Nordic walking (giveaway post).

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I know.

Look at me right?

All professional & stuff with my walking sticks. Chest out.  Stride long. I should be on a video.

Yeah.

I didnt start out that way.

Please to enjoy my journey.

Walking.

It’s an easy way to get in a workout as all one needs is a pair of shoes & a place to amble.

Walking for as little as 30 minutes a day reduces the risk of heart disease.

Walking reduces the risk of breast and colon cancer.

Walking for 15 minutes, if researchers in the UK are indeed correct, lessens chocolate cravings.

The above facts in mind, it’s with a little embarrassment I admit I’m an avowed NON walker-for-exercise.  I walk when there’s a destination involved and rarely for the sheer sport of it.

It’s with more than a little embarrassment I confess there’s something I thought (note the past tense) wasn’t enough bang for my workout buck when it came to fitness walking.

(Ill let that sink in. HYPOCRITE MUCH MIZ? I know, I know…)

It always seemed as though I’d have to walk for far longer than I cared to exercise in order to reap any benefits.

Sure, intellectually I knew otherwise, but I never claimed to be an intellectual-exerciser.

And don’t get me started on the boredom.

Somewhere along the proverbial way I’d decided that walking as workout would be stick (oooh foreshadowing)-in-the-eye dull.

As a result, I was curious when a neighbor suddenly started hauling a pair of poles on her daily walks.

I’d been a fitness fanatic long enough to know they were Nordic walking poles– yet that was pretty much where my knowledge ended.

And, yeah, where my curiosity continued.

It turns out walking poles are far more popular in Europe and only beginning to make their way to the USA and Canada.

The poles allow you to work your  upper body while walking & this addition of the torso muscles lets one walk at a slower pace BUT receive a more challenging overall workout.

You can, in fact, burn anywhere from an additional 20 to 40% more calories per session.

20-40% increase? There’s that bang-for-the-exercise-buck I’d been searching for.

We all know I lament  my need to shake up my workouts (please to see my ass & cross-reference under on stationary bike for going on eight years) but I was still pretty damn skeptical the addition of sticks could *really* spark excitement about walking sans destination.

(seriously, am I alone in this thinking, People? *please* to hit me up in the comments.)

I immediately begged to review a set of was fortunate enough to be able to check out the Gaiam’s walking poles kit and will concede to being surprised by what I found.

I watched the accompanying DVD a few times prior to picking up a pole and it was fanFRIGGINtastic.

(feel free to giggle. Ren Man cracked the hell up at how excited I became about the clear & concise nature of the DVD. Welcome to LOSERVILLE.  Population? MizFit.)

The DVD explained precisely how to use/assemble the poles in a fashion I could understand (which is a huge feat given my mechanical inclination):

031

(initial brow furrow…)

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and success!

And provided sample workouts for after I mastered the basics.

My first pole-excursion felt awkward and silly.  I couldn’t shake the feeling I belonged more on the Alps than in my neighborhood.

Then I hit my stride.

It took me about ten minutes, but I finally found my groove and it clicked how I could utilize the sticks to exercise my upper body and take some of the ‘work’ away from my legs.

And, once I mastered the pole movement, I found the poles caused me to walk more erect/with my shoulders relaxed something I need to focus upon given all my time in front of the computer.

I was pole-swinging, my upper body muscles were working and I was happily walking without a destination.

My walk felt more challenging heart-rate wise, more interesting given the need to focus on the pole-swingage, and practically meditative once I discovered my rhythm.

I was smitten.

Whom would I recommend join me in my new walking pole adventure? Everyone.

The great thing about the walking sticks is you can adjust them to your needs, they allow walkers of different paces to exercise together, and they are perfect for travel workouts.

Sure they take a few tries to get used to, but once you do you’ll be glad you made the effort.  Im MizFit enough to admit I entirely am.

Oh and you can do this (which the DVD entirely failed to even mention):

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They’re perfect for interpretive Tornado dance movements as well.

There you have it, Oh Bumbling Band.

