Nordic walking sticks and ski difference. Ski Pole Walking: Dangerous or Beneficial? What not to do when buying sticks

Nordic walking is a physical activity that requires additional equipment in the form of two special sticks. With the help of them, a uniform load on the upper parts of the muscles is achieved and with imitations of the movements of walking on skis.

In this article, we examined the differences between the main poles (ski, tourist and nordik walk), and also tried to collect similar and distinctive characteristics from each other.

But tourist ones, or as they are also called, are designed to provide support during the ascents and prevent slipping during the descents.

Many people, not knowing the specifics of the equipment, ask - "why go with ski poles without skis"? Real Scandinavian walking involves the use of poles specially designed for it, so it's not true to say that they walk with ski poles!

Differences in poles for each sport ...

They are selected strictly according to height, there is a special calculation formula: Factor 0.68 * Height of the walker in centimeters.

The material for making the shaft is very important. Aluminum is considered unsuitable and weakly dampening vibration.

For Norwegian walking, the design of the lanyard (gloves) is especially important; it should not be just a loop, like in trekking or ski poles, but a glove of a special design that wraps around the thumb with the possibility of quick removal. Such a lanyard allows you to fully open the hand during a return movement, which is very important for correct walking technique.

Thanks to the special lanyard, the Finnish walking poles allow you to make regular movements smooth and measured. What cannot be done using any other types of sticks.

Differences between ski poles

First of all, this is the length. Due to the more intense travel speed, the ski poles will be 20-30 cm longer than the Scandinavian ones.

If you take ski poles that are ideal for you for skating and start to practice Nordik Walk seriously with them, then at least you will have excessive stress on your arms, neck, walking techniques will be disturbed, and after a couple of sessions, the desire and vigor you get during training will disappear. ...

The question of whether ski poles can be used for Nordic walking should disappear once and for all - no, you cannot use!

A distinctive feature of trekking models

During the hike, the tourist walks on land with a steep slope or hilly terrain, so the movement of hands and sticks is different: hiking poles help to find balance during the ascents and prevent sliding during descents. They are not required hiking gear, but their use is highly recommended, especially on long climbs.

The main difference between Scandinavian poles from trekking and ski poles is the required length, special design of the lanyard and the material used.

Trekking poles are needed primarily to facilitate the ascent and descent. Therefore, manufacturers do not devote as much time to the problems of material selection and elimination of unwanted vibration as when creating poles for Nordic walking.

It is worth touching on the issue of length, it is not fundamental and may vary depending on the type of trip. If you are going uphill, then shorter sticks will be more convenient, and on the contrary - long ones for descending. That's why telescopic structures are popular in trekking:

Whole ones are more suitable for Nordic walking, they are considered the choice of professionals.

It is worth noting that two sticks are required for skiing and Nordic walking, but one is enough for trekking. And on sale most often they are sold one copy at a time.

Summary table of characteristics and requirements:

Outcome: trekking poles, ski poles and Nordic poles cannot be interchangeable and they are not alike! If you want to exercise properly and enjoy every sport or physical activity, get the equipment that is designed specifically for it.

Sneakers on feet, ski poles in hand - this is the Russian response to the popularization of Nordic Walking, which is literally in full swing all over the world. Nordic or otherwise Scandinavian walking has recently been an outlandish hobby for our compatriots.

But after making sure that the new sport is extremely beneficial for health (and, what is important, it is available even for those who have only a little of this health left), many soon joined the ranks of its followers.

Though just taking old ski poles and getting on the health trail is not enough... You should have the right sports equipment in your hands, otherwise it will turn out, as in the saying about that stick that has two ends ... Let's figure out how to choose the right sticks for Nordic walking.

Why the emphasis is placed on sticks

In order for the sticks to magically restore health, and not, they are selected individually for themselves and not in the ski row of a sporting goods store. Athletes and Nordic Walking enthusiasts who are interested in maximizing the efficiency of such walking train with special poles designed for Nordic walking. Support sticks regulate the work of the musculoskeletal system, loading those muscles that need to be developed, and sparing those parts and joints, the pressure on which is contraindicated.

