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new Nordic Walking DVD



 
 
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  #1  
Old April 17th 06, 09:21 PM
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Default new Nordic Walking DVD

- NEWS RELEASE -

NORDIC WALKING DVD RELEASED 01 MAY 2006
Instructional content for
Beginner to Intermediate levels, 90min,
Suggested Retail $29
www.xczone.tv
www.amazon.com

Starting with the trademark Natural Fitness Series, xczone.tv
integrates core fitness with the fresh air experience and a sustainable
healthy lifestyle. Nordic walking is a great place to start. The DVD
opens with an introductory lesson for beginners and progresses to
intermediate ski-walking training for skiers.

Xczone.tv, the leaders in Clean Oxygen Fed Sport and creators of the
Natural Fitness movement... have produced the World's first
professional instructional DVD for Nordic Walking and Nordic Ski
Walking.

Nordic walking is "one of the fastest growing outdoor fitness
activities on Earth."

What is Nordic Walking?

Nordic Walking, at the early stages, is simply walking using short ski
poles. The movement can be further refined by lengthening the stride
and using the arms to assist a more dynamic motion. Eventually, Nordic
Walking can imitate cross-country skiing to a remarkable degree.

What would compel someone to do such a thing?

Nordic Walking is one of the safest physical activities. There is an
exceptionally easy, low-effort entry into the exercise, and lots of
room for growth. This is why a seventy-year-old arthritic grand-mother
and Olympic Skier can both participate in Nordic walking together and
get something from the exercise. To see it, you wouldn't think that
something so simple can be so effective. But it is!

Are there other benefits that make it so attractive to the average
person and athlete alike?

Nordic Walking is a full-body cardio-muscular exercise that engages the
arms, back, stomach, and legs. This combination promotes circulation,
correct breathing, burns more calories than walking alone and develops
total body coordination. The activity itself is very low impact, more
than aerobics, dance or even walking. Nordic Walking teaches
lower-upper body coordination, posture, form, structure and good
biomechanics; in a dynamic way that is applicable to a healthy
lifestyle.

Nordic walking is a year-round activity. Don't be fooled, just
because anyone can do it, it does not mean that it has little exercise
value. The activity is the primary dry-land training method for elite
competitive skiers - it is a serious exercise.

What is the history of Nordic Walking?

Nordic Walking and Nordic Ski walking were developed and refined by
competitive cross-country skiers over hundreds of years. Every elite
skier would have reached a high-level of proficiency in Nordic Skiing
through years of training in the off-season. The teaching methods and
technique is very well established, and has evolved in the last 25
years to include skating techniques. Nordic walking has been, and
continues to be, taught by every cross-country ski coach and instructor
as an essential part of dry-land training. Nordic walking and Nordic
Ski walking technique standards have long been established under
National Skiing Sports Governing bodies such as: FIS/IOC, Cross-Country
Canada and the US Ski Association.

Very recently, the benefits of Nordic Skiing have been promoted to the
masses by ski-pole manufactures and new Nordic Walking Associations.

Why is it becoming so popular?

Over the years, Jogging, Aerobics, Spinning, Yoga, Pilates, and Ball
classes have motivated segments of the population to participate in
healthy activities, by offering something new and invigorating.
Similarly, Nordic Walking is a re-branding of cross-country ski
training; known for high level of cardio-muscular conditioning, with
all the benefits of skiing on snow, but without the learning curve. It
is simple, easy, inexpensive, healthy and safe. In this one activity,
you can combine many of the benefits of: jogging or aerobics (without
the impact), the core body conditioning of pilates and ball, while
using more muscles than you would for just spinning.

What are the benefits of Nordic Walking over plain old walking or
running?

Although, many of us run, bike, or hike during the summer months,
skiing can benefit from specific dry-land training exercises such as
Nordic Walking. It is possible to get a significantly better workout
than from walking alone, and the movement is far less injurious than
running because it is smooth and low-impact. Nordic walking is also a
bridge between walking and running. Approaching running directly can be
tough. Nordic walking allows you to lose weight, develop stamina, tone
the upper body, exercise your joints to the point where it is safe to
take up running. Unlike many fitness fads, Nordic Walking is practical.
It is directly applicable for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and trekking
or hiking.

Is it just for competitive Skiers or can everyone do it?

The interesting thing about Nordic walking is that, a more advanced
application of technique can be actually slower, than more rudimentary
movements. Therefore, beginners can easily keep the same pace as
experts.

Do I need specialized equipment for Nordic Walking?

Specialized poles are ideally suited for entry-level Nordic walking.
However, the truth is that any set of poles will do. In fact, normal
cheap ski poles are better for advanced techniques. Poles should reach
just above your waist for walking and to your underarms for ski
striding or bounding.