My walking pole experience and a shot at having your own as well.

You can be entered to win your OWN GAIAM Walking Pole Kit for the lowlow price of a comment below.

On anything (if by anything you mean as long as it has to do with WALKING or POLES—-which I do).

Winner announced Friday. USA only.


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Comments

  1. My knee injury has finished just about finished healing and I’m finally going to be able to get back to my walking. I have always been intrigued by walking sticks like this and would love to entered. 🙂

  2. I’ve always been bothered by the lack-of-destination factor, too. I never seem to be able to keep up a walking routine for more than a week or so because of it. I think having the sticks would make it register more like jogging (exercise!) than like walking (transportation) in my head. Which is a good thing, since I like to jog but my knees don’t.

  3. I love Nordic walking!

    I have had poles for a few years now and need to get them out more in my neighborhood as I tend to use them mainly for travel.

  5. I love that you have started adding photographs to your posts (and the Tornado is always priceless).

    I have to call you on the hypocrite thing!! 🙂

    I walk for exercise and have lost 40 pounds so far.

    WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF WALKING 🙂

  6. My sister and I were just talking about trying these. It is nice to hear someone elses experience with them before bitting the bullet and buying my own. I am like you I prefer to get the most bang for my buck when it comes to exercise. Thanks for the info.

  7. I’ve been thinking about trying these for a while now, so appreciate your review and am happy to hear that you think they’re worth it. I’ve seen a woman in my neighborhood that walks with them almost every day.

  8. Saw these all over when I was in Germany last month. I admit to giggling watching others swish around, but would love to try them! 🙂

  9. Those are very cool. I will definitely have to check into getting them(as I never seem to win anything ;))My knee though heeling still is hindering me from a lot of exercise, this may help me do more.

    Thanks for sharing! 🙂 (And to whoever wins…I will be so insanely jealous!) 🙂

  10. those things sound right up my alley; plus i can beat people with them as i walk (if they make fun of me).

    sounds like the buck banging would happen with them. you get a couple of different workouts (upper body, lower, cardio?) and you can brain dump (if focused on the rhythm, you aren’t thinking)

    very nice.

  11. You are too funny with that face while you’re figuring out the stick assembly.

    I would LOVE to check these out although I can not promise I would do anything more than your daughter did 🙂

    I had a great weekend MizFit.

    I also ordered my I am my own superhero tee.

    Let’s make a wall of pictures!

  12. I love to walk. My idea of a great Sunday afternoon is walking to the Target that is 3 miles away and then hauling too many purchases back home (because we all know that you can’t go into Target and come out with ONLY the things from your list). Nordic walking poles might limit the things that I could carry in hands, but that’s what bigger backpacks are for, right?

  13. I have never heard of those. (And again, I’m glad I have a US mailing addres so I can enter things like this!)

    I used to think the same way about walking – boring and doesn’t burn enough calories. Then I got my dog and it’s fun walking him. Also, I tend to do a lot of walking to destinations ever since we got rid of our car. We save lots of money that way, and now I even walk places I used to take the bus to. We walk to the grocery store (and taxi back if there’s a lot of shopping); we walk to shop in town, we walk to the cinema. We walk to our Slimming World meetings. We pretty much walk everywhere now.

  14. I am still weirdly resistant to these things, but I hear they’re great! I think because I so hate using the arm handles on an elliptical I fear that employing my arms will interfere with my stride, not help it. But perhaps, like you, I would feel totally different if I gave it a serious try?

    Love the Tornado Interpretive Dancing!

  15. I did a post on rather or not walking is effective as a weight loss tool. (I said yes.) But how great that there is something to make it even better.

    I personally can’t imagine what in the world my neighbors would think if I used those, but they already think we are wacky with seven kids!!

  16. drums fingers on desk.

    seriously MorningPeople?

    no bawdy pole jokes yet? 🙂

    I love my poles.
    I love my mother.
    I shared my poles with my mother while she was visiting.
    My mother loves my poles.

    (loves? covets? who can say…)

    Off to take on my morning.