The main contingent of "Scandinavian walkers" are people with cardiovascular pathology, suffering from arthrosis, protrusions and hernias of the spine, or in the past injured. For them, Nordic walking is a feasible cardio load and the ability to actively move without harming themselves. The same applies to untrained people, whose purpose is to increase endurance, to activate the transport of oxygen in the tissues of the body. Therefore, what sticks are in the hands, so is the result.

What are they, Nordic sticks

When choosing sticks, they are guided by three main criteria: material of manufacture, design, size.

Design
	Folding (telescopic)	Solid (fixed length)
	compactness, ease of transportation in a bag, versatility (the ability to adjust for the growth of family members or guests); suitable for athletes who change the load during training, do exercises, jogging.	reliable and lightweight monolithic rod; convenient for walking close to home; last longer than folding. The resilience and springiness of the shaft are the most important quality indicators for selection.
	come across with a low-quality mechanism; heavier and more expensive than whole ones; the service life is lower.	inconvenience of transportation, the need to cover.

Aluminum folding poles with the anti-shock system are more resilient than their springless counterparts.

Size is a defining characteristic

The main guideline when choosing sticks is their length, which is selected according to a person's height, but at the same time, taking into account the degree of future activity, the level of training and the state of health. The system for determining the desired size of Scandinavian poles is different from that of ski poles. The calculation is based on a Nordic constant of 0.68, which is multiplied by a person's height. The result obtained and rounded to the nearest integer is what you need.

According to some trainers, the length of the poles is more accurate if the value of 0.70 is taken as a constant, and for skiers who train in the summer, even 0.72. For the elderly and those with sore joints, a factor of 0.66 is ideal.

When choosing, it is best to follow the advice of experienced "walkers" and try on a future purchase.

If the angle at the elbow joint with an upright stance is 90 degrees, these are your sticks.

But for the weakened category, it is more comfortable if this angle is slightly larger, that is, the sticks will be slightly lower. Poles that are too high will prevent the torso from bending forward as required. And too short will cause back pain.

Matching sticks to height is a determining factor in achieving the desired result.

Discomfort, muscle strain and back pain are a signal that the selection was made incorrectly.

The optimal length of the sticks is different for everyone

The range of stick lengths in sports stores is a multiple of 5 cm.

In the table, the values are oriented towards the health group. The fitness program allows an increase in the length of the poles by 5 cm, and the sports program - by 10 cm.

If you are not sure that the fixed height of monolithic specimens will work well, beginners it is better to buy the first telescopic poles and adjust the size for you.

Video: how to choose poles for Nordic walking

About handpieces, pens and lanyards

The tip is an important detail. On branded sticks, it is indelible. By changing the shoes, you can make walking not only all-season, but also all-terrain. The hard and sharp iron tip is suitable for ice, snow, soft ground and sand. Rubber soft and silent - for asphalt and paving stones. The set with poles includes a set of tips, but you can always buy the one you need separately.

When choosing sticks for yourself, you need to pay attention to how the grip area is framed.

The handle must be non-slip and durable.

Usually it is made of natural cork or a material comparable to it in texture, most often rubber. Unlike the easy-to-wear plug, the replacement is easy to clean and has a longer service life.

A lanyard is attached to the handle. This is a semi-glove, popularly called a "trap", which is adjusted to a specific size using belts. There are expensive models with standard sized gloves. In any case, it is advisable to measure it to make sure that it does not press on the palm or wrist.

Ski and trekking poles - no

If in winter you can still go with ski poles(subject to the correct length), then in the warm season on a hard surface, you cannot do without depreciation. Rubber tips from Scandinavian poles will not work, and the shock load will become unbearable for the spine and joints.

Thick and sturdy trekking poles are also not suitable for long journeys and mountain routes. They are designed for the combined weight of a tourist and a backpack, they are too long, moreover, they are always foldable. Such a stick is devoid of elasticity and will be heavy for Nordic walking.