What are basic techniques for Nordic Walking?

Nordic walking starts, surprisingly, by walking with poles. Let them
sway by your side but don't use them initially. Get the feel for the
swing weight and coordination. The step in the progression will involve
lightly planting the poles with the tips at you feet, refraining from
applying power initially. The idea is for the legs to do all the work
until you can achieve some degree of coordination. When you are ready,
start to exaggerate, or lengthen, your stride while applying more force
onto the poles. Use more of your body weight, back, shoulders, stomach
and arms to drive propulsion through the poles. You can moderate the
right blend of leg and arm effort.

The next stage is ski-striding. The leg-stride lengthens and the effort
is shared more equally by the arms. The movement approaches the
biomechanics used in diagonal stride in snow-skiing. The key
distinction between Nordic walking and ski-striding is that in
striding; only one foot is touching the ground at a time. The arms
achieve a full reach and extension. Striding is also more vigorous. Ski
Bounding resembles up-hill diagonal stride and over-emphasizes the push
phases.

Ski-Skating can be simulated with Nordic walking, striding and
bounding. You can closely replicate the offset technique on steep
up-hills as well as diagonal-skate. Do ski-walking and striding
correctly, and you will be able to ski-skate any hill, come winter!

The coordinating of effective pole-planting for slalom can be practiced
on down-hills, as can the Telemark transition for steep descents.
Downhill work with poles, will help with tight turns (hop Christies)
and will create an excellent plyometric exercise.

Can I use Nordic Walking to train effectively for Cross- Country
Skiing?

"If you can Nordic walk, you can Nordic ski."

Nordic walking, ski striding and bounding deliver a high-dynamic-range
of exercise. It is absolutely possible to move from resting heart rates
to maximum V02 using Nordic Walking. Cross-country skiers are some of
the most conditioned athletes on Earth, and they use these dry-land
exercises religiously. If you can ski walk up a steep hill correctly,
then you can ski up the same hill.

Should I warm up first before Nordic Walking?

Yes. Although Nordic walking is very gentle on the body, it is a new
exercise for many people, and it is wise to stretch through a full
range of motion before starting out. The poles also create a number of
very effective stretches.

How do I learn Nordic Walking? Are there organized groups or lessons?

You can grab a pair of $10 poles and go walking. Chances are that you
will achieve some proficiency in Nordic walking - in time. We suggest
that you have someone, who knows what they are doing, help choose poles
for your needs, and have them show you the basics. There are a number
of instructors and ski shops that can help you on your way. Take a
lesson. For recreational Nordic walking, this would suffice. Now it is
up to you, to get outdoors.

If you are planning to use Nordic walking or ski striding in serious
training for Nordic Skiing, snowshoeing or trekking, then we suggest
that you hook-up with a cross-country ski club, an experienced ski
coach, instructor or professionally certified Nordic skier. XCZONE.TV
runs clinics and certifies Nordic Walking/Skiing Instructors.

What can I do if I am interested in learning more?

For advanced discussion on Nordic Walking visit www.xczone.tv.

Ads
  #2  
Old April 21st 06, 09:39 PM
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

wrote:
- NEWS RELEASE -

NORDIC WALKING DVD RELEASED 01 MAY 2006
Instructional content for
Beginner to Intermediate levels, 90min,
Suggested Retail $29
www.xczone.tv
www.amazon.com

Starting with the trademark Natural Fitness Series, xczone.tv
integrates core fitness with the fresh air experience and a sustainable
healthy lifestyle. Nordic walking is a great place to start. The DVD
opens with an introductory lesson for beginners and progresses to
intermediate ski-walking training for skiers.

Xczone.tv, the leaders in Clean Oxygen Fed Sport and creators of the
Natural Fitness movement... have produced the World's first
professional instructional DVD for Nordic Walking and Nordic Ski
Walking.

Nordic walking is "one of the fastest growing outdoor fitness
activities on Earth."

What is Nordic Walking?

Nordic Walking, at the early stages, is simply walking using short ski
poles. The movement can be further refined by lengthening the stride
and using the arms to assist a more dynamic motion. Eventually, Nordic
Walking can imitate cross-country skiing to a remarkable degree.

What would compel someone to do such a thing?

Nordic Walking is one of the safest physical activities. There is an
exceptionally easy, low-effort entry into the exercise, and lots of
room for growth. This is why a seventy-year-old arthritic grand-mother
and Olympic Skier can both participate in Nordic walking together and
get something from the exercise. To see it, you wouldn't think that
something so simple can be so effective. But it is!