  17. I’m also a walking-for-a-reason walker, which is why you can leave me out of the drawing; I’m almost always carrying stuff. This morning when I walk to the Y, I’ll have a tote bag filled with gloves, jump rope, chart, drink and a 9-pound shot-put.

    When I walk to the store later this morning, I’ll be walking home with 20-40 pounds of groceries in tote bags on my shoulders.

    Of course, those would be great for whacking any would-be muggers…nah, that’s OK, I’ll just smack ’em with my shot-put.

  18. OMG, those make walking look like so much fun! I too am a destination-oriented walker and I’m highly resistant to walking when winter comes around. I know, I know, like Nike says. Just do it.

    And to think, up until now I’ve been walking without them. Shame on me!

  19. I know those would totally help me up the hill from my house! Looks/sounds like great fun.

    I’m like you…no destination? No go.

  20. Walking is the foundation of my exercise program, and unlike many others, I actually enjoy it. For me, it is the dual benefit of exercise and alone time (except when I am privileged enough to have my wife join me). I have never understood walking sticks before – I guess I thought they were for people who had trouble walking. :-/ Who knew they burned a ton of extra calories!?

  21. I can’t win so I’m just going to have to buy a pair!
    I, too, thought they were essentially CANES for older walkers.

    Thanks Miz.

  23. I have walking insecurities – that I’m not doing enough. But, I’ve upped my walking time to about one hour and I’m feeling the effects (in a good way). Also, I think I meditate when I walk, and I figure out my problems, so it’s very useful to me mentally. I’d look good with walking sticks here in Colorado, especially hiking!

  24. I am amazed, I walk for exercise and find it a little dull possibly its the area I am in and also know I would like a full workout all combined, so reading this is pretty exciting. I have seen people with the poles and been puzzled by them, now you have enlightened me and I know these would be ideal.
    An additional 20 to 40% more calories per session is proof enough.

  25. ok I have to add that, WHILE I AM NO WHERE NEAR BEING ABLE TO EXECUTE THIS YET, there are some pretty *cool* exercise ideas on the dvd where you use the poles for things like LUNGES (as a form of stabilization) and splits squats….

  26. (I know the pole to which you were referring. I’m not touching that one :))

    I think these might be good for work travel? I wonder if I could use them in the city for exercise?
    Would I hit people?

  27. I first heard of Nordic walking last week! What timing! I love to walk for exercise, because my definition of “destination” is “something to look at that was there yesterday and may have changed a tiny tiny bit” so I don’t need them for motivation, but as I *too* am recovering from a knee injury I’d love to transfer some of the effort to the arms. (I’m pretty sure I could use them for some Tornado InTerpretive Terpsichore, too.)

    Mary Anne in Kentucky

  28. you touched on everything i would fear about the walking poles! the feeling of wanting to be in the alps, the feeling silly, i’m not sure i could shake that! i would need someone in my neighborhood to break the nordic pole seal here first! or maybe not. if i win, i’ll post about my adventures.

    you’re right about the walking sans destination though, the only walking i do is when i’m dying from running and need a break just for survival.

  29. Hi MizFit! Please enter me into the giveaway – I’d love to win these for my sister who is working hard after her second knee replacement. She is walking over 2 miles now!! Go Sis! And she wants to ditch the cane. These would be great.

    Thanks so much.

  30. I wanted to add that they are not expensive either!

    That entire kit is 40.00

    No need to enter me 😉 I’m not patient and may just buy my own.

    Love the picture of the Tornado.

  31. Hey Miz! As usual your post strikes a chord with me! I am a walker (ok you know that) and I love my walking but with August heat I have not been getting too many LONG walks in and I am at the point where I have to walk for at least an hour and walking for an hour is a bit rough now that back to school will be hitting full stride this week.

    While I never imagined myself working a pole for exercise (and you can bet my husband will have jokes about this one) I am curiously intrigued with walking poles!

