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

“Exercise is the Best Medicine.”

Yes, we all are hoping that researchers can find a cure to cancer. Many of us are at some point in our lives, touched by cancer – whether it is our family, friends or even ourselves. So while seeking a cure we are now finding more and more research evidence that says – “Exercise is the Best Medicine.”

We are gaining headline attention by using phrases like; “Magic Pill” or “Wonder Drug” to describe the positive effects of Exercise over Cancer. That worries me to the extent that, catchy marketing media phrases used to draw attention can also turn people away from exercise. Remember – the old “too good to be true” line. I am more comfortable with leading others to exercise with one of Jack’s “LaLanne-isms.” He once said, “Exercise is King, nutrition is Queen, put them together and you’ve got a kingdom.” Having said that, some things never change, and our human nature unfortunately only moves when we can get something for nothing, threatened, or are afraid of losing something.

For years, we’ve known that a healthy diet and regular physical exercise is key to preventing cancer. The latest research is finding that for those who have already suffered from cancer, physical exercise can dramatically help with cancer patients’ recovery and long-term health. Macmillan Cancer Support, a British cancer charity, stated in a report that just 150 minutes of moderate exercise such as walking or gardening per week could reduce a breast cancer patient’s risk of recurrence or dying by 40 percent, reduce a prostate cancer patient’s risk of dying by 30 percent, and also help counteract negative cancer side effects such as fatigue, depression, osteoporosis and heart disease for all cancer patients. Additionally, getting more physical exercise can reduce the risk of colon cancer by as much as 50 percent.

Many Health Professionals Unaware of Benefits

However, despite strong emerging evidence that being physically active could dramatically improve cancer patients’ recovery and long-term health, a Macmillan online survey of 400 health professionals who deal with cancer patients found that many are not aware of this and most are not talking to their patients about it. Over half of the primary care doctors, nurses, and oncologists surveyed do not speak to their cancer patients about the benefits of physical activity, or at best they speak to just a few of them.

Ciaran Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, says, “Cancer patients would be shocked if they knew just how much benefit physical activity could have on their recovery and long-term health, in some cases reducing their chances of having to go through the grueling ordeal of treatment all over again.”

Exercise Not Just an Add-on to Care

According to Jane Maher, chief medical officer of Macmillan Cancer Support, “The advice I would previously have given to one of my patients would have been to ‘take it easy.’ This has now changed significantly because of the recognition that, if physical exercise were a drug, it would be hitting the headlines. There really needs to be a cultural change so that health professionals see physical activity as an integral part of cancer after-care, not just an optional add-on.” The Macmillan Cancer Support has created and is providing online many great tools and references that can be used when you are ready to begin exercise. One is the Move More Pack is a complete guide to becoming more active.

Balance Walking is Exercise for Everyone

We are training Masters, Coaches and Walk Leaders to teach and mentor new Balance Walkers beginning in the US and around the world. One of our new initiatives is to provide all of the local Susan G Komen Affiliates an Exercise and Prevention activity, by using the Poles for all their events, active walkers and supporters. In fact, even those who can not participate in the Komen Events, will support SGK with each pair of Balance Walking Poles purchased be directing a portion to go to Curing Breast Cancer.

Contact Terry Kennedy at tkennedy@balancewalking.com to get started with your Balance Walking Poles and program. It’s easy to learn, it’s for everyone and of course it’s a great exercise. If you might consider regular walking, then you will be excited to know that the benefits are multiplied almost 2 times when you grab your poles and move for as little as 5minutes at time.

Get Healthy — Get Exercise

This is really a great time to serve those whom have served our country.  And we all know that behind all this service to our country are the families connected, usually at quite a distance, and for long periods of time.  In keeping with the “Let’s Move” initiatives today, we can join ACE, and Balance Walking and make a difference  NOW.

Those Coaches who are Joining Forces using their ACE credentials can be part of the comprehensive national initiative that provides ways for Americans to reconnect with and give back to our service members and their families.  The American Council on Exercise® (ACE®) is honored to support this important program by providing a way for fitness service providers to pledge 1 million fitness training service hours to actively deployed National Guard, Reservists and their immediate families.