Who produces and what is produced

Height adjustable
Manufacturer	Aluminium alloy	Carbon	Peculiarities	Price
Our choice: NordicStep Compact Carbon, Finland			3-section Folded size, 66 cm Size 110 cm min - 135 cm max Handle - Rubber / Cork Weight, 450 gr Color - Silver / Purple
Russia-China			Fixed iron tip, rubber nozzle, propylene / cork handle; divisions after 1 cm, weight 480 g, folded 85 cm;
			The same + Anti-Shock, 3 sections; Fixed metal tip, rubber shoe, propylene / cork handle;
			Complete set of tips in addition to the fixed toothed tip, cork handle, quick release lanyard, 2 sections, weight 400 g.
Finland / Russia			Handle material - rubberized cork, belts in two versions - removable and non-detachable; minimum length 83 cm, weight 330 g;
			Fixed top tip + removable rubber attachments: sand rings, snow disc, 3 sections, 63 cm folded, weight 450 g.
			Pobedite alloy tip, nozzles for sand and asphalt, 2 sections, cork handle, quick-release lanyards for left and right hands, weight 390 g, withstand load;
Exel Nordic Traine, Finland			Pobedit toothed tip, non-removable lanyard with separation for both hands, cork handle, folded 61 cm, weight 410 g,
Leki Smart Traveler Alu, Germany	extra strong with anodized surface		Universal tip for any type of surface; ergonomic handle, reflective elements, maximum size 61 cm, weight 400 g;

Fixed height
Manufacturer	Aluminium alloy	Carbon	Peculiarities	Price
Atletic, Russia			Pobeditovy tip + replaceable rubber for asphalt and ring for soil; cork handle, non-removable lanyard, weight 260 g.
Finland / Russia / Baltics			100% fiberglass;
			A set of tips, quick-release lanyard, rubberized cork handle, weight 340-370 g;
			Complete set of replaceable tips, handle - rubberized stopper; quick-detachable lanyard, 340-370 g;
Finland			Universal toothed tip + rubber nozzle, natural cork handle, non-quick-release lanyard, weight 330 g;
		(15 layers of carbon)	Advanced systems: quick lanyard release, universal tip, increased comfort.

Video review of telescopic poles CMD Sport with Anti-Shok

The choice of this or that manufacturer is a matter of taste and financial capabilities. Branded items that have stood the test of time, tested by professional athletes, may seem expensive for a poor Russian. But it is they who, after some time of training sessions, are guaranteed to restore physical shape.

The store provides all visitors of our portal with an additional 5% discount for the promo code 1TREN.

The same content of carbon from different manufacturers does not mean that the quality of the product is equal.

How to choose Nordic walking poles by height using a table.

Let's start the choice of poles for Nordic walking from the table, which indicates the height and the corresponding length of the poles (the size of the poles, the size of the poles).

The table shows how to choose Nordic walking poles in height based on your height. If the table of stick lengths is not enough for you, as well as for convenience, you can use a simple formula: your height * 0.67 = the length of the sticks.

IMPORTANT: the above table and the formula for calculating the length of poles for Nordic walking by height is universal, but when choosing poles, especially before buying them, it is advisable to still try whether the poles are suitable for you in height.

If there is an opportunity, first ask your friends for sticks, but take your time in the store, walk around with them, be sure that you have made the right choice!

What are the Nordic walking poles:

There are several types of poles for Nordic walking: fixed length, telescopic (sliding), folding.

Fixed length sticks.

This is the easiest and most affordable option for Nordic walking poles. The fixed poles do not change in length, so you must be absolutely sure that they are the right height for you.

The advantage of such sticks is the integrity of the structure, the absence of vibrations, and an affordable price.

Adjustable, telescopic Nordic walking poles.

Such sticks are also called sliding sticks, suitable for those who have not yet fully decided on the long sticks. In addition, they will be convenient for use in a family where there are people of approximately the same height. This is due to the ability to adjust the height of the poles.

