Initially, Girlawhirl found the poles challenging to use, because there was far more to it than just swinging her arms as she walked. Of utmost importance was pole placement and arm position, proper form of her step and attention to posture. After a while, everything started to fall into place and the poles helped tremendously with Girlawhirl's postural alignment. Girlawhirl's poles came with an Asphalt Paw, made from the same material as car tires, which absorbs the pole's impact on a hard surface, like a road. They're removable and there's a Spike Tip underneath for ice, dirt, grass or other less stable surfaces.

Nordic Walking was first introduced as a widespread fitness activity in Finland in 1997. Professional cross country skiers have been using poles during off-season training for years so it would stand to reason that walking poles would provide walkers of all ages and fitness levels significant health benefits. When compared to regular walking, Nordic Walking can:

     • Increase upper body strength

     • Release shoulder and neck tension

     • Improve postural alignment while walking

     • Add stability and safety on slippery surfaces

     • Increase safety of walking and prevent falling

Girlawhirl can't wait to give Nordic Running a shot! She found her Exel Nordic Walking poles at nordicwalker.com.

Tiffany Davidson is a personal trainer based in Weston, CT and the owner of Femme Fatale Fitness. Tiffany advises consulting a physician or health care professional before performing any of the exercises described on these pages or beginning any exercise program. The information herein is not intended to be diagnostic or prescriptive.

Have a question for Tiffany? Click here.