Kurt Doctor 2011 Portland Marathon Nordic Walking Master Division in 3rd Place

The added benefit that Kurt can attest to is doing the full marathon with the Poles as opposed to without almost doubled the positive physiological effects. This would of course depend on his individual effort during the event to increase calorie expenditure, heart rate training effect, VO2 consumption and more. This will come for everyone by adding the Balance Walking Poles (commonly known as Nordic Walking Poles) which is truly an amazing benefit. Kurt had completed the full marathon in 6:07:41 which is equivalent to a 14:02min/mile pace, wow, that is hoofing it down the road. The poles used properly can add significant speed to anyone’s walking distance.

If we apply either the full marathon as 26.2miles or the ½ marathon as 13.1miles the equivalent effects respectively using the Poles would increase the distance to over 40miles and 20miles. Note however, ones technique and ultimate pace to the finish line will surely give differing distances.

Great News for Runners

All those who love to run and might begin to consider using the Poles as part of their training or in a running event will discover the benefits are significant. You will be able to integrate the Poles at any starting point; whether it is for personal health, fitness or for sport. Here are just a few of those benefits:

• Activate 90% of the body’s muscles over regular walking

• Burns up to 46% more calories than regular walking

• Increases aerobic effect by up to 22% compared to regular walking

• Decreases load and strain on the lower body by up to 30%

• Tones and increases flexibility of upper arms, shoulders

• Improves lateral mobility of the back muscles and spine

• Strengthens core while developing stability

• Promotes an upright posture

• Will find it easier to workout together with differing coordination and fitness levels

Till next time… looking forward to more great reports on the Balance Walking Poles, Program and Testimonials as they come my way. Please send them to tkennedy@balancewalking.com

Terry D. Kennedy – Exec. Dir. Balance Walking

Great video from Toronto Canada which shows just how popular Nordic Walking in North America is becoming… Click link video.html?v=2163491747&p=5&s=dd#top+stories

Nordic Walking the Next Fitness Wave

Wow, every week now I am beginning to hear and see people excited as they take the once standard Walking exercise and add Poles. These Poles are being used for specific; rehabilitation therapies, wellness programming for disease processes such as diabetes, arthritis, neuromuscular challenges and of course cardiovascular-related diseases. All of these health challenges need an activity at some point like Nordic Walking because the ease at which one can coordinate this repetitive movement for significant health gains is remarkable!

This is the icing on the cake… Nordic Walking allows you to start at every level of Fitness, whether you might be looking to lose weight and or gain average to elite levels of conditioning. One of the most appealing factors is that by adding the Poles to Walking and practicing the easily learned technique, you find quickly that improved conditioning takes less time than most all other fitness products and programs. Nordic Walking is not better than other exercise, but I will guarantee that it simply has no limitations…

Nordic Walking Uphill

An amazing fact is 90% muscle activation will be achieved with relatively low physical exertion when compared to the 60-70% muscle activation of regular walking. In other words, you get “more for less.” Physical therapist, doctors, fitness coaches and likely your neighbors everywhere are all just now discovering this fantastically simple and effective fitness tool. No demographic of health, fitness, age, and coordination level is going to be left behind.

Please join us today, just jump into the next walking wave, by getting in touch with Terry Kennedy at tkennedy@balancewalking.com . He will advise you of the best starting point based on your needs; with proper fitted poles, instructional materials, and available coaches or walk leaders.