Was I laughing at people who do something to increase their fitness and health?  No. I am laughing at people, who under the pretense of that, stand on a street corning to then slowly walk around the block to catch up on the latest (what sounds like malicious) gossip.
Did I write that sitting inside eating chips is better? Is that a genuine question, or simply meaning to put words in my mouth I did not say, with the result of making me look bad over something I did not say?  I think that what 5 months of keeping a blog about diet and exercise makes it obvious about what I think about eating chips vs working out. However, in this case of the housewives in my neighbourhood we are not talking about fitness vs chips. Since we are talking about gossip, or chips, then I’d say that eating chips is probably a better idea. At least it makes their life miserable, instead of cutting down someone elses.

Not that any of that is relevant anymore. That time has already been past and gone since somewhere in August, when it started raining. I wrote the above during good weather. Right now there are no more house wives outside, I suppose they only want to do their Nordic Walking when it’s sunny out. I guess their “fitness” spurt was very short lived.  I think this sort of proofs my point in making fun of the whole thing. If you want to be fit, be fit. It’s better to stay away from hypes, and just do what’s right and get fit. The combination of both should be purely coincidental. 

I am slightly worried about the “coolness” factor though. I’m not a housewife. lol

“My Ski Walking poles have been a terrific addition to my regular exercise program. I love the way they incorporate my upper body during a walk, thus giving me more strength-training and calorie burning for the time spent. I highly recommend them to everyone!”
Christiane Northrup, MD, author of Mother-Daughter Wisdom (Bantam, 2005), The Wisdom of Menopause (Bantam, 2001), and Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom (Bantam, 1998)

I have received 100’s of wonderful testomonies, endorsements, happy emails and thank you cards from all over the world because walking with the correct length poles really is the answer to making walking more effective and FUN.

Here’s an article about Nordic Walking that appeared in SKI POST “Your Source For Cross Country Skiing Knowledge:
What Is Ski Walking?
In the past there have been articles in SkiPost that relate to the use of ski poles during your dry land training. There are some SkiPost readers who enjoy cross-country skiing, but are not terribly race oriented. We’re always excited to share stories and new ideas with this group of people, and we hope this article will get your attention.

Peter Edwards (owner/founder/coach) says:

“I love the outdoors. Hiking, running and skiing with my family has always been #1 on my personal fun factor. When my kids were little they traveled in a back-pack during hikes, were pushed in the jogging stroller on long runs and pulled in the pulk-sled while we cross country skied. And now, thanks to the hottest fitness craze to ever hit Finland, my NEW #1 outdoor activity is SKI WALKING. Over 760,000 fitness conscience Finns are Ski Walking everyday. They are basically walking with special Ski Walking poles – no snow, no skis required and they are burning up to 40% more calories than regular walking.

“As a running and ski coach I have incorporated Ski Walking into my workout plans. We often warm-up with at least a one mile Ski Walk. Short jogs and sprints with Ski Walking poles have also been added to many workouts. For athletes with minor aches, pains and pulls, their entire workout may involve Ski Walking exclusively due to the impressive aerobic benefits and yet minimal impact on these athletes’ joints, shins and typical sore spots. Athletes with runners knee and/or killer shin splints can comfortably Ski Walk for hours – the poles absorb the shock, stress and pounding. Folks with knee, hip and/or back problems LOVE my Ski Walking poles.

“For over 20 years I’ve been coaching athletes that vary from recreational to All-State, All-American and even an occasional Jr. National champion. I have found that Ski Walking benefits ALL my athletes as they pursue new personal records and provides them with a FUN, low impact way to improve their aerobic capacity, regardless of their fitness level. Fans of SKIWALKING.COM fitness poles include individuals from 6 years old to great-grandparents. I have hosted 100’s of Ski Walking Clinics from California’s Lake Tahoe to the Green Mountains of Vermont this year and everyone has loved the way the poles automatically encourage us to walk taller with a super straight back, the way the arms are so actively engaged and how the pounding to the shins, knees, hips and back is radically reduced.”

This concept is a wonderful mix of what elite athletes have been using for years, and what outdoor enthusiasts are graciously welcoming into their recreational experiences.

SKIWALKING.COM is dedicated to encouraging Americans to initiate their own personal fitness programs by providing a proven, low-impact, high calorie burn fitness activity that will result in the adoption of healthier lifestyles and increased use of and appreciation for our bike paths, hiking trails, parks and recreational areas.

I’ve hosted 100’s of Nordic Walking classes the past 2 years and the success stories are HUGE. Originally Ski Walking was something us ski coaches had our top athletes do in the summer. Now over 6 million Europeans are walking with poles every day. I found out by accident that the poles are great for runners with shin splints and runner’s knee + almost anyone with shin, knee, hip or back problems + folks with balance issues including MS and Parkinson’s + effective for weight loss (when combined with a healthy diet)+ cardio rehab + physical therapy and the list goes on.

For More info check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_walking and http://WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

We get lots of crazy comments like “where is the snow”, but once you strap into a pair of real Nordic Walking Straps on real Nordic Walking poles you will be shocked at how the poles immediately improve posture and how much exercise your upper body gets – all the benefits of hand weights and none of the negatives (I have NEVER allowed my runners and skiers to use hand weights while walking or running).

Caution: There are a lot of poor quality poles flooding the market. Poles that don’t have real Nordic Walking straps and cheap adjustable poles. Adjustable poles are NOT safe for seniors or anyone with balance issues. Be sure to look for durable one-piece poles that come with a perfect size guarantee.

Have FUN Nordic Walking,

Pete – running, ski and nordic walking coach
getfit@skiwalking.com