Nordic Ski Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe - over 6 million Europeans are walking with poles. No snow and no skis required. Nordic Ski Walking is no longer just for serious skiers deprived of snow during the summer. A review of the all the wonderful health benefits of walking with poles sounded almost to good to be true. Walking with the perfect length poles and correct technique really does burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking. Perfect length poles and correct technique also radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. And then there is the fact that the poles improve balance and stability - even for folks that use canes and walkers. I also love hosting Nordic Ski Walking clinics for MS, Parkinson's and Diabetes support groups. The American Nordic System has three basic levels of Nordic Walking - allowing options for all ages and all fitness levels.

After personally hosting hundreds of Nordic Ski Walking clinics it is crystal clear to me that one-piece poles custom fit to each individual's height are safer, lighter and much more durable than twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. In almost every Nordic Walking class I teach there are a few individuals that accidentally purchased twist-lock poles from other companies and about 9 out of 10 complain that their adjustable length poles either broke, the twist-lock systems failed, they experienced annoying clicking noises, there was excess vibration and/or lack of durability.

We are all supposed to be walking for at least a half hour a day. Walking with poles can turbo charge your average walk and make walking more effective. Walking with poles is making walking a doable exercise again for those of us with weight issues, bad knees/new knee(s), bad hips/new hip(s), balance issues, Post Polio, MS, Parkinson's, Neuropathy and other challenges. Always be sure to consult your physician before launching any exercise program.

Walking with poles is the best!