    Using a pole to get more bang for my buck (out of my exercise) should I give myself some sort of stage name??

    sorry – couldnt help myself there! 😉

  32. Walking has always seemed like a “boring” workout to me. But since find out I was pregnant, the hubby and I have added nightly walks to our fitness routines. I may not get as much “bang for my buck” but I’m moving and as bonus I get time to spend with the hubby and discuss our plans for the future.

  33. i was amazed the first time i tried poles hiking that i’m sure tjey’d also be good walking. i LOVE to walk everywhere, just for fun, and i’m sure my posture could be improved 😉

  36. My ipod always got me in the mood to walk. And, the doggie of course. Now that I have two doggies, and have had a couple of waste related mishaps which I will not explain here(dogs can be so incredibly disgusting), I have taken an apparent hiatus. I would love to have the sticks…give me an excuse to walk sans doggies!

  37. Puleeze enter me in the give-a-away!

    As an arthritis sufferer, I am always looking for a way to kick up the exercise a notch without further harming my fragile joints. The walking sticks look like an amazing option!

  38. Cool.

    They look similar to the poles we use when we move cattle. Since your contest is US only, I’ll have to go dig out a couple of those instead.

    (Sorry to disappoint regarding the pole jokes…. )

  39. Things are getting all dance-y in MizFitville, huh? First the Nia, now the toddler . . .

    I’m intrigued but don’t know if I could use them out in public. I’d feel so dorky! But, they could be great for my mom who wouldn’t feel dorky.

  40. Felice? Lottsa dancing? Yes.

    And given my current state of affairs (life, work, miz, mama&wifehood) I think I’ve hit upon my next workout idea:

    JUGGLING.

    For fitness.

    Coming soon to a MizBlog near you.

  41. I can see your hesitation. I think different things suit peeps in different ways. For example, YOGA? Some swear by it. For me, it’s a stretch session following a week of heavy cardio workouts. I guess I’d run before walking, but maybe these would make me feel more like I’m hitting the elliptical or something. Cool idea, esp that they would be great for travel.

  42. I giggled at your awe of the accompanying DVD – that’s exactly how I felt about the DVD that came with my FoodSaver vacuum sealer! Most informative DVD evah!!!

    The thing that sparked my interest in these walking poles? THIS: “I found the poles caused me to walk more erect/with my shoulders relaxed something I need to focus upon given all my time in front of the computer.” OH how I have been searching for something that will relax my shoulders since I am chained to the computer for 8+ hours every day!

    I love walking, but walking with poles? I think it would be FUN!!

  43. I use ski poles when I go for hikes, or sometimes a hiking stick. I also use ski poles when I go snowshoeing.
    I like the poles when hiking. Arm workouts, balance, and I can pull myself up hills as needed.

  44. I might just have to dig out the cross country ski poles. YAY for walking! Happy happy times.

    …although I don’t know how you can do the fast walking in Texas. The heat is wonderful but I think I’d stick with a slower pace 😉

  45. You are so honest in your reviews (Jyze ;)) that I have to think I’d like these, too.

    40.00 for the poles and the dvd?

    Are the poles sturdy?

  46. Fun…I like working in the walking…I particularly like taking in the sites and being out in the fresh air & sunshine. Can you use the poles on the Alps? That’s your next test 😉

  47. When I did an internship in NYC, I’d walk for half an hour while eating some fruit during the first part of my lunch break, then go back to the office to finish my lunch.

    Now? Not so much.

  50. This is when i confess I always thought nordic poles were for old people who needed help walking. You know, like fancy canes. (This probably because the only people at my Y who take the Nordic pole class – the only “pole class” for seniors! – are elderly. But perhaps I should grab a pair and give it a spin.

    PS> I love your skirt. You are so friggin’ cute:)

  51. Ok…I now need to get that workout skirt.

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE to walk! I find, however, that I walk better when there is a destination in mind. But usually, I just make up a destination and go. If I have my headphones and comfy sneakers, I can walk for miles and miles and miles.

    The great thing about walking is that sometimes I find new stores, new views, and meet new people.