Those of you whom are Certified ACE Coaches can easily click online and provide your service at no cost to these Service Men, Women and Families.  Many of you have already received the Balance Walking ACE CECs through our program and are encouraged to go online and make a commitment today.  As little as one hour.  I found this easy as you can see by clicking here.

So let’s take Balance Walking to these families with the  “Join Forces Community Challenge” and ACE® Today!!

When I came across this article that said in a study; that walking to the photocopier and fidgeting at your desk contributes more than you think to your cardiorespiratory fitness, I thought, GREAT (your kidding).  How far do we lower the bar to get people to believe they can do very little and be healthier.

I do agree 100%, that getting up and moving if you sit daily is paramount to better health.  The research link I attached says; that fidgeting, doing loops around the copier or foot tapping among other things is helping your fitness.  We should realize that sitting motionless for years at a time at your desk for hours a day is a fast track to the grave. Lets not kid ourselves in to doing very little at work physically and believe this will make you FIT.

I do believe that an office activity break that can be of consistent duration, along with a measurable intensity is the key to “improved Health” (and of course add balanced nutrients and quite time).  Yet to speak on “improved Fitness” is another thing all together; as we need a specific activity, for a specific duration, with a measurable intensity (and the best overall activity will include components ideally that emphasis CV, Strength and Flexibility) with short and long range goals.

One of the greatest benefits we have found in an office setting with Balance Walking is one can simply get up from their desk, place the rubber paws on the poles and go for a quick walk. Even if it is only quick 3  to 10min loops in hallways, parking garages/lots or sidewalks.  The advantage with Balance Walking here is that you are standing and moving using 90% of your muscle which delivers an accumulative effect up to twice that of regular walking. Not to mention the much needed de stress time. You hear this all the time from runners  ” a runners high” as you will also experience the increase in endorphins while walking with poles.

Let’s not forget, after your quick walk their are some great stretches for neck, back and legs. There are many more benefits that I have not covered here which can be found on the main website at www.balancewalking.com

Take a quick read of the this fidget study in Canada that explored IPA (incidental physical activities).

Fidgeting your way to fitness.

Related articles

• Small Workouts Add Up to Big Gains in Overall Fitness (workingwellresources.com)
• 10 Exercises to Do at Work That Don’t Make You Look Silly (wisebread.com)

At Balance Walking we will begin training Master Coaches around the country over the next several months. The reason being as I was told by several leaders in Pilates recently across the country that… Quote, “the pole walking/nordic walking activity adds the perfect compliment to Pilates strengthening core muscles and building structural stability in your major weight bearing joints. In fact, Pilate’s professionals can see the meditative qualities of walking briskly with poles to be much like the focus and calm of Pilates.” Those trained in Balance Walking agree as even an athlete experiences this focused calm in their sport, they can likewise take Balance Walking to any demand level — low or high level aerobic training.

Pilate’s professionals do agree that Balance Walking will take their clients to moving outside of the studio (Walking) while drawing on the cardiovascular system which is vital in any fitness program. The cardio component is not the emphasis in a pilates classroom setting, so this becomes the perfect fit. Not to mention getting some fresh air.

Terry Kennedy is looking forward to next week (July 20th) in Orlando, visiting with one of the top local Pilate’s professionals residing in the Tampa area. He will begin training Charlotte Addington Weikel with the Master Balance Walking curriculum. Charlotte will then have the foundation to begin training other Pilate’s professionals with the education program under the guidance of Terry’s near to 40 years in Fitness, Sport and Business.  Charlotte of course brings the program to her studio and walkers (known as the Walkettes) at the B-Fit Pilates center in Tampa.

Needless to say this is an awesome time to be part of the ground floor growth of Balance Walking – the Next Fitness Wave of this Millennium…

We welcome all instructors with Pilates training to reach to tkennedy@balancewalking.com to learn more. You may also qualify for ACE CECs. All participants will be provided product and support to develop their own programs.