Are there other benefits that make it so attractive to the average
person and athlete alike?

Nordic Walking is a full-body cardio-muscular exercise that engages the
arms, back, stomach, and legs. This combination promotes circulation,
correct breathing, burns more calories than walking alone and develops
total body coordination. The activity itself is very low impact, more
than aerobics, dance or even walking. Nordic Walking teaches
lower-upper body coordination, posture, form, structure and good
biomechanics; in a dynamic way that is applicable to a healthy
lifestyle.

Nordic walking is a year-round activity. Don't be fooled, just
because anyone can do it, it does not mean that it has little exercise
value. The activity is the primary dry-land training method for elite
competitive skiers - it is a serious exercise.

What is the history of Nordic Walking?

Nordic Walking and Nordic Ski walking were developed and refined by
competitive cross-country skiers over hundreds of years. Every elite
skier would have reached a high-level of proficiency in Nordic Skiing
through years of training in the off-season. The teaching methods and
technique is very well established, and has evolved in the last 25
years to include skating techniques. Nordic walking has been, and
continues to be, taught by every cross-country ski coach and instructor
as an essential part of dry-land training. Nordic walking and Nordic
Ski walking technique standards have long been established under
National Skiing Sports Governing bodies such as: FIS/IOC, Cross-Country
Canada and the US Ski Association.

Very recently, the benefits of Nordic Skiing have been promoted to the
masses by ski-pole manufactures and new Nordic Walking Associations.

Why is it becoming so popular?

Over the years, Jogging, Aerobics, Spinning, Yoga, Pilates, and Ball
classes have motivated segments of the population to participate in
healthy activities, by offering something new and invigorating.
Similarly, Nordic Walking is a re-branding of cross-country ski
training; known for high level of cardio-muscular conditioning, with
all the benefits of skiing on snow, but without the learning curve. It
is simple, easy, inexpensive, healthy and safe. In this one activity,
you can combine many of the benefits of: jogging or aerobics (without
the impact), the core body conditioning of pilates and ball, while
using more muscles than you would for just spinning.

What are the benefits of Nordic Walking over plain old walking or
running?

Although, many of us run, bike, or hike during the summer months,
skiing can benefit from specific dry-land training exercises such as
Nordic Walking. It is possible to get a significantly better workout
than from walking alone, and the movement is far less injurious than
running because it is smooth and low-impact. Nordic walking is also a
bridge between walking and running. Approaching running directly can be
tough. Nordic walking allows you to lose weight, develop stamina, tone
the upper body, exercise your joints to the point where it is safe to
take up running. Unlike many fitness fads, Nordic Walking is practical.
It is directly applicable for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and trekking
or hiking.

Is it just for competitive Skiers or can everyone do it?

The interesting thing about Nordic walking is that, a more advanced
application of technique can be actually slower, than more rudimentary
movements. Therefore, beginners can easily keep the same pace as
experts.

Do I need specialized equipment for Nordic Walking?

Specialized poles are ideally suited for entry-level Nordic walking.
However, the truth is that any set of poles will do. In fact, normal
cheap ski poles are better for advanced techniques. Poles should reach
just above your waist for walking and to your underarms for ski
striding or bounding.

What are basic techniques for Nordic Walking?

Nordic walking starts, surprisingly, by walking with poles. Let them
sway by your side but don't use them initially. Get the feel for the
swing weight and coordination. The step in the progression will involve
lightly planting the poles with the tips at you feet, refraining from
applying power initially. The idea is for the legs to do all the work
until you can achieve some degree of coordination. When you are ready,
start to exaggerate, or lengthen, your stride while applying more force
onto the poles. Use more of your body weight, back, shoulders, stomach
and arms to drive propulsion through the poles. You can moderate the
right blend of leg and arm effort.

The next stage is ski-striding. The leg-stride lengthens and the effort
is shared more equally by the arms. The movement approaches the
biomechanics used in diagonal stride in snow-skiing. The key
distinction between Nordic walking and ski-striding is that in
striding; only one foot is touching the ground at a time. The arms
achieve a full reach and extension. Striding is also more vigorous. Ski
Bounding resembles up-hill diagonal stride and over-emphasizes the push
phases.

Ski-Skating can be simulated with Nordic walking, striding and
bounding. You can closely replicate the offset technique on steep
up-hills as well as diagonal-skate. Do ski-walking and striding
correctly, and you will be able to ski-skate any hill, come winter!

The coordinating of effective pole-planting for slalom can be practiced
on down-hills, as can the Telemark transition for steep descents.
Downhill work with poles, will help with tight turns (hop Christies)
and will create an excellent plyometric exercise.

Can I use Nordic Walking to train effectively for Cross- Country
Skiing?