  53. When I was still in high school (and you probably in diapers), I discovered Colin Fletcher’s The New Complete Walker. As I had always loved walking for any purpose, I embraced that book.

    I walked before “cardio exercise” was big. I walked through the “jogging” phase. Through Jane Fonda workout videos phase. Through running phase.

    Walking is my preferred form of cardio. Walking outside -whether the neighborhood sidewalks or a park-is how I roll.

    I own one hiking stick. It assists while walking up and down steep hills and still lets me keep a dog on a leash. Two might be wonderful, but I’d have to leave the dogs behind.

    Still something to break up the routine would be nice.

  54. I admit I stopped walking for exercise awhile ago because I wasn’t getting the same benefit as I used to. I now occassionally walk with Hunni but I’m more into running, cycling and the elliptical.

    I would love to try these and see if I can change things up a bit.

  55. Oh my gosh! I would fit right in with the Philadelphia crazies if I marched down the sidewalk with THESE!
    I tend to think of walking as a means of reaching a destination, since I do a lot of it in the city. But I have been known to substitute a walk for a run or any kind of uber sweaty workout, especially in the summer. I do a set of walking lunges each block and it makes me feel a little more hardcore.
    I also tried to read a book once while walking to make it go by quicker. A nice idea in theory, but I am far too accident prone to combine such skills.

    I get a lot of cat calls when I run here in the city, maybe if I had a weapon, er, poles, the yucky men would leave me alone?

  56. Walking is my favorite way to get out of the house w/o followers. But I think walking with things in hand is a challenge. Or chewing gum…

    Happy Monday?

  57. Walking was the only exercise I did for the first 3 years of my weight loss journey! I have always been intrigued by the poles, but with walking dogs, didn’t know how I would do it. However, I would love to give them a try, and think I could manage one dog and the poles!

  58. I’ve always wanted to try nordic walking, but just never have. I had the same unfounded bias against it, thinking that it can’t be any better a workout than running. But, if it’s convinced Mizfit otherwise, and if I get my hands on some poles, I’ll definitely give it a try!

    Also, I would just like to see the looks people would give me in our new town. Nothing like being the weirdo who moved in next door!

  59. 40.00 for the poles and the dvd?

    Are the poles sturdy?

    yes 40.00 for both and YES the poles are amazingly study.
    and collapsible.

  60. OMG! FINALLY! A fellow walker hahaha! I walk every single day. No, seriously. If there’s an opportunity, I will do it. I am sort of addicted. I don’t need a destination to do it, either; good music gets me going for hours and hours. I can easily manage 2/3 hours a day. That’s actually normal for me. Ahahaha my family and friends think I’m psychotic (why are you walking around listening to music? WHAT’S THE POINT?) but I swear to god it puts me in a better mood and makes me feel good about my body. It’s also a great warm-up to other exercise I do (kickboxing). I would love to win the poles =)

  61. So glad you covered this. I have been interested in walking with poles since we visited Europe a few years ago. We saw them around a lot. I also really enjoy the work of Mark Fenton and he’s done some research work with them as well.

    I was close to getting a pair of poles with a huge discount through a gym in my hometown, but our move abroad didn’t make for good timing with getting started. I’m planning on getting into it early next year though (when we are settled back in the US) and I can’t wait! I didn’t realize that Gaiam was making them! Those would help me out a lot in getting started. 🙂

  63. I would LOVE to rev up my weekly walking! I need to burn a bit more to continue my fitness gain and weight loss – been stalled for a while. Lost 80 pounds so far, but have about 100 to go, so PICK ME!!! PICK ME!!!! I even walk in the country so only the cattle and horses (and my walking partner and our dogs) can laugh at me!

  64. I live in Madison WI, and I actually see people using those quite a bit, although I thought it had something to do with staying in shape for cross country skiing.

    The only time I really walk for exercise is when I’m on vacation and need a day off from running. I’m not a “go to the gym on vacation” person.

    • I actually see people using those quite a bit, although I thought it had something to do with staying in shape for cross country skiing.