Related articles

• Pilates aids hip op recovery (humankinetics.wordpress.com)
• Balanced Body’s PILATES ARC (movementsafootblog.com)
• Pilates Exercise of the Month – Bend & Stretch with Flex-Band (pilatesintegration.wordpress.com)
• Beginners Pilates! (plantoprosper.wordpress.com)
• Pilates & Flexibility (pilatesintegration.wordpress.com)
• Osteoporosis Workshop at Pilates Certification Manitoba (pilatesintegration.wordpress.com)

The biggest struggles with any corporate wellness program is getting employees involved, keeping them involved and creating behavioral changes that last after the program ends. In fact implementation and motivation begins with a CEO, Owner, Supervisor, or fellow employee who embarrasses anyone of these work-site health facts :

• Attract good workers in a competitive market
• Improve productivity (reducing absenteeism and lost work time due to illness and disability)
• Improve on the job performance and time utilization (reduce “presentee-ism”)
• Improve employee morale and foster organizational commitment
• Reduce conflict and build goodwill toward management
• Reduce employee turnover
• Reduce health care costs

Rational for Promoting a Wellness Program

Source: National Business Group on Health and Pricewaterhouse Coopers. 2006

Glo with My Healthy Strides

Corporate wellness becomes an exciting expedition with H-E-A-L-T-H TREK (Helping Employees Achieve Learning the Habits of Health), a 12 week wellness journey geared for small corporations and municipalities. Employees take a step by step journey on the path to living a longer, healthier life, supported by certified health coaches and personal trainers who act as trail guides for safe passage. Employees are equipped with all the gear they need for the trail, “campfire sessions” where they learn about the process of healthy nutrition, healthy movement, healthy sleep and de-stressing, along with individual guidance and support to help them achieve their health goals.

HEALTH TREK is a highly interactive and highly personal program that engages participants over a 12 week period that involves goal setting, personalized nutrition plans, exercise workshops/walking programs, and educational challenges that help make changes in thought patterns, behaviors, and physique to create better health.  The event culminates with a grand finale Walk/Nordic Walk/Run Celebration Event called THE MOUNT EVER-BEST 5K– because employees now have the knowledge and skills to live ever at their best!

Contact Glo at glo@myhealthystrides.com

Great news with the Balance Walking Poles and Susan G Komen Affiliates… With the addition of several great tools and ideas we can help you start your own local group in your workplace or neighborhood… In fact last week we started another Pink Pole Balance Walking group that started at the Silver Comet Trail in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday @ 9a.m… In the 3 days prior to the Meetup 12 people signed up to participate… This walk will occur each Saturday at 9am for those that rsvp… We start with instruction and warm-up at the Silver Comet Depot… If Saturday does not work we will create other groups that may desire other days and times…

These walks are open to everyone that can walk whom wants to get more out of walking…  Simply go to to Meetup – Join – RSVP and we will provide the loaner poles, instruction and motivation… If you have questions go ahead and send an email to Terry Kennedy at tkennedy@balancewalking.com …

Lastly, let’s not forget that we are beginning to receive requests from Susan G Komen for the Cure participants and local affiliates, asking to help them create new and grow existing groups… And yes this provides unlimited year round walkers… Wait till you see the cool poles…. And yes up to 10.00 will go to Susan G Komen for the Cure and your Local Affiliate…

The Balance Walking Education Program has just been approved by ACE as a Continuing Education Provider. You will be well pleased with the timing of the release with our new partnerships and compensation program when you register as a Master or Coach.

You will now receive 0.4 credits by registering at Ace Website click here. The Course is an online format for convenience. The course will equip and encourage you to implement your own individual, group and corporate program, using the tools to deliver the best knowledge and teaching technical expertise for a beginning to an advanced program. We will provide your demo starter package to include: Balance Walking Poles, video access, fanny pack, all the necessary curriculum study and business tools to help you promote and grow your business using our Online Marketing Directory.

