I recently got turned on to a new phenomenon called Nordic Walking, which utilizes “ski pole” type devices that help to engage the upper body muscles. I got the poles and popped in the DVD to learn how to adjust the height of the pole to fit my body. I snapped my hands into the straps and we were ready to go. Quite easy!
I went out for a walk with my husband and our dog (he had the dog of course) and we started up our uphill climb towards the top of our neighborhood. At first I had a little trouble getting the rhythm of it; normally you don’t have to pay too much attention to where your arms and legs are while walking, but with the poles you are forced to pay more attention. In a few minutes I got the rhythm and got into a groove and before I knew it my hubby and dog were FAR behind me. I turned to find them and realized how fast I had scaled up the hill and how good it felt! I was even more impressed on the way down, as the poles help to reduce the pressure on my knees and back. My arms got a little mini workout and because I had found a solid speed I felt I could go for much longer than usual.
I got home and did a little research on the benefits of Nordic Walking. With 86 million Americans citing walking as their favorite fitness exercise, the poles can help add 40% more calorie burn and 25% more oxygen consumption. I also felt that older exercisers could really benefit from the reduction of stress on the joints. Sure you may feel a little silly at first, but with my poles I really feel like I’m getting a good workout for my whole body.
CHANGING your workout is always a good plan this time of year, therefore maybe adding some “Nordic” to your walking is a good way to mix it up! CLICK HERE to order your set of poles.
Zeena Warrior Fitness began in August, 2006, on the late SqueezeOC.com. 
Zeena - Fantastic posting about Nordic Walking!
Walking with the correct length poles and proper technique is the best! Nordic Walking is ideal for ALL ages and ALL fitness levels - not just for athletes and pro skiers deprived of snow during the summer. Even folks with balance issues are finding huge success with the correct length Nordic Walking Poles - including folks with MS, Parkinson’s and Neuropathy. Folks with balance issues should NEVER use twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. One-piece poles custom fit to each individual’s height are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking poles.
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.
Please let me know if you have any questions about Nordic Ski Walking at any time.
Have a great day – Nordic Ski Walking is the best,
Pete - owner/founder/coach The American Nordic Walking System and http://WWW.SKIWALKING.COM Nordic Walking Poles