Slimming System – European Pole Walking

Website design By BotEap.comI am not one of those who cling to fashions. I tend to favor tried and true methods, like walking, but I’m always interested in new exercise techniques that can improve results. I am even more interested in new approaches that can help people with physical problems to more easily enter mainstream fitness. So when my wife showed me a magazine article about what they called, pole walking, I did a little research. This is what I discovered.

Website design By BotEap.comThis is what is often called “Nordic walking”. It is, put as simply as possible, the technique of walking with what looks like a pair of ski poles. As with skiing, the walker reciprocates the poles while walking. Obviously, there is a “better” technique, but it’s a bit tricky to describe here. However, the basic method is to first grip each post firmly but without tension. Then, keeping your arms straight, swing your arms up to about waist height and holding the poles diagonally behind you, help propel yourself forward by alternating the right and left poles as you walk.

Website design By BotEap.comDeveloping as an activity in its own right, Nordic walking was originally a means by which Finnish skiers could maintain fitness and ability in the off-season. Just as they skied on the snow, they walked on the ground, helping each other propel themselves with sticks. Obviously, the ones used in the sport are NOT ski poles. They are specially made and can cost anywhere from $40 to over $200 a pair. You can determine the optimal length of the post by multiplying its height in inches by 0.72. The poles are adjustable.

Website design By BotEap.comSo what are the results of pole walking correctly?

Website design By BotEap.comWell, among many research groups and facilities, the Cooper Institute in Dallas tested the pole walking technique. Here are some things they and others discovered about pole walking.

Website design By BotEap.com1. Using poles encourages the use of more muscles in the process of walking, allowing you to burn fat more effectively.

Website design By BotEap.com2. Walking sticks help relieve pressure on joints, feet, back, etc. Once charged with the process, people report feeling better walking with them than without.

Website design By BotEap.com3. Studies have shown that people who walk with poles tend to lose more weight more quickly than those who just walk. In fact, some studies indicate that barre walking can burn up to 50% more calories than just walking for exercise or weight loss.

Website design By BotEap.comNordic walking has been popular in Europe for some time and, in fact, there is an organization dedicated to this activity: the International Nordic Walking Association. You can find their website at inwa.nordicwalking.com/.

Website design By BotEap.comWill pole walking work for you? Well, YOU won’t know until you try it, but if it was good enough for Olympic level athletes, it’s good enough for me. I guess I’ll buy a couple of poles and give it a try.