Why do you want to move on this today? Because by mentioning this post, you will receive the Complete Balance Walking Education Program with a great discount.

We have been answering an influx of inquiries from those who want to learn how and where and have a desire to use their Walking Poles with other walkers. A few weeks back, over18,000 people turned out for Atlanta’s 20th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure!

We had a nice team who was pumped to use their Susan G. Komen Pink Poles.

Everyone met many passionate walkers and runners impacted by breast cancer. The touching talks – watch the event on video and come out next year!

And, of course, shoot me an email at tkennedy@balancewalking.com or a call to 770-916-5996 if you are ready to get started.

Yes, it’s going to be a Pink Mother’s Day Weekend in Atlanta. In this local Affiliate Event, we have Coaches and Walk Leaders (who have raised awareness and funds for Susan G Komen) participate with their teams using the new Pink Poles. In fact, we are supporting Susan G Komen with all the new Coaches and Walk Leaders that come on board worldwide all year long.

Every pair of Pink Poles purchased adds another $5.00 to the Cure. Balance Walking is a sponsored program at Foot Solutions committed to grow $100,000 with walkers by the end of 2011. And to help this along, we are putting in place a goal of 1000 Coaches and Walk Leaders. This, as well, is great for all of those who are looking to maintain ACE CECs by taking additional study.

The additional support the Balance Walking Education program brings is a Win Win Win…

*WIN – Coaches and Walk Leaders in communities around the world will bring additional support by training and leading others in Walking Groups for a cure for Breast Cancer.

*WIN – Coaches and Walk Leaders in communities around the world will bring the additional motivation in others to live healthy lives everyday with the cornerstone of Prevention.

*And with the Next Fitness Wave in this Millennium we will impact every generation for a lifetime, so let’s move. Remember a body in motion tends to stay in motion

Here is a local Fox News broadcast talking about the Komen Race for the Cure….

See more …

You will love the Pink Poles and make loads of new friends

Yes!
Where? Worldwide! When? Everyday! Why? Breast Cancer! Who? You and You and You!

Yes!
Let’s get your Pink Poles! We have alternate colors, too!

Yes!
They’re grabbing the Pink Poles in Atlanta, too Walking Talking doing what they love, to help be part of the Cure for Breast Cancer living a life grounded in Health & Prevention. Many of our walkers have been impacted by breast cancer and Balance Walking is a great way to help a survivor lead a more active life.

Yes!
They even personalized their group with the name – CHICKS WITH STICKS 3-Day team. Come be part of their team by contacting Glo Winters, glo@myhealthystrides.com .

Yes!
You want to start your own team, then contact Terry Kennedy, the Director Worldwide at tkennedy@balancewalking.com .

Glo Winters, Deanna Elzey, Betty Ewing

Here is their story

Our team captain, Betty Ewing, knows what it means to hear the words “breast cancer” and to experience it firsthand. From her courage in facing this vicious foe our team was formed to walk by her side, in her honor and in honor of many other strangers, acquaintances, friends, best friends, relatives and family members who have also had to fight this battle. We walk for those in the future who will face this enemy. This is our 2nd walk for the cure and we hope that our passion, efforts and commitment to raise money to join the 3 Day 60 Mile Walk again in October will provide not only the funds but the answers, research and the cure to defeat this terrible disease once and for all. Our prayer is that no more wives, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, friends or best friends will be lost or suffer from breast cancer ever again.

We walk with pink Balance Walking poles because not only do we desire a cure but we want to promote prevention. It is important for everyone to make a health focused lifestyle a priority. We believe in creating healthy habits – one of which is consistent exercise. Please help our team by purchasing a fundraiser card and if you are interested in Pink Pole Balance Walking you can help us even more. With each set of Pink Poles you purchase Foot Solutions will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® with a minimum donation of $100,000 by 2011. You want poles; please contact Glo Winters glo@myhealthystrides.com

Yes We will wait for you and will have loaner poles for you to try,
Betty Deanna – Glo