Pole walking is replacing daily jogging today. Fresh air and exercise are a great combination. Many citizens interested in maintaining health and developing fortitude do not know the similarities and differences between the various walking poles produced.
It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the product on the market today before exercising and planning your training time. Many of them provide the ability to walk on an ice edge, rocky soil or other difficult-to-pass places.
How do ski poles differ from Scandinavian ones?
The main distinguishing features are:
- Tip. In specially designed products, it is not only present, but has a number of positive aspects. These are: the presence of thorns for walking on difficult surfaces; solid and high-quality material of execution. It is recommended to insert it for skiing for more efficient walking.
- Height. Ski options vary greatly in length. It is recommended to select them carefully.
- Composition. In professional models, the case material is more rigid and durable, allowing you to take long walks.
Can Nordic walking poles be replaced with ski poles?
For Nordic walking, a special product of Finnish or German production is excellent. Many people think and face a choice. Experts also advise to use race walking with ski poles.
It is recommended to bring them into the appropriate shape by means of a tip attachment. Also, the length should be selected based on individual characteristics.
They will not be able to completely replace professional sports equipment for walking. However, most of the positive factors will take place, and the result will not be long in coming.
The growth of a person in this case will directly affect the final result. If we take, for example, a person 1 meter 67 centimeters and multiply this indicator by 0.68, and then round it off, then the result is the optimal length of ski poles - 1 meter 13 centimeters.
It is the figure obtained that should be taken into account. In the presence of diseases of the spine or limbs, use a shorter length.
Scandinavian ski pole walking results
Experts consider Nordic walking as an alternative to daily jogging at any pace. Walking slowly for long distances can help you cope with a variety of ailments and improve your overall health. It can be practiced by adults and children at any age, having any weight and individual characteristics.
After several trips, a positive result is noticed in the form of:
- weight loss (calories go away quickly, and with regular exercise they do not return);
- getting rid of negative thoughts, apathy and poor state of the body (mild ailments in the form of nausea, dizziness, eye pressure, aching joints and bone tissues);
- the appearance of skin elasticity, hardening of the muscles of the body and limbs (power, strength and a surge of energy are felt);
- an increase in lung volume and respiratory reserve (important criteria for any athlete);
- increasing the tone of the heart muscle and the circulatory system (after several workouts, the pulse normalizes and quickens, the blood pump evenly pumps blood).
These positive moments come after the application of a special method of sports walking. It consists in:
- it is recommended to walk 400-500 meters at an even and slow pace, while carrying the sticks with lowered and relaxed hands;
- the next 500 meters, you should make movements with your hands up and down, while sorting out each step with sticks;
- the rest of the distance is recommended to go with an even posture, going over steps and firmly resting the sticks against the surface under your feet.
Harm to health with ski poles
- muscle strain, swelling of the legs, nausea and dizziness as a result of improper activity and building a plan of physical activity;
- using the wrong walking technique or technique can lead to the appearance of pain in the joints, bones, spine;
- the use of unsuitable shoes or clothing can lead to the appearance of unpleasant sensations (itching, burning, tingling), corns and blisters, bones, improper bone formation;
- neglect of health and engaging in Scandinavian walking in the presence of prohibitive medical indications can lead to their exacerbation with a subsequent deterioration in well-being.
This list applies not only to the use of special walking poles, but also to the use of ski poles. The latter can also harm posture.
The benefits of Nordic walking
- maintenance of muscle and skin tone;
- normalization of blood circulation and strengthening of the respiratory system;
- strengthening blood vessels and heart muscle;
- development of the musculoskeletal system;
- restoration of correct posture;
- normalization of metabolism, restoration of the digestive process;
- getting rid of stress, negative emotions, dizziness;
- getting rid of excess fat, calories, cholesterol and sugar in the body;
- treatment of osteoporosis, diseases of the female organs (menopause, menstrual syndrome);
- restores hormonal levels.
The list of advantages applies to both Scandinavian poles and ski poles. Indeed, when training in the fresh air, every cell of the body is activated, regardless of the variations of the sports product.
Scandinavian walking poles are much more effective than ski poles. Their cost is low, and they are designed specifically for everyday intensive walking. If it is not possible to purchase them, then you should use simple ski skis, which are recommended to be selected by height.