      Lots of people use the poles for that as well!

  65. This doesn’t sound like something you could do on a treadmill, which is where I do my exercise walking. ?

    And here is yet another injured Melissa prevented from doing her walking for awhile. My right gluteus medius got pulled when I was dancin’ up a storm. I keep forgetting I’m a senior citizen now and ought not to be boogying. (Is that the way you spell it?) 😛

  66. This post made me smile. And I’m glad it comes with an instructional DVD b/c I’m sure I wouldn’t even be able to assemble them without it. 🙂

  67. i *almost* bought some nordic poles a couple of months ago but was not sure if i would really benefit from them. thanks for the review, i know i can trust you 🙂

  69. I’ve been walking for exercise for 20+ years and one of the great things is I can keep doing it forever!

    My arms, though, had no idea they could be involved.

  70. Walking sticks, I like it! Walking has really been 80% of my exercise routine. It’s to the point that I really think I need to seriously challenge myself beyond walking. I do some jogging, but mostly walking, even after the first 200 pounds.
    These walking sticks intrigue me.

    Thank you for a wonderful post.
    Nice form on that stride!

    My best always
    Sean

  72. I would love to walk nordically. I’m constantly trying to shake up my workout. And to be able to add poles to my walking routine or to be able to take workout equipment like walking poles on vacation would be divine.

  73. I am so not a walker. My idea of hell is a treadmill set at 3.0 for 60 minutes. I want to go fastfastfast. I don’t mind walking as transportation, but the “let’s go for a walk” mentality? Not so much…

    I am a little better with my bike, but I’d rather use it to GO somewhere far (biking from north Austin for lunch at barton springs – sounds good to me) destination wise, even if that’s just the excuse for a ride.

    My mother would love these though… she is all about the walking and loves fitness gadgets. 🙂

  75. These would come in handy on my walks and hikes that I have started doing with the family. I saw a man with them yesterday and I was jealous. I would love to win!

  76. You know, it probably would help if I actually used the walking poles that I have. I’m usually pushing a stroller nowadays, but do find that I walk more erect and get a great work out from Nordic Walking. Downfall: I have to wake up early to walk with the sticks.

  77. I have seen these and thought the idea of walking with them was interesting. I thought they would be most useful in helping you walk faster. Shows what little I know!
    I could use them to mix things up in my workout routine. They will be handy to swat random animals, people? from my path.
    And please make a fitness video showing us how to juggle them!

  78. *jumps up and down* Pick me! Pick me! haha I’m so intrigued by those poles–would love to try them out. I’ve been looking for ways to jazz up a less-than-exciting walk, and this might just be the ticket!

  80. My husband lost his job nearly five months ago. He was an accountant with a daily commute of 3 hrs per day. He ate big lunches worked 4 – 10 hour days except for tax season. Then he worked 6 days a week, 10 hr days.

    They say there is a gift in each pile of crap buried somewhere! Well he decided he was going to begin walking. He takes the same 4 mile route daily and within 3 months he lost 15 lbs.

    Then for the last 2 months he started to take a bag with him and pick up garbage in the neighborhood. So I think this extended his trail at least by a mile. I don’t know if he’s prouder of himself for walking and losing weight or for making the neighborhood a nicer place to be.

    So for all those unemployed people out there if you want to get back in a routine start exercising. Find what you like to do and get to it.

    He’s know thinking of starting his own practice. Then he’ll never be let go by anyone again.

    I sure would like to surprise him with walking sticks. He is down one size and this is even looking to baggy.
    Yeah for the gift in the crap. This could actually save his life!

  83. I have to confess that there is a woman who uses those around town and hubby and I refer to her as “the crazy walking lady” — but that’s also because she is far too thin, has outrageously colored hair, and talks to herslef very loudly while she walks. I think if I got a pair of these my husband would mock me, but I could always beat him over the head with one, right?

  84. Oh, MizFit! Technical writers everywhere (or, at least in this cubicle) are cheered by your appreciation of and delight in a well-done instructional video!