Sticks for those who like to travel, they can be folded and they will fit in a backpack or suitcase, and if necessary, they can be easily moved apart. Usually such sticks consist of two or three elements with adjusting joints. They are more expensive.

Folding poles for Nordic walking.

The sticks are compact, but since they have several parts, and the mechanism that allows folding, the sticks cannot be called reliable.

The advantage of such sticks is their compactness.

Which poles are better for Nordic walking is up to you.

Pole material for Nordic walking.

After you have understood how long the sticks should be, you can proceed to the further choice - choose the material of the sticks for Nordic walking. This is a purely individual moment, someone may like light sticks made of modern materials, someone heavier, but durable - aluminum.

It all depends on the tasks that you set for yourself, on your physical condition. The price of carbon sticks is much higher than metal ones.

When choosing poles for Nordic walking, remember that you will have to cover more than one kilometer of distance with them, so be more careful about the selection!

Nordic walking poles are different from ski and trekking poles.

How are ski poles different from Nordic walking poles?

The most basic difference between Nordic walking poles and ordinary ski poles is that the former are much lower. With Nordic walking, you do not need to make repulsive movements, therefore, the length of the poles is shorter.

There is a difference in the tip of the sticks. For ski poles, it is metal, for the tips of the poles in Nordic walking, softer materials are used, for example, rubber, plastic.

Can regular ski poles be used and will they work for Nordic walking? In theory, yes, of course you can. But it is important to remember that when choosing Nordic walking poles, you try to choose the right ones so that you feel comfortable and safe during your walks.

So remember, if you intend to use ski poles for Nordic walking, you may have to face some difficulties. If you are walking on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete, the metal tip will transmit vibration to the elbow joint. That over time can even lead to injury.

In addition, as you already understood, smaller sticks are used for Nordic walking. But this problem, if desired, can be solved.

Can trekking poles be used for Nordic walking?

As with using ski poles, and if there is no other way out, then you can. But, trekking poles have a different task, most often they serve for ascents and descents, therefore they have their own size, different from Scandinavian poles, a different handle and a different strap.

The photo shows that the sticks on the left have a regular grip and a supporting strap, unlike trekking poles (on the right) where the strap does not hold the wrist, and the handle is made for a stronger grip.

In this regard, when picking up poles for Nordic walking, one should nevertheless choose from those intended for Nordic (Scandinavian) walking.

How to make DIY Nordic walking sticks?

If, when choosing sticks, you are faced with the fact that the price for them is too expensive for you, or there are no sticks for Scandinavian walking at all in the store, then you can make Scandinavian walking sticks with your own hands.

To do this, you need to take old handles, for example from ski poles, or buy them in a store. Handles are removed from old sticks by heating with hot water or a hairdryer.

You also need a tip, as mentioned above for Nordic walking poles, the tip should not be made of metal. Again, you can remove the cups from old poles or buy new ones and remake (replace the tip).

And, of course, the stick itself, it can be some kind of aluminum tube of the required height and diameter.

How to choose Nordic walking poles for seniors?

For older people, it is better to choose lighter poles, always with good fixation of the hand, preferably suppressing vibration (anti-shock) to reduce the load on the joints.

Nordic walking sticks for children.

When choosing sticks for children, do not skimp, because only high-quality sticks can ensure safety at the proper level, which is very important for not yet strong bones and joints. For the rest, when choosing children's sticks, follow the general rules and recommendations.

The best Nordic walking poles manufacturers.

Some of the best Nordic walking poles manufacturers are Leki and Gabel. I must say right away that the sticks of these manufacturers are not a cheap pleasure, depending on the model, such sticks cost several thousand rubles! Now they can be bought both in stores and ordered online.

There are cheaper options for sticks, for example, from SWIX, iluum, Marko, Fizan, Nordic.

How to choose poles for Nordic walking video.

Now that you understand what poles you need for Nordic walking, you are ready to embark on your first Nordic Walk.

I wish you success and health !!!

It is not uncommon to meet people walking with sticks similar to skiing ones on the street.

Since you are here, you are interested in the question: what is the name of this sport and how is it useful?

