Nordic walking - benefits, technique, rules, equipment, reviews. Selection and purchase of Nordic walking poles. How to choose the right poles for Nordic walking What is the difference between trekking poles and Scandinavian ones

How pleasant it is to feel refreshed and energetic in the cold. By training in a park or forest, you gain immunity, relax, enjoy nature at different times of the year and recharge your batteries. Any sport that promotes and trains various muscle groups contributes. in this sense, it cannot be overestimated.

Especially, this type of walking is useful for people with various diseases and as well. With the help of the main device, support sticks, you get good, physical exercise without being burdened with excessive pressure. In order not to experience awkwardness and interference during classes, you should approach the choice of sticks especially carefully.

Features of Nordic walking poles

To practice fully, sticks must match exactly in length. What about the length of Nordic walking poles? If you choose support poles that are not suitable for your height, the lesson will not be productive. Their length should be calculated by the formula where a person’s height is multiplied by the number 0.68. The number that is obtained by multiplication is the length of the poles required for training. Of course, you need to round it up, but without fanaticism, to five units. Here is a table for calculating the length of Scandinavian poles based on a person’s height. But you also need to consider the sole of your shoes. In this table, shoes are not taken into account.

Human height in centimeters	Length of Scandinavian poles in centimeters
142-149	100
149 — 156	105
156-163	110
163-170	115
170-177	120
177-184	125
184-191	130
191-203	135

Types of sticks

Which poles to choose for Nordic walking? Telescopic walking poles, have several advantages:

Easily adjustable to the desired height.
Equipped with a lock that can hold any load.
Easy to fold and transport, fit into a backpack or.

If you are leaving for another place and do not want to interrupt your studies, this type of pole will be indispensable. They are suitable for inexperienced “walkers” who have not learned walking techniques, and professionals will find them useful due to their easily foldable design.

Telescopic support poles two or three sections made, to adjust the length. But, recently, they appear with a large number of sections. Support poles with the least number of folds are considered more reliable and durable.

The fixed type of poles is suitable for experienced users, for training near home or the place where the training base is located and professionals work. Such monolithic devices have a fixed, unchanging length and are selected exactly according to the height of the athlete. They durable, simple and very reliable.

What material should you buy poles from?

Lightweight materials are a must for making Scandinavian poles. From aluminum alloys There are usually more economical and budget options. These walking poles are more suitable for beginners and people who are not chasing records, but exercise for health and pleasure.

And from carbon and fiberglass, expensive sticks are made that are suitable for professional use. They have carbon fiber rods, they spring well, are light in weight and last much longer.

When a heavy load falls on the rod, it is this that helps you walk and supports you; the more carbon there is in the alloy of the rod, the more reliable the stick will serve. Such compounds are available in poles for heavy loads; they can withstand many intense activities, so they are quite expensive.

Handles of poles are an important element

They also have a number of features. It is necessary that the handles fit in the hand, were quite thin.

Plastic:

Plastic handles are not able to absorb sweat, and during training, your hands sweat and become wet, so the handle will be wet and slippery.
So it can jump out of your hand.
Plastic is also inconvenient because it is unpleasant to the touch and cruel.

Cork:

Unlike plastic, such handles are comfortable, pleasant to the palm, they are natural, and therefore absorb sweat.
With prolonged and intensive use, such a handle wears out and peels off.

Rubber:

This is the most optimal of all materials for handles. Absorbs moisture, lasts a long time, does not slip in the hand.
This is the real choice of Prof. athletes.

Required handle element - lanyard, a special fastening in the form of a glove, but without fingers. It is a hand lock. On simpler poles, the lanyards are made in a loop, which is not convenient during training.

Tips for sticks

The set of poles must be equipped with tips for walking on asphalt and soft ground. These are metal spikes (sand, snow, soil, grass) and rubber tips (asphalt). The price of the kit depends on the components, which include handles, tips and lanyards. The higher quality this set is, the higher the price for the poles will be.

You shouldn’t rush straight to expensive poles, first, try to understand what the main thing is, understand many of the characteristics, and only then buy the most expensive and comfortable set.

In the sporting goods store, Sportmaster, there is a huge selection of Nordic walking poles for every taste, products from well-known manufacturers LEKI, Exel, Swix are widely represented. These European companies offer many options at different prices. All in your hands!

Video. How to choose Nordic walking poles

Nordic walking is a physical activity that requires additional equipment in the form of two special poles. With their help, a uniform load on the upper sections of the muscles is achieved and imitates the movements of skiing.

In this article, we looked at the differences between the main poles (ski, hiking and nordik walk), and also tried to collect characteristics that are similar and different from each other.

