Exercise question Part II - ThinnerTimes

Baron Patrick · 04-17-2006, 07:36 AM

Hey All;

Over the weekend, I saw a couple walking towards me in front of my home, using what looked like ski poles. I asked them what was with the poles,and they told me it's a new exercise called ski-walking. They do this every day now, and say's it's a great low-impact arobic exerciese.

Soooo.

I did my own walking - on the internet, and found a TON of information about this. Apparently it was "invented" in Finland, and is popular throughout Europe. They use modified ski poles with rubber tips. It's supposed to help you burn more calories than regular walking, along with other benefits.

It looks like I may have found what I've been looking for in this. I'm ording a set of poles and will give it a shot. My neighborhood is the perfect place to do this. Since it's gated, we don't have a lot of traffic, and it has gradual inclines since we are near the mountains.

Has anyone else done this? What are your experiences with it?

Thanks;

patrick

fallensparrow · 04-17-2006, 07:49 AM

I haven't heard of that, but sounds very interesting. I will look into that. Thanks for the information.

AThinnerSandyFor2006 · 04-17-2006, 07:59 AM

I've never heard of this either. I'll have to check it out.

sdgrrl · 04-17-2006, 08:00 AM

Hey Pat,
If I'm remembering what Minneapolis folks do during their x-country skiing practice, they use poles and then have some sort of skate shoe. I can't remember if they were in line or not. It's a fantastic workout--boatloads of cardio. If folks just use the 2 poles without any type of skate, then it's news to me.

The x-country skiing I did in Minnesota before I got injured was really fun, and was a great workout. There are lots of peeps in Mpls who have the summer training kit. It's pretty hard if you have SI joint problems or low back issues. My suggestion would be to go to Play it Again Sports and start with used equipment before you buy--years ago when I started I spent a whopping $75 for my skis, poles, and boots--everything I needed to x-country ski.

coptergirl · 04-17-2006, 08:25 AM

It is supposed to simulate cross country skiing and snow-shoeing which we very obviously cannot do here in good ole' sunny SoCal (thank God since I hate the cold - sorry to my east coast snow loving peeps!). When you walk and you swing your arms, the more elevated above your heart that your arms are, the more aerobic excercise is happening (their hands swing above their heart) - that is why speed walkers walk with their fists jutting out in front of them to the elevation on their chin or nose. So the poles also offer excellent aerobic excercise because as you grasp the poles and you walk, you naturally have to have your hands above your heart as you grip the pole.

Thanks for sharing this Pat - I may have to put my old ski poles to good use now that they aren't used in the snow

remaininlite · 04-17-2006, 08:50 AM

It sounds like a way to have a portable elliptical machine. It also sounds like a Thigh Master-esque fad.

LisaBoston · 04-17-2006, 09:42 AM

There are 2 ladies in my town (remember there are about 3000 people in total where I live) and they walk using them every morning. Initially they had them to help support them (like a walking stick) but they like the upper arm workout now (as you get older, or in our case thinner) the skin stays and the fat goes and they found that this helps them increase their heart rate and tone up their arms. The only thing they found difficult was to walk the dog on a leash when they use them.

I have seen people use them with in-line skates (rollerblades).....whoa....a little out of my comfort zone...at least now. I tried rollerblades on many years ago in the store and ended up on my butt in the isle!

LisaBoston · 04-17-2006, 09:44 AM

Whitney, I will send snow your way...........it snowed here this morning! Ugghh... I am ready to get out my shorts and then I wake up to snow!

I would trade snowshoeing for sunny CA!

cnvh · 04-17-2006, 10:26 AM

It may be a "fad" exercise, but I don't see how it could be a bad thing-- anything that gets your arms working more while you walk makes for a better workout. That's why you occasionally see people walking with little free weights; it adds to the upper body workout and cardio.

Hey, if you're not going to be embarrassed walking around with two poles, then I say GO FOR IT!! (And really, who the heck cares what anyone else thinks, anyway?!?!)

coptergirl · 04-17-2006, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LisaBoston

Whitney, I will send snow your way...........it snowed here this morning! Ugghh... I am ready to get out my shorts and then I wake up to snow!

I would trade snowshoeing for sunny CA!

Come on come on, girlfriend!! Our guest room has your name written all over it!!!