How to choose Nordic walking sticks

Nordic walking as an independent way of training, came to our country relatively recently. In its own historical homeland - in Finland, this sport has been rampant in popularity for almost a hundred years. They invented this system as a set of training exercises for the Finnish military skiers, and it was intended so that the latter would not lose their skills and could train in the absence of snow cover. Nordic walking extremely has a very positive effect on all muscle groups of the body, helps strengthen the central nervous system, lower blood pressure, and also tone all the muscles of the body and is an excellent way to lose weight. Of course, it exerts its beneficial effect only when the main attribute — sticks — is chosen correctly.

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1. The best Nordic walking stick manufacturers - which company to choose
   
2. The principle of operation and the construction of Nordic walking poles
3. Types of Nordic Walking Sticks
4. The main criteria for choosing Nordic walking sticks
5. What nordic walking sticks to choose
6. How much do Scandinavian walking sticks cost
7. Choice sticks for Nordic walking

The best Nordic walking stick manufacturers - which company to choose

The lion's share of Nordic walking sticks is of Finnish origin, but there are also models made in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. By coincidence, domestic manufacturers have not yet mastered the production of this product, and therefore, when choosing, it is best to give preference to proven models:

1. Swix;

2. Karhu;

3. Exel;

4. Gabel;

5. Comdedell;

Before giving preference to the products of a manufacturer, it is necessary to study the models presented in the catalogs, as well as to get acquainted with the customer reviews presented on the Internet. It is necessary to take into account both positive and negative feedback.

The principle of operation and the construction of Nordic walking poles

Nordic walking poles are a great tool to keep your body muscles toned. During the exercise, not only the lower part of the body is involved, but also the upper part - the press, the arms, the shoulder girdle. Nordic walking is based on the synchronous removal of opposite arms and legs forwards and backwards, due to which practically the whole body is involved in the work. The design of Nordic walking poles includes three main elements:

1. Special handles with soft shleykami, conveniently lying in the hands and not slipping, even with intensive walking;

2. The stick shaft is a key element of the whole structure. They should be as light, rigid and comfortable as possible, first of all, in order to serve as a reliable fulcrum and to provide decent cushioning during intense loads;

3. Tips are a structural element in contact with the surface. They should not get stuck in the ground, and therefore, depending on the type of surface, you must use different nozzles.The most advanced manufacturers in the design of their sticks provide for the possibility of prompt replacement of tips directly “on the knee”.

Types of Nordic Walking Sticks

Depending on the specific conditions of use, all Nordic walking poles can be divided into two conditional categories:

Fixed sticks

The most popular models at the present time, allowing to provide maximum functionality in any conditions. In the assortment of leading manufacturers of similar devices, virtually every model of this class is available in several sizes, which means that every person can pick sticks for their height. Their design is reliable and unpretentious in operation, and the cost is very democratic.

Virtues

• Simple and reliable design;

• Minimal risk of injury when performing the exercise;

• The possibility of operation in almost any conditions;

• Minimum weight;

disadvantages

• Standard, devoid of dynamics, load;

• The impossibility of using concrete sticks by a person whose height is higher or lower;

• No height adjustment;

Telescopic sticks

The materials, character and main structural elements of telescopic poles for Scandinavian walking practically do not differ from those described above, and the main difference lies in the design features - due to the presence of special mechanisms, an athlete can change the length of the poles in a fairly tangible range of values.

Virtues

• Versatility and simplicity of design;

• Convenient in storage and transportation;

• Allow you to easily change the intensity of the load on the body;

• Reliable locking mechanisms;

• The ability to adjust the height for any person;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Vibrations, backlashes and rattles during intensive use;

• Telescopic connecting nodes are theoretically a weak point, prone to breakage;

The main criteria for choosing Nordic walking sticks

Choose the length of the sticks

The main parameter to be paid attention to when choosing Nordic walking sticks is their length. Contrary to popular belief, the principle “the more, the better it does not work here,” and the choice of specific sticks should be guided by the following rules:

1. If you are a man of short stature, from 150 to 175 centimeters, you should prefer sticks from 115 to 120 centimeters in length;

2. People between 175-180 and up to 195-200 meters will need longer sticks, about 130-140 centimeters.

3. The basic rule here is this: during the exercise, the arm bent at the elbow should have an angle of 90 degrees. An improperly selected, longer or short stick, cannot be achieved in a similar proportion.

Stick weight

It is impossible to single out specific numbers here: each person is an individuality, and therefore the weight and dimensional characteristics of the sticks are selected taking into account its features. Ideally, the athlete should have a feeling of lightness and weightlessness, as if there is nothing in his hands.

The material from which the shaft is made

1. Fiberglass is found in the most budget models. This material is quite elastic and tough, but its weight does not allow us to talk about maximum performance. However, this disadvantage is more than covered by the price - such models, as a rule, are inexpensive;

2. Aluminum. Metal sticks for Scandinavian walking cannot be called common, since the characteristics of aluminum are much worse than those of carbon and fiberglass, however, in some cases, aluminum sticks are still in demand - for example, they are successfully used during winter training;

3. Carbon fiber. Natural carbon fiber - the material is light, tough and very durable.It is successfully used in the manufacture of various sports equipment. Carbon sticks have virtually no flaws, but their cost does not allow us to talk about affordability and budget;

Handle material

1. Rubber handles - budget, but at the same time, a quality option that provides decent reliability in any situation. Rubber perfectly absorbs movement, provides comfortable grip even with wet hands and is highly durable. Of the minuses should be noted the fact that the rubber "dubeet" in the cold;

2. Natural cork is the most advanced version used in top models of Nordic walking sticks. Having mechanical properties similar to rubber, the cork is still different - it is much “warmer” and perfectly makes operation at negative temperatures. The disadvantage is brittleness and mediocre resistance to mechanical stress;

3. Plastic pens are the most affordable option. They are quite tough and slippery, very mediocre in the cold season. These handles are equipped with Nordic walking sticks of a budget level;

What nordic walking sticks to choose

1. Choosing sticks for Nordic walking, do not forget to pay primary attention to their length. The higher your height, the longer the stick should be;

2. When choosing the material from which the stick shaft is made, give preference to models of carbon fiber. They are distinguished by minimal weight, excellent rigidity, strength and elasticity, and their weight is minimal;

3. Telescopic sticks should be acquired only in the most extreme cases. They are not very reliable, and cost savings can result in injuries during the exercise;

How much do Scandinavian walking sticks cost

1. The most cheap are fiberglass sticks, devoid of interchangeable tips. Their cost varies around 2 thousand rubles;

2. Budget carbon sticks, which can be considered for purchase, cost about 3-4 thousand rubles;

3. Professional models equipped with interchangeable tips, the shaft of which is made of carbon fiber, and handles from natural cork, are distinguished by a rather high price - about 6-8 thousand rubles;

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Choice sticks for Nordic walking

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.