But tourist ones, or as they are also called, are designed to provide support during ascents and prevent slipping during descents.

Many people, not knowing the specifics of the equipment, ask “why do they walk with ski poles without skis”? Real Nordic walking involves the use of poles specially designed for it, so it is not true to say that they walk with ski poles!

Differences between poles for each sport...

They are selected strictly according to height; there is a special calculation formula: Coefficient 0.68 * Walker’s height in centimeters.

The material used to make the shaft is very important. Aluminum is considered unsuitable and has poor vibration damping properties.

For Norwegian walking, the design of the lanyard (glove) is especially important; it should not just be a loop, like trekking or ski poles, but a specially designed glove that wraps around the thumb and can be quickly removed. This lanyard allows you to fully open your hand during the return movement, which is very important for proper walking technique.

Thanks to a special lanyard, Finnish walking poles allow you to make regular movements smooth and measured. What cannot be done using any other types of sticks.

Differences between ski poles

First of all, it is the length. Due to the more intense speed of movement, ski poles will be 20-30 cm longer than Scandinavian ones.

If you take ski poles that are ideal for skating and start seriously practicing Nordik Walk with them, then at a minimum you will have an excessive load on your arms and neck, your walking technique will be disrupted, and after a couple of sessions you will lose the desire and vigor you get during training .

The question of whether ski poles can be used for Nordic walking should disappear once and for all - no, you can't use it!

Distinctive feature of trekking models

During a hike, a hiker walks on steep ground or hilly terrain, so the movement of hands and poles is different: hiking poles help to find balance during ascents and prevent slipping during descents. They are not required equipment for backpacking, but their use is highly recommended, especially on long climbs.

The main difference between Scandinavian poles and trekking and ski poles is the required length, the special design of the lanyard and the material used.

Trekking poles are necessary primarily to make it easier to climb uphill and downhill. Therefore, manufacturers do not devote as much time to the problems of choosing material and eliminating unwanted vibration as when creating Nordic walking poles.

It is worth mentioning the issue of length; it is not fundamental and can vary depending on the type of hike. If you are going uphill, then shorter poles will be more convenient, but for going downhill, on the contrary, longer poles will be more convenient. That's why Telescopic structures are popular in trekking:

Solid ones are more suitable for Nordic walking; they are considered the choice of professionals.

It is worth noting that for skiing and Nordic walking two poles are required, but for trekking one is enough. And most often they are sold one copy at a time.

Summary table of characteristics and requirements:

Result: Trekking, skiing and Nordic poles cannot be interchangeable and they are not alike! If you want to practice correctly and enjoy every sport or physical activity, buy the equipment that is designed specifically for it.

The selection of equipment is a key issue for those who have set themselves the goal of taking up Nordic walking in earnest. The productivity of training and the athlete’s health directly depend on the correct choice of sticks and how convenient it is to work with them.

Therefore, you need to approach the issue of their choice very seriously.

The productivity of training and the athlete’s health directly depend on the correct choice of sticks and how convenient it is to work with them.
How to choose the right poles for Nordic walking?
The first point that an athlete whose sport will be Nordic walking will have to figure out is how to choose poles according to height. Many people are mistaken in believing that for walking, poles should be chosen in the same way as for skiing - at the level of an arm extended to the side. In this case, everything is a little different.
The technique of movement on skis differs from the technique of movements of a walking person, therefore, poles for skiing will not be as long as poles for Nordic walking. How to choose the length is determined here, in addition to height, also by the person’s initial training.

Nordic walking poles - calculation
For those who are at the stage or simply prefer to exercise at a measured pace, the length of the poles is calculated using a simple formula: height (in cm) multiplied by 66 and divided by 100. If poles with the resulting length are not available, it is better to make a shorter choice : instead of 118 cm, for example, take 115, etc.
For athletes of average training level, the formula will look like this: height (in cm), multiplied by 68 and divided by 100. For a well-trained person who prefers to move at a fast pace, the length is determined by the calculation: height (in cm) multiplied by 70 and divide by 100.
Nordic walking poles - table
There are average tables corresponding to the length of poles and the height of the athlete. They are suitable for people with an average level of training.
Telescopic poles
In the presence of pathologies of the osteoarticular system, especially the ankle and knee joints, it is better to give preference to poles of shorter length. Today, many manufacturers produce poles that can be folded like a telescopic tube. They make it possible to change the length as the athlete’s physical fitness improves.
Weight of Nordic walking poles
Nordic walking poles - light and comfortable
The second point in choosing poles for practice is their weight. There is an opinion among non-specialists that the weight of the poles should be large enough for the load to be as effective as possible. But this is not true. Poles should be made of lightweight material (carbon fiber, composite materials, aluminum), and be as light as possible. The effectiveness of the load in this case depends not on the weight of the equipment, but on the technique of movement. Using poles that are too heavy can lead to overload of the shoulder girdle and inflammation of the shoulder joints.
The third thing worth paying attention to is the presence of removable tips in the kit for moving on snow, asphalt, and rough terrain. The tip of the stick itself should be made of durable (carbide) material and resemble a spike. By changing the tips, you will increase the functionality of your equipment and will be able to exercise regardless of the weather and in any terrain.