This walking is called:

Scandinavian
Northern
Finnish
Norwegian

This sport became widespread in the 2000s, and the appearance dates back to 1940. That year, Finnish skiers started pole-running in the summer, after which they showed good results in competitions.

Nordic walking is similar to skiing, but much less demanding in terms of the season and physical fitness, and its usefulness is very great.

The difference between ski poles and Scandinavian

Since the technique of sports is very different, the equipment also has some differences:

Length of Norwegian equipment is calculated using the formula 0.68 * a person's height, while the length of the ski is not so important and is usually 20-30 centimeters longer than the Norwegian one.
Lanyard device (glove)... For Nordic models, the lanyard is an incomplete glove. This design helps to evenly distribute the load over the entire hand and enable quick removal of the lanyard. Skiing does not have such a device. A regular hinge will not help in any way to cope with the load.
Shaft material... Norwegians prefer carbon fiber because it dampens vibration well. Ski pole shafts are usually made of lighter aluminum.
Tip... Scandinavian models are equipped with a removable rubber tip for easy push-off on hard surfaces. Skis have a non-removable metal tip that wears out quickly when walking on asphalt.
Structure... Specialized poles for Scandinavian sports are telescopic, which is convenient for transportation. Ski models do not have this advantage, because telescopic models are less durable. And durability is very important for skiing.
Price, where without it. The cost of winter models starts at 300 rubles. Specialized equipment for Scandinavian sports will cost about 3 times more.

Can Nordic walking poles be replaced with others?

Different sports require different equipment. Those of interest to us are no exception.

When using ski models during Nordic fitness, the load on the spine, lumbar, knee, hip and ankle joints will increase.

There is also a risk of injury to the wrist joint due to the lack of the correct lanyard. Therefore, they are not suitable for Nordic walking.

With the wrong choice, the inventory itself will also wear out more. The tip of the poles for winter disciplines is hardly enough for 2 months of training. It will wear off, and there is nothing you can do about it - you will have to buy new ones.

In addition, it will be simply uncomfortable to walk. This fact very often becomes the reason for the termination of classes.

Of course, you can choose the right length for winter skiing poles. Then make a removable tip on your own and somehow solve the problem of fastening. But it will take a lot of time and effort, and, most likely, you will not be able to achieve the desired result.

Summing up the question of the choice of sticks, we can say that it is better to approach this stage responsibly and not spare money for Nordic equipment.

What will Nordic walking with ski poles give?

I must say right away that this will not be Scandinavian walking at all, because there will be no main attribute.

From this it follows that there will be much less advantages, but disadvantages will appear and, moreover, will be significant.

What can you get from such walking if you use equipment that does not fit in length:

Increased stress on the wrist joint and on the spine.
Due to improper distribution of the load, the neck will quickly tire. This fact will not allow long walks.
Don't count on a comprehensive workout. Only 75% of the muscles will be involved.
Still a good workout for the cardiovascular system.
The main load will be on the muscles of the lower body.
Calories will be burned even faster than with proper Nordic walking. This is due to the inability to normally help with the hands. Sticks are more likely to act as weights.

But you can try to get closer to real Finnish fitness by choosing ski poles using a formula. You can also make and attach the tip yourself.

The lanyard will have to be more difficult: it is not so easy to make it yourself, and it is unlikely that you will be able to attach a ready-made one.

Thus, you can achieve already more interesting results:

Even distribution of the load over the entire body. The upper and lower body will be toned.
Burning calories quickly. The speed will be similar to the burning speed of real Nordic walking.
Exercise the heart and vascular system.
It will also help with posture correction.
The only drawback will be the risk of injuries to the wrist, due to the lack of a lanyard.

As it is easy to see, with proper preparation of the equipment, it is possible to get as close as possible to Scandinavian walking.

The main thing in this matter is to choose the right length of equipment, and the rest is not so important.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say that it is possible to consider walking with ski poles, but there are risks.

In addition, you need to devote more time to the choice of equipment.

The advantages include the low cost of such a device. This solution should be considered only for beginners.