Product Review: Swix Sport Nordic Ski Walking Poles

It's spread to Alaska. You see them everywhere. People walking around with walking sticks in each hand. What is going on? Well, a friend of mine recently introduced me to Nordic Walking, and I love it. Let me tell you about it!

Nordic walking has been around for years, but mainly in Europe. Now it is becoming wildly popular in the United States, and for good reason. When you walk with these ski style poles, you are using your upper body as well as your lower body, so it is much more of a workout than walking alone. You increase your body's circulation, help build upper body strength, increase your heart and lung capacity when done aerobically, you burn up to 40% more fat, have a 20% higher metabolic rate over simple walking, and you put 30% less stress on your knee joints. The poles also help support and balance you, especially if you are on rocky, slippery or any rough terrain.

There are many different kinds of ski walking poles, from the inexpensive $10 collapsable poles to the brands that charge $200. I was told not to get the type that break down into smaller sections. These are easy for storing and transporting, but they are not as safe. A friend has been using poles made by Swix Sport, which can be purchased online for $70.00. She let me borrow her poles, and it only took two walks and I was convinced.

When you place your order, you will give them your height in inches, and they will send you poles that are the proper height for you. I am 5' 2" tall and I use poles that are 110 cm. They have a nice non-slip grip around the handle, as well as a padded strap that your hand slips into easily. There are boot shaped rubber tips included, which are removeable, but I like to keep them on, it gives me more stability.