are walking with poles in the cities (with the removable rubber tips/paws on), in the country and up in the mountains. The rubber Nordic Walking Tips/Paws are ideal for pavement and other hard surfaces - even in the mall, on carpet, in parking garages and on indoor and outdoor tracks. With the removable rubber tips off, the metal tips are ideal for trails, grass, the beach, snow and ice.

Cross country skiers use durable one-piece poles that are sized correctly to each individual's height. One-piece poles are also proven to be more effective for Nordic Walking too. One-piece Nordic Walking Poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-lock and flip-lock adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Would a ski racer ever use collapsible poles in a ski race? Would recreational skiers use telescoping poles? The answer is no - both racers and recreational skiers use one-piece poles that are sized correctly because they are more durable and much more user friendly.

The best cross country ski poles are equipped with comfortable patented fingerless glove type straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company. The best Nordic Walking Poles are also equipped with these comfortable fingerless glove type straps - eliminating the need to grip the poles and allowing the pressure to be applied into the cradle of the straps. Nordic Walking Poles from the American Nordic Walking System and SkiWalking.com are one-piece, available in 14 different lengths and equipped with SWIX or EXEL fingerless glove-type straps - patented by the Salomon Ski Company.

When it comes to Nordic Running the one-piece Nordic Walking poles shine again. Twist-lock and flip-lock poles typically can not hold up to the added demands of Nordic Running - running with Nordic Walking Poles. One-piece poles equipped with the same comfortable patented straps are also ideal for roller skiing and inline skating (roller blading). Again, adjustable length/telescoping poles can not take the stress of roller blading and inline skating either.

At the American Nordic Walking System and SkiWalking.com there is a special commitment to the simple fact that one-piece poles are ideal for Nordic Walking. One-piece Nordic Walking poles are also ideal for All ages and All fitness levels. The American Nordic Walking System offers a variety of intensity and exertion levels. There is an ideal level of intensity and exertion for everyone.

Every day the staff at The American Nordic Walking System and SkiWalking.com hear from potential customers who have had trouble with their current poles' twist-lock and flip-lock systems. In every case they liked the concept of walking with poles so much that they did some homework and learned that they didn't have to settle for the cheap twist-lock or flip-lock systems flooding the market. Twist-locking and flip-lock adjustable length poles often rattle, vibrate and do not hold their settings - allowing the pole(s) to get shorter and/or collapse unexpectedly. One-piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be much more user friendly, lighter and hassle free.

The runners and skiers coached by Pete Edwards (running coach, ski coach, Nordic Walking instructor and owner/founder/coach of the American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM) often utilize Nordic Walking Poles during their warm-ups and for cross training. Adjustable length poles could NOT hold up to their ambitious wear and tear. The poles really do radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back - helping to eliminate shin and/or knee pain (shin splints/runners knee) – providing an effective, yet low-impact workout and/or warm-up.

Always be sure to consult your physician before starting any new exercise program. Like cross country skiing there are risks - including cracks in the sidewalk, tree roots, unexpected terrain changes and other potential obstacles.

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