American Nordic Walking System to Celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 5, 2010

Glen Arbor, MI, April 30, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Free Nordic Walking Pole demos and free Nordic Walking Instruction will be provided by www.SkiWalking.com and the American Nordic Walking System in Glen Arbor, Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Saturday, June 5th during National Trails Day.

The American Hiking Society's signature trail awareness program, National Trails Day, inspires the public and trail enthusiasts nationwide to seek out their favorite trails on June 5th to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails. National Trails Day is also an ideal time to recognize and thank volunteers, land managing agencies, and outdoor-minded businesses for their support in developing and maintaining our trails. Additional info can be found at the American Hiking Society’s website: www.americanhiking.org.

Durable and user-friendly one-piece poles Nordic Walking Poles have replaced cheap/flimsy twist-locking and flip-locking 2-piece and 3-piece poles as the poles of choice when Nordic Walking, hiking and/or trekking in the city or out on the trails. Cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock collapsible poles tend to rattle, vibrate and/or collapse unexpectedly. While one-piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be safer, lighter, stronger and much more dependable.

At www.SkiWalking.com and the American Nordic Walking System the commitment is to provide safe and effective walking poles and instruction. The goal is not to flood the market with cheap/flimsy twist-lock and flip-lock poles. One-piece poles are ideal for every day use. Seniors and individuals with balance issues should opt for quality one-piece poles too and avoid cheap/flimsy collapsible poles.

Pete Edwards, the owner/founder of www.SkiWalking.com and the American Nordic Walking System, has been coaching runners and skiers for over 25 years. He knows that skiers depend on their one-piece poles and would never consider downgrading to 2-piece or 3-piece collapsible poles. Edwards and his staff hear from individuals daily that have had poor experiences with their 2-piece or 3-piece collapsible poles and want to upgrade to quality one-piece poles that are sized correctly to each individual’s height.

All of Edwards’ quality SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles are equipped with comfortable patented fingerless glove type straps – patented by the Salomon Ski Company. All poles also come with removable rubber tips/asphalt paws that are ideal for pavement and leave no trace hiking on rocks. Remove the rubber tips/asphalt paws and the durable carbide metal tips are exposed for use on grass, trails, the beach, snow and ice.

Free Nordic Walking DVD’s and printed instructions from the American Nordic Walking System are also included with all of the SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Poles. The American Nordic Walking System provides a variety of different levels of exertion and intensity to pick from – providing an effective option appropriate for any age and any fitness level. Level 1 is effective, but low impact and burns up to 20% more calories than regular walking. Level two includes a full arm extension and burns up to 30% more calories than regular walking. Level three involves full arm extensions and resistance into the Nordic Walking Straps – burning up to 40% more calories than regular walking.

Skiers deprived of snow have been ski walking and hill bounding with poles for decades. The EXEL Ski Pole Company introduced Nordic Walking in Finland back in the 1990’s. Edwards has introduced thousands of Americans to walking with real Nordic Walking Poles sized correctly to each individual’s height. He soon discovered that his quality one-piece poles were also a huge aid to those with balance, stability and gait issues. Currently Edwards offers free Nordic Walking Classes to multiple sclerosis (MS), parkinson's (PD), diabetes and cardiac rehabilitation support groups, plus Wounded Warrior Programs. His company has donated real Nordic Walking Poles to Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed, Fort Carson, Fort Lewis/Madigan/McChord and Vicenza, Italy.

On Saturday, June 5th, real Nordic Walking Poles will be provided to hikers for free test-driving and free Nordic Walking lessons/classes will be offered. Advance reservations requested. Please contact www.SkiWalking.com and the American Nordic Walking System for reservations and more info.

Walking with poles is the best.

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