How to choose poles for Nordic walking

Scandinavian walking as an independent way of training came to our country relatively recently. In its historical homeland – in Finland, this sport has enjoyed widespread popularity for almost a hundred years. They invented this system as a set of training exercises for Finnish military skiers, and it was intended so that the latter did not lose their dexterity and could train in the absence of snow. Scandinavian walking has an extremely positive effect on all muscle groups in the body, helps to strengthen the central nervous system, reduce blood pressure, and also tone all the muscles in the body and is an excellent way to lose weight. Of course, it has a beneficial effect only when the main attribute – sticks – is chosen correctly.

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1. The best Nordic walking pole manufacturers – which company to choose
2. The principle of operation and the device of Nordic walking poles
3. Types of Nordic walking sticks
4. The main criteria for choosing poles for Nordic walking
5. What poles for Nordic walking to choose
6. How much do Nordic walking sticks cost
7. Nordic Walking Pole Selection Video

The best Nordic walking pole manufacturers – which company to choose

The lion's share of Nordic walking poles is of Finnish origin, but there are also models made in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. By coincidence, domestic manufacturers have not yet mastered the production of these products, and therefore, when choosing, it is best to give preference to proven models:

1. Swix;

2. Karhu;

3. Exel;

4. Gabel;

5. Komperdell;

Before giving preference to the products of this or that manufacturer, you need to study the models presented in the catalogs, as well as familiarize yourself with customer reviews presented on the Internet. Both positive and negative feedback must be taken into account.

The principle of operation and the device of Nordic walking poles

Nordic walking sticks are a great tool to tone the muscles of the whole body. During the exercise, not only the lower body is involved, but also the upper – the press, arms, and the shoulder girdle. Scandinavian walking is based on the simultaneous forward and backward extension of opposite arms and legs, due to which almost the entire body is involved in the work. Nordic walking poles have three main elements:

1. Special handles with soft straps that fit comfortably in the hands and do not slip even during intense walking;

2. The shaft of the sticks is the key element of the entire structure. They should be as lightweight, rigid and comfortable as possible, first of all, in order to serve as a reliable fulcrum and provide decent shock absorption during intense loads

3. Lugs are a structural element in contact with a surface. They should not get stuck in the ground, and therefore, depending on the type of surface, it is necessary to use different attachments. The most advanced manufacturers in the design of their poles provide for the possibility of quick replacement of the tips right on the knee.

Types of Nordic walking sticks

Depending on the specific operating conditions, all Nordic walking poles can be divided into two conditional categories:

Fixed length sticks

The most popular models at the present time, allowing to provide maximum functionality in all conditions. In the assortment of leading manufacturers of such devices, almost every model of this class is available in several standard sizes, which means that everyone can choose a stick for their height. Their design is reliable and unpretentious in operation, and the cost is very democratic.

Advantages

• Simple and reliable design;

• Minimal risk of injury during exercise;

• The ability to operate in almost any conditions;

• Minimum weight;

disadvantages

• Standard, no dynamics, load;

• The inability to use specific sticks by a person whose height is higher or lower;

• Lack of height adjustment;

Telescopic poles

The materials, nature and main structural elements of telescopic poles for Nordic walking practically do not differ from those described above, and the main difference lies in the design features – due to the presence of special mechanisms, the athlete is able to change the length of the poles in a fairly tangible range of sizes.

Advantages

• Versatility and simplicity of design;

• Convenient in storage and transportation;

• Allow you to easily change the intensity of the load on the body;

• Reliable fixation mechanisms;

• The ability to adjust the height for any person;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Vibrations, backlash and rattling during intensive use;

• Telescopic connectors are theoretically a weak point prone to breakage;

The main criteria for choosing poles for Nordic walking

Choosing the length of the sticks

The main parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing poles for Nordic walking is their length. Contrary to popular belief, the principle “the more, the better does not work here”, and when choosing specific sticks, you must be guided by the following rules:

1. If you are a person of short stature, from 150 to 175 centimeters, sticks with a length of 115 to 120 centimeters should be preferred;

2. People with a height of 175-180 and up to 195-200 meters will need longer sticks, about 130-140 centimeters.

3. The basic rule here is this – during the exercise, the arm bent at the elbow should have an angle of 90 degrees. An improperly selected, longer or shorter, stick of such proportion cannot be provided.

Stick weight

It is impossible to single out specific figures here: each person is an individual, and therefore the weight and size characteristics of the sticks are selected taking into account his characteristics. Ideally, the athlete should have a feeling of lightness and weightlessness, as if there was nothing in his hands.

Shaft material

1. Fiberglass is found in the most budget models. This material is quite elastic and tough, but its weight does not allow us to speak about maximum characteristics. However, this disadvantage is more than offset by the price – such models, as a rule, are inexpensive;

2. Aluminum. Metal poles for Scandinavian walking cannot be called widespread, since the characteristics of aluminum are much worse than those of carbon and fiberglass, however, in some cases, aluminum poles are still in demand – for example, they are successfully used for training in the winter season;

3. CFRP. Natural carbon fiber is lightweight, tough and very durable. It is successfully used in the manufacture of various sports equipment. Carbon fiber sticks have practically no drawbacks, but their cost does not allow us to talk about availability and budget;

Material from which the handles are made

1. Rubber handles are a budget, but at the same time, a high-quality option that provides decent reliability in any situation. Rubber perfectly absorbs movements, provides a comfortable grip even with wet hands and is highly wear-resistant. Of the minuses, it should be noted that the rubber “dubs” in the cold;

2. Natural cork is the most advanced version of the top Nordic walking poles. Having mechanical properties similar to rubber, the cork is still different – it is much warmer and perfectly tolerates operation in subzero temperatures. The disadvantage is fragility and mediocre resistance to mechanical stress;

3. Plastic handles are the most affordable option. They are quite tough and slippery, rather mediocre in the cold season. These handles are used to equip budget-level Nordic walking sticks;

What poles for Nordic walking to choose

1. When choosing Nordic walking poles, do not forget to pay primary attention to their length. The higher your height, the longer the stick should be;

2. When choosing the material from which the shaft of the stick is made, give preference to models made of carbon fiber. They are distinguished by their minimum weight, excellent rigidity, strength and elasticity, and their weight is minimal;

3. Telescopic sticks should be purchased only in the most extreme cases. They are not very reliable, and cost savings can result in injuries during the exercise;

How much do Nordic walking sticks cost

1. The cheapest are fiberglass poles, devoid of replaceable tips. Their cost varies around 2 thousand rubles;

2. Budget carbon sticks, which can be considered for purchase, cost about 3-4 thousand rubles;

3. Professional models, equipped with replaceable tips, the shaft of which is made of carbon fiber, and the handles are made of natural cork, differ in a rather high price – about 6-8 thousand rubles;

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose a heart rate monitor and the secrets of choosing a fitness bracelet.

Nordic Walking Pole Selection Video

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.