    Poles intrigue me…oh, and so does your experience with the *walking* poles. I had no idea that those kind added so much to a walking workout.

    Speaking of juggling, my Mr. knows how to juggle! It’s one of those talents that amazes and delights people (or maybe it’s just me 🙂 ), and would be very fitting with your sense of whimsy, Miz. I’ve tried to learn myself, and the “trying to learn” part is certainly good exercise.

  86. I’m with you regarding lack of intensity with a walking workout. Have read about using walking poles, but they sure haven’t caught on in this neck of the woods. Maybe that will change if affordable walking poles are widely available.

  87. Pout! I asked around at sport shops recently and they had no clue what I was talking about… Nordic walking has evidently not reached Africa. Pity, I would love to do it!

  88. LOL Love the Tornado’s demo of what else they are good for. This is like fitness nirvana overhear and I have not seen the poles out yet. They do use them up on Mt. Bachelor in the winter, I think. 🙂

  89. Hi! Thanks for the comment you left on my blog. It’s nice to know that someone out there is reading!
    I wanted to say that I LOVED your I am my own superhero post. I would have been overwhelmed with emotion and probably started to BAWL if I heard my little girl say that (if and when I have children..)
    We ARE our own superheros and I dig that you have made it such an important part of your message to share with not just the blog world, but to your daughter and yourself.
    Have a great day!

  91. i think i’m too self-conscious to use those around the neighborhood when i trek to the library or whatnot. still, you say they take some of the stress off/work away from your legs? i wonder if my mom would enjoy walking more with her arthritic knees if she had poles to help out …

    • i wonder if my mom would enjoy walking more with her arthritic knees if she had poles to help out …

      YESYESYES!!

  92. Talk about co-inky-dink – I saw a woman at the park today with her walking sticks too. There must be something in the air. I would avoid using same as I like to draw as little attention to myself as possible. However, if cross country skis are involved then I’m in!
    (P.S. Just how much cuter could the Tornado be?!)

  93. Given that my walking is done with two dogs in tow, I’m not sure the poles would work for me. Of course, the puppy’s tendency to tangle himself in leash and everyone’s legs at once could be made even more hilariously dangerous by adding walking poles. (would really need to film that)

    I usually walk with the leash of 80 lab in one hand, and the super-pulling-not-quite-leash-trained 30+ lb puppy in the other. The puppy has the go! Go! GO! going for him, and the big dog won’t give up lead dog status, so there is constant resistance for my arms. I switch off halfway, so that I get a balanced “workout”

  96. Very much enjoyed this walking-with-poles post. I have heard of this, and I’ve actually seen a lady in my area doing it. I always think I would feel silly, yet at the same time kind of want to try it.

    It always makes me think of cross country skiiing which I used to love (the only winter sport I can say that about) but never do any more.

  97. Did you feel kind of conspicuous/silly? Not that I am opposed to such thing (love giving the neighbors something whisper about behind their hands) but seems like I might feel a little stupid. I’ve not seen anyone using these…interesting. I couldn’t use them currently as I use the pushing-80-lbs-of-stroller-and-toddler/infant workout leaving my hands woefully unpole ready.

  98. Should I be embarrassed that I own a pair? I have yet to hit the asphalt with them, but regularly hit the trails- I don’t feel like such a dork that way!

    Well, if you start doing it, a national craze will ensue, and then I’ll have the guts to hit the streets of my ‘hood! 😀

  99. I have been geeking out about walking poles for about a year– but have never pulled the trigger and bought them.

    Look at you pro-walker!

  100. Well at first I have to admit I did chuckle…only a little 🙂 I have seen these pole now twice in the last little while. I think it is a sign.
    It make sense if you think about it. I have the same thought on walking, it just does not make me feel like I did a “real” workout.
    Thanks for checking them out and FYI I am good to win these ones so long as I don’t have to wear the booty shorts while I walk…with pole things 😉

  102. I couldn’t believe this post when I read it! I had my knees scoped a year and a half ago. My right knee is soooo much better, but my left is still having a lot of pain. I jsut recently went back to my ortho doc and this is exactly what he suggested! We are going to Disney in October and he suggessted taking a set with me. I thought he was losing him mind. Maybe he actually knew what he was talking about!!! He siad they were all the rage with the college kids. You must be super cool!

