How to choose the right stick for Nordic walking

How to choose the right equipment for Nordic walking, to understand the manufacturers and materials? How to choose the best price-quality ratio. How to learn to use the calculation formula for the selection of the length of the sticks, taking into account the features and individualities. We read and understand together below.

What is this walk and what is the use of it

Nordic walking is considered a universal way to heal the body, suitable for any age, gender and level of sports training.

Promotes the prevention and treatment of multiple diseases. In Germany, this kind of physical activity is included in rehabilitation programs conducted after injuries and surgical interventions on the musculoskeletal system.

Stick for nordic walking

Doctors recommend to deal with such diseases as:

• osteochondrosis;
• rachiocampsis;
• pulmonary diseases (especially in asthma);
• persistent pain in the back, shoulders, neck;
• venous insufficiency;
• Parkinson's disease;
• neurological diseases;
• overweight and obesity.

Types of Scandinavian sticks, pros and cons

With such walking, not only about 90% of all muscles of the body, but also sticks, which take the load off the knees, hip joints, shoulder girdle and heel bone, are actively working.

This sport will be more efficient and pleasant, if you choose the right equipment - comfortable and safe. How to choose Scandinavian walking sticks? To begin with, we suggest studying the table:

How to choose the length / size of Nordic walking poles

It is extremely important to choose the appropriate length of sticks, so as not to harm health. The wrong calculation will lead to an increase in the load on the musculoskeletal system, in particular on the back, knees and ankle, which is unacceptable for sick people.

Length can create excess weight, which is unnoticeable for a tall person, but is palpable for a person of average height. Especially it concerns monolithic sticks. They recommend novice people to consult a specialist.

But there is a standard calculation formula:

1. The growth of your body multiplied by a factor of 0.68.
2. The resulting result is rounded to the nearest multiple of 5.
3. Check the length of the fact. The tip is put on the toe of the foot and the hand that holds the stick should bend at the elbow at a right angle.

Individual approach. Instructors are advised when choosing to be guided by their sensations; for this purpose, telescopic poles are suitable, which with each lesson can be set to different lengths, and thus choose a comfortable one for you.

The size of the sticks also depends on the degree of physical fitness.

There are three groups:

1. Older people - sticks should be clearly matched in height and length of legs, without increasing the load.
2. Fitness group - for burning calories the length increases on average by 5 cm, additionally weighting the legs and support.
3. Professional athletes use heavier sticks or extend the Scandinavian sticks by 10-12 cm.

Stick Devices, Manufacturers and Prices

Now, in order to better understand how to choose Nordic walking sticks, we will study their types, material, pens, tips, manufacturers, and also pay attention to prices.

Sticks of the middle class have comfortable handles, rubberized or made of material. They are thin and fit easily in the palm.

Material:

1. Plastic - hard, the hand can slide.
2. Natural cork - well absorbs moisture, does not slip, fits under any weather, but wears quickly.
3. Of special rubber - products are comfortable to use, durable.

Lanyards (hand clips) on low-cost models are usually made in the form of a loop, which is not very convenient in operation, since they make it difficult to quickly release the hand. The most successful clamps look like a fingerless glove, a secure attachment to the handle, not twisted and easy to remove.

The material should be durable, the glove should not press on the palm. Lanyards produce universal size, they can be adjusted to any hand. On expensive models use gloves of a certain size, selected individually, better fix the brush. Used by professional athletes.

Good quality sticks come with a whole set of removable spikes, which allow you to walk in any weather (snow, ice, ground). For asphalt, there should be removable rubber tips "boots".

Since they wear out quickly, it is better to take care of a spare kit. Plastic "boots" is better not to choose because of poor quality.

Professionals of Nordic walking choose manufacturers:

1. Exel - the Finnish company, stood at the origins of the development of this sport, produces carbon fiber sticks. Guarantees long service life, it is known for release of innovative products.
2. Ergoforce - Taiwanese company, practicing the production of telescopic "Nordik". Combines good quality and affordable price.
3. Leki - made in Germany, a wide range of innovative adjustable sticks.
4. Realstick - Finnish production, known for light carbon sticks of fixed length.
5. Marko is an Estonian company that produces aluminum sliding poles at an inexpensive price.

Alternative to other firms:

• Gabel - Italian production, a huge range of adjustable length sticks with soft straps for fasteners.
• Karhu is a Finnish company that represents high-end monolithic sticks.
• Komperdell is an Austrian company, a novelty from the manufacturer folding three-section sticks.
• Swinx - Norwegian manufacturer, produces light stick for quick walks.

The optimal choice of price and quality

“Do no harm” is the only principle that must be followed when choosing what concerns health.

You should pay attention to:

1. The manufacturer. High quality products are produced by international brands of such companies as Exel (Finns) or Leki (Germans