The fourth, rather important point is the selection of a strap that is attached to the stick (lanyard). It should fit tightly around your hand and allow you to move the stick without squeezing it in your hand. There should be no excess pressure on the wrist joint and blood vessels. A well-chosen lanyard does not rub your hand, does not cause discomfort and allows you to train for as long as you wish.

Poles by number of sections
And finally, one more, fifth point - the choice between two- and three-section sticks. It is believed that poles made of two sections are stronger and more durable than poles consisting of three fragments.
Review of pole manufacturers: their advantages and disadvantages
Today, equipment of this type is produced by many domestic and Western manufacturers. The most common brands found in sporting goods stores are:
Alloy– they produce both telescopic and solid poles, made of aluminum and carbon fiber (carbon);
MSR– produces several unique models of aluminum poles, equipped with a convenient length adjustment system;
Easton– its products are distinguished by the presence of tips and handles made of natural cork, as well as the ability to transform sticks into bipods for binoculars and guns;
Black Diamond– produces functional and easy-to-use poles that can compete with the best models of this type of equipment;
Cober– offers models for both summer and winter walking, as well as walks in mountainous areas;
Gabel– uses durable aluminum alloys for the production of poles, offers a wide selection of equipment according to height;
Fizan– one of the manufacturers of the highest quality, professional products; uses a special coating of poles, which increases their service life;
Komperdell– uses very durable material for the manufacture of the lower part of some models of poles, which guarantees their use for three years even in difficult terrain;
Masters– produces three product lines, each of which has its own characteristics;
Leki– when developing models, it takes into account not only the height of the athlete, but also the features of the terrain in which the equipment will be used.
Where to buy good Nordic walking poles? Approximate prices
You can choose equipment for training at any large sporting goods store.
The price range will range from 1000 – 6000 or more rubles, depending on the class of equipment, its manufacturer, functionality and strength. Good, durable models of poles for amateurs are presented in the range of 2500 - 4000 rubles.
Look at the video material about Nordic walking and the correct choice of poles:

Published: 03.11.2017 Category: Author's essay

Nordic walking (German term), nordic walking (Anglo-Saxon name), Finnish walking (an idiom adopted in Southern Europe) or Nordic walking (a name born in the Russian Federation and CIS countries) “burst” into the sphere of mass sports in the late 90s. s of the XX century. This was facilitated by its popularization. It was started by two Finnish athletes, and continued by Excel Oyj, the first manufacturer of alpenstocks. This accessory will be discussed in this article. How to choose poles for, taking into account physical parameters? What do these devices look like? What are the varieties? How does their price affect quality? How to extend the shelf life of such a product? The following story is the answer to the problem posed.

Choosing poles for Nordic walking

How to choose poles for Nordic walking? Entering a specialized supermarket of sports products, we get lost in hundreds of types, names, sizes! The fact is that there are different types of Nordic walking poles on the market:

wooden (phenomenally cheap, but at the same time, one-season);
aluminum;
made of carbon fiber;
made of carbon fiber and carbon fiber;
made of carbon fiber, carbon and composite materials;
multi-sectional (telescopic poles allow you to adjust them to your height);
with the smallest equipment (only the Nordic walking equipment itself);
with “average” equipment (poles, TI, winter rings, removable tips);
with a full set (multi-section devices, trekking shoes, winter rings, pobedite and rubber pole tips, TI - technical instructions).

Russian CX lovers, of course, are tormented by the question “What are Nordic walking poles made of?” As can be seen from the above list, 5 classes of such goods can be distinguished by physical categories. Wooden accessories are the heirs of ski poles. We know that in winter they can often break if they fall on a slippery place. Constant exposure to moisture (during rainy months) will cause such products to simply rot. Aluminum products get too hot in the heat and can collapse in severe frost; we have known the properties of this non-ferrous metal since school. Carbon fiber is more ideal: it is not affected by temperatures and does not rot, does not rust, and is quite light. However, the depreciation of this substance leaves much to be desired. On mountainous terrain during, for example, the 25th “Finnish hike” the stick will crack! The most optimal Nordic poles are those made using carbon, which adds both flexibility and strength to the product (it is more viscous). The most expensive models also contain composite materials - as a rule, thread-like artificial crystals, widely used in aircraft construction. This Nordic stick will serve not only you, but your children and even grandchildren. In fact, nothing threatens her. Unless it falls within the explosion radius of a bomb. The “devices” themselves are light!

