Press Release: Exel Nordic Walker Sales and Distribution: KH Trading Inc.
The Cooper institute located in Dallas, Texas, assessed the impact of NordicWalking, i.e walking with poles by comparing it to normal fitness walking. Study results showed that Nordic Walking increases both energy expenditure and oxygen consumption by 20% on average compared to regular walking at the same pace.
Nordic Walking, i.e. walking with poles was first used by cross-country skiers as a summer training method. It was then developed into a fitness exercise suitable for all with specific training equipment by the Finnish sports equipment manufacturer Exel Oyj, researchers in sports medicine, and other fitness professionals. Nordic Walking improves endurance fitness, strengthens the various muscles of the upper body and improves the mobility and blood circulation of the neck and shoulder area.
Nordic Walking burns more calories than regular walking
The Cooper Institute studied the effectiveness of Nordic Walking both in laboratory and field conditions in autumn 2000. Study results show that compared to regular fitness walking Nordic Walking significantly increased oxygen and energy consumption. Dr. Tim Church, Medical Laboratory Director or the Cooper Institute: "I oversaw the research examining the caloric expenditure and oxygen consumption associated with Nordic Walking. 11 males and 11 females participated in our study. The participants walked on an outside track first with normal walking. This was followed by Nordic Walking session. Participants carried a metabolic unit, which measures oxygen consumption and caloric expenditure. What we found is that on average there was a 20% increase in caloric expenditure and in oxygen consumption in a study group when using the poles. Additionally there was a 6% increase in heart rate when using the poles.
However the participants did not find walking with poles more strenuous. Individual variations in the results were remarkable. Some individuals increased as much as 46% in oxygen consumption and just about the same in caloric expenditure."
Nordic Walking helps neck and shoulders
Nordic Walking is an excellent exercise mode owing to its overall impact and high-energy consumption and is thus well suited for exercise aiming at weight loss. It has also many other health effects. The Finnish Helsinki Polytechnic's Faculty of Health Care studied the impact of regular participation in Nordic Walking in spring 1999. They studied women working mainly with PCs and their symptoms in the neck and shoulder area and the mobility of the cervical and pectoral spine. The study showed that the symptoms in the neck and shoulder are disappeared among more than half of the participants and that the mobility of the cervical and pectoral spine improved significantly. Among older persons the use of poles is a factor of safety as they may prevent falling at the time improving mobility.
Nordic Walking gains popularity very rapidly
According to a poll conducted by Gallup Finland Ltd. Published on 22 November 2000 the number of persons participating regularly in Nordic Walking has increased by some 200, 000 persons during the last year in Finland. As many as 480,000 Finns now walk regularly with the poles. Some 30% of Finns (1,200,000) tried Nordic Walking at least once during the last year. In addition to Finland Nordic Walking is coming increasingly popular in Sweden, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. At present Exel is launching Nordic Walking in Japan and the U.S.A.
Appropriate equipment required
Correct Nordic Walking technique and effective training are best achieved by equipment designed especially for Nordic Walking. The technical specifications of Exel Nordic Walker poles allow efficient and safe exercising. The shaft is made of composite material, which makes the poles exceptionally durable and light. The grip of the pole is ergonomically designed and the special strap supports the hand. The pole's lower part's quick release spike tip is forward-angled allowing the hard metal tip to hit the ground at the correct angle so ensuring a firm grip on harder and slippery surfaces. An asphalt paw has been designed especially for walking on asphalt, which effectively absorbs the impact of the pole.
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Press release reprinted with permission.