    Thanks,
    Sue

  103. I’m with you on that walking doesn’t carry enough bang for the buck to be considered exercise. Just this morning I was having issues with my ankle on my morning run and had begun thinking that maybe I should switch to walking. But then thought, “no that wouldn’t give me a good work out, there has to be something else.”

  104. I’m…still not so convinced. Wouldn’t the exercise be similar to wearing 2 pound wrist weights? At least the wrist weights are a bit easier to conceal so you don’t feel as goofy walking around your neighborhood. Does this exercise work better when your route is flat? My walking route (my condo complex) has steep inclines.

    Thanks for all the good information! I wish you continued success on you blog!

  106. I have a pair of Lekis so I dont really need to win but maybe if I wrote this that means I will win since I never win anything.

    I love NW. I found out about it 1.5 yrs ago when I was in Boulder. It was tiring the first time I took them poles out for a walk. I try to do it at least once a week..

  107. Wish us Canadians could get in on it. Since I’ve had to ease back into walking after my knee, I think these poles could really help me boost my exercise walking.
    Think I’ll look into a pair…

  109. Love walking. Look like I am flying when add my arm movements. Maybe this will keep grounded a little.

  110. Wow, I’ve never even heard of these things before! I honestly could probably use these to ensure better posture as I walk, because, I admit, when I get tired, I tend to slouch over. What nifty stuff!

  111. Hey there!

    THRILLED that you liked the DVD and the poles! It is such a passion and I especially enjoy turning people onto how great they are…a “blast” in every way.

    If you are looking for more ways to exercise outdoors, check out my book – Tina Vindum’s Outdoor Fitness – Step Out of the Gym and into the Best Shape of Your Life!

    http://www.amazon.com/Tina-Vindums-Outdoor-Fitness-Shape/dp/0762751290

    It’s a solid program, from exercises to nutrition.

    In Health,

    Tina Vindum

  113. My upper body doesn’t always enjoy walking. I wonder if having something like this would improve how my back and shoulder blades feel during the walk.

  115. i’m def with you on regular walking being boring. i could really make a “statement” with these in my neighborhood. ha! i can just see the peekers through the curtains!

  116. I plan to completely ignore those United Kindgom folks who say that 15 mintues of walking will decrease chocolate cravings. If I stop wanting chocolate… please put a straight jacket on my and through me in a padded room. BUT the nordic walking seems really cool! Nordic reminds me of Eric Northman from True Blood. Can I think of him while I’m striding with my chest out and lowering my chances of colon and breast cancer?

  117. My former trainer wanted me to try these, but they were always “on back order” while I still trained with her. They’d be cool to have. Now that I can start looking for “normal” again, I have to find my fitness/health groove.

  118. I’ve always wanted to try walking poles, my Mom has some and loves them. I’ve walked to work every day for the last 20 years and my walking commute includes 4 flights of stairs. I swear that, regardless of my fluctuating weight, it’s one of the main reasons I have good blood pressure and cholesterol.

  119. I’ve been reading for a long time (LOOOVE YOU!!! ) but never commented before… but Oh, I want these!!!!!

  121. I was like you the firs time I was given those things. I felt ridiculous and very awkward, but minutes later I was happily nordic walking away and didn’t want to do any other type of exercise cause I felt so good and I enjoyed it so much. I have since had surgery and was really spun off track but now I want to get back into it and can’t wait to get a set of poles for myself again.
    Thanks for reminding me how wonderful that whole experience was.
    Cathy

  122. I am a hard-core fitness nut: lifting heavy, running, biking, jumping rope, BUT my daughter bought me poles while I was recovering from a marathon injury (pulled Achilles) and I absolutely LOVE them!!

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