How to choose Nordic walking poles based on height

After familiarizing ourselves (with the help of a technical data sheet) with the quality of the material, we now choose Nordic walking poles depending on height. After all, short alpenstocks will not allow tall people to walk correctly, and long ones will not allow shorter CX lovers to walk correctly. Yes, yes, we should not forget that our spine should remain straight when walking, only the arms and legs deviate at an angle of 40-45 degrees with each step. If you use inappropriate “gadgets,” the tracker will either arch your back or create unnecessary stress on your forearms and shoulders. Ideally, your elbows bend at a right angle.

Many people are curious about how to choose the right poles for Nordic walking, using such a useful invention as a height chart. For Nordic walking poles, this invention is akin to a size chart (as in the clothing trade). From the article about Nordic walking, you can already imagine that alpenstocks are tested for suitability in a simple way. You stand up straight and take them by the handles, pointing them straight as well. If your elbows bend at right angles, this model is definitely for you. So here it is. The growth chart was created with the help of such tests. She assigns each set of sticks a certain number (letter), relating to groups of people united by one or another height.

How to choose the size of Nordic walking poles using the data from such a table? Your altitude parameter is multiplied by 0.68. The result is the required length of poles for CX. That is, alpenstocks with the inscription “118-120” mean that the buyer’s height should be 174-175 centimeters and so on (carefully read the table data on the price tag of the product).

Have you chosen the size of your Nordic walking pole? You understand how to choose the length, but it remains to decide the issue with the most relevant configuration for you. After all, many people engage in agricultural activities at all times of the year, and even go hiking on mountain trails.

The best brands of Nordic walking poles

Buying poles for Nordic walking is not as easy as it seems at first. As you have seen, it has many nuances regarding quality, efficiency, and style. Many of these parameters are combined in today's popular brands. They are produced by the very enterprises that introduced the “gadget” described here into use - in the 90s of the last century. If you decide to save on it, you simply do not need the further part of the narrative of this chapter. All you have to do is buy Nordic walking poles, which you will find at the nearest Sportmaster or Trial-Sport, or maybe even at some bazaar.

However, people who have been involved in Finnish health practices for a long time and are familiar with all the troubles that can happen on the path to health will most likely be interested in learning about the inventions of the leading manufacturer of Nordic sticks.

As you understand, the products from Exel Oyj factories are recognized as the best among professionals.

Advantages of trekking poles from the Excel range:

the widest range of sizes (suitable for any person);
average cost in comparison with goods of “designer” brands;
the ability of some models to adapt to the height of their owner;
the presence of a large amount of reinforcing carbon in top specimens;
the weight of each stick is no more than 410 grams (less load on the arm muscles);
hard tips made of pobedit increase the service life of the product;
cork handles absorb moisture – that is, the user’s sweat;
the presence of rubber tips in models intended for asphalt;
better performance in terms of depreciation (addition of composite materials);
The package always includes rings for snow (pressing snowdrifts);
some sets always have rubberized shoes (protect joints);
the ability to order goods from any warehouse on the planet via the Internet.

Nordic walking poles. Price and quality

Have you noticed one law? When we give money for something very cheap, we always limit ourselves by purchasing a short-lived or not very comfortable thing. This applies to any item - from clothing to household appliances. Nordic walking poles are no exception. The price directly affects their shelf life, resistance to destructive environments, ergonomics and, of course, the number of functional options. Of course, this is worth talking about in more detail. Maybe it's better to save some money.

In the domestic sporting goods market, the price of Nordic walking poles varies quite widely. For 800 rubles we can purchase the simplest equipment, but made of aluminum. For 1,100 – 2,000 rubles, we already have access to mid-range products (not telescopic yet, but already made of carbon fiber and even with carbon fiber). For 3,000 - 3,500 rubles it is possible to pick up telescopic alpenstocks. And even with gloves sewn into the handle straps (this is super cool). An amount of 4,000 - 6,000 rubles will provide the buyer with the opportunity to enjoy the “armor-piercing” tips of the Leki Smart Traveler Carbon or the Excel telescopic equipment with a full set (even boots).