"If you can Nordic walk, you can Nordic ski."

Nordic walking, ski striding and bounding deliver a high-dynamic-range
of exercise. It is absolutely possible to move from resting heart rates
to maximum V02 using Nordic Walking. Cross-country skiers are some of
the most conditioned athletes on Earth, and they use these dry-land
exercises religiously. If you can ski walk up a steep hill correctly,
then you can ski up the same hill.

Should I warm up first before Nordic Walking?

Yes. Although Nordic walking is very gentle on the body, it is a new
exercise for many people, and it is wise to stretch through a full
range of motion before starting out. The poles also create a number of
very effective stretches.

How do I learn Nordic Walking? Are there organized groups or lessons?

You can grab a pair of $10 poles and go walking. Chances are that you
will achieve some proficiency in Nordic walking - in time. We suggest
that you have someone, who knows what they are doing, help choose poles
for your needs, and have them show you the basics. There are a number
of instructors and ski shops that can help you on your way. Take a
lesson. For recreational Nordic walking, this would suffice. Now it is
up to you, to get outdoors.

If you are planning to use Nordic walking or ski striding in serious
training for Nordic Skiing, snowshoeing or trekking, then we suggest
that you hook-up with a cross-country ski club, an experienced ski
coach, instructor or professionally certified Nordic skier. XCZONE.TV
runs clinics and certifies Nordic Walking/Skiing Instructors.

What can I do if I am interested in learning more?

For advanced discussion on Nordic Walking visit www.xczone.tv.


But who walks while watching a DVD???

;o)

Seriously, why the "short ski poles?" I power hike (for exercise) with
long bamboo poles from which the baskets have disintegrated. My
downhill poles are as long as my XC poles (I do lots of traversing).
Why "skiwalk" with short poles?

Dan
  #5  
Old April 24th 06, 08:10 PM
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My guess is that Nordic walking uses shorter poles than the usual
classic skiing pole to achieve an elbow angle between 90 and 120
degrees. A normal walking stance (at least my normal walking stance)
is closer to an upright body position in contrast to a normal classic
(track) skiing stance with a forward body lean. I find that a walking
pole feels more natural when set to alpine length with forearm
horizontal at pole plant. I find myself using a shorter arm swing
walking that skiing because I do not have "pole glide" while walking.

That said, you would be using a pole length similar to your classic
pole if you are doing ski bounding simulating your classic stride.
While classic ski bounding you are using a more agressive arm swing and
forward body position than Nordic walking and you would also be using
more follow through pole push while bounding.

Edgar

  #6  
Old April 25th 06, 06:58 AM
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I'd guess the short pole lenght compared to skiing also has
something to do with the, uhm, rather poor glide .

At any rate, the common rule-of-thumb for the pole lenght for
"Nordic walking" is 0.68x the person's height, which gives
a pole way shorter than any skiing pole. Besides, the proper
pole-walking technique, or so I am told, isn't trivial in the
sense that people given a set of poles would spontaneously
'get it'.

  #7  
Old April 25th 06, 08:15 AM
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Posts: n/a
Default

MB wrote:

At any rate, the common rule-of-thumb for the pole lenght for
"Nordic walking" is 0.68x the person's height, which gives
a pole way shorter than any skiing pole.


For nordic ski, yes. That would give me poles at 1.18 for nordic
walking, I use 1.35 for touring, 1.45 for classic track and 1.55 for
skate. Downhill and hiking (to take weight, rather than push me on) I
go for about 1.10.

Besides, the proper
pole-walking technique, or so I am told, isn't trivial in the
sense that people given a set of poles would spontaneously
'get it'.


Seems fair. The majority of hiking pole-users I see are just waving
their sticks ineffectually at the ground and claiming amazing benefits
from them. In fact, more than a few folk on nordic skis aren't doing
themselves that many favours with their poling... ;-/

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
  #8  
Old April 25th 06, 04:25 PM
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Posts: n/a
Default

The 0.68 * height that MB reports for Nordic walking seems about right
for me. At 1.80m, I found by experiment that a 120 cm (67% of height)
pole length on my Black Diamond treking poles is feels good for power
walking. My off-trail classic skiing poles are set to 145 cm (80% of
height), my track classic poles are 150 cm (83%), my skating poles are
cut to 162.5 cm (90%), down from skating with 165 cm poles (92%).

One of the advantages of using the adjustable BD treking poles (besides
being able to collapse the 3-section poles) is trying out the different
lengths. I started walking with the treking poles at my backcountry
length and adjusted down the the 2/3 height by feel. I can also
lengthen them back to 80% of height for up hill bounding.

Edgar

 




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