The cost of Nordic walking poles depends not only on their material and number of possibilities. It is also associated with an exclusive design. We are, of course, not talking about designer bells and whistles; they appear only as a result of custom work. This refers to the look that is currently trending. That is, the high price for such a product is as temporary a phenomenon as a certain trend in fashion. Therefore, you should not rush into such a purchase. Maybe it makes sense to wait one year.

Nordic walking poles. How to store and serve

It is not enough to take possession of a high-quality sports “gadget” - you also need to provide it with appropriate care (regularly follow the instructions that you received along with the packaging). Wooden sticks are kept away from fire, aluminum sticks are kept away from water, “gadgets” made from artificial materials also need care. The fact is that poles from Masters, Newfeel and Click System are more “sharpened” on style rather than durability. Many of them are more expensive than Excel ones, but require special storage conditions - they should be kept away from solvents and other active substances. And the material of such alpenstocks can be destroyed under the influence of frost - you should not simply store them in a barn or cellar, where sometimes the temperature is -35°C.

Where to buy Nordic walking poles

Nordic poles are sold in large hypermarkets (in a confusing display of recreational goods), sports departments of such retail chains as Sportmaster, Kant, Trial-Sport, Sport Life, Decathlon, Intersport, as well as in markets located in the area of ski resorts or famous health paths. If you don't live in a major city, your shopping options (for obvious reasons) are dramatically limited. You can find poles that suit your height, but from the wrong material or with the wrong configuration. Therefore, we recommend that you place an order online - through the chain stores of official Excel dealers. Each of them has a network resource.

After reading this article, you learned everything about how to choose Nordic walking poles, which manufacturer you should trust, and how to store the product so that it lasts as long as possible. Also, our dear reader now has an idea of what a height chart for Nordic walking poles is. In fact, nothing prevents him from making a valuable acquisition and using it on one of the nearest health paths (note that we have a whole series of review materials about them). Good luck on your path to health!

Many people who are interested or new to this sport cannot fully understand how they differ from skiing. So, after reading this material, you will understand which poles you should choose for Nordic walking and which ones not, whether you can just use poles from old skis, or whether you need to purchase professional equipment in a specialized store.

General purpose of poles in Nordic walking

One might wonder, are these poles really that important for Nordic walking? After all, she can easily do without them. Some skeptics generally refute the effectiveness of such walking, preferring it. However, all adherents of northern walks will definitely disagree with this.

In Nordic walking, all these problems pass by, since special poles can absorb more than 30% of harmful loads. Also, Nordic walking with ski poles also connects the upper muscles to work. This method also allows you to effectively, without danger to the body. Such walking even in the armpit area, although, as a rule, correction in this area is only possible thanks to liposuction. So using poles is great for weight loss.

Nordic walking poles also speed up the pace of your walk, which allows you to burn calories much more intensely than if you were walking faster.

Also, exercises with sticks help to quickly remove toxins and lower the level of bad cholesterol. It also gives the body good health, increasing lung volume by almost 30%, oxygen begins to be absorbed much better, the breathing muscles become stronger, and red blood cells deliver oxygen to the tissues more efficiently.

Walking with Nordic poles also helps strengthen the heart, strengthens blood vessels and minimizes the risk of heart disease. In addition, it is worth noting that the muscle tissue of the body will also strengthen and the back will straighten. It is also impossible not to mention the prevention of various joint diseases, such as osteoporosis and arthrosis.

Those who have overcome their laziness and decided to do it note a significant improvement in coordination, problems with sleep, etc., will disappear.

So, all that remains is to find out whether ski poles are suitable for Nordic walking or whether you can only use special equipment.

What is the difference between Nordic poles and ski poles?

What is the difference between ski poles and Nordic poles? Let's look at the main differences:

Scandinavian poles are actually very similar to ski poles, but they are much shorter. For example, if you are 160 cm tall, ski poles will be suitable for Nordic walking if they have a height of 110 cm. Such sizes are not very popular even for jogging. But despite this, Nordic walking with ski poles is possible, because you can shorten them.
The difference between a Scandinavian pole and a ski pole is also evident in the fact that the first one has special graphite tip. Its service life is very long. You can also use ski poles for walking by first installing the tips used by roller skis on them. But the difference will still be felt, since Scandinavian poles have a rounded tip, which prevents them from getting stuck on uneven surfaces.
Also included in the set with sticks are rubber tips, which are used for “walking” on asphalt, which allows you not to create unnecessary noise when the tip touches the floor.

conclusions

Comparing the differences between special poles and ski poles, we can conclude that for Nordic walking you can use ski poles, pre-cut to the desired size, with tips inserted and some other changes. However, a logical question arises: why suffer so much if you can easily buy ready-made poles, and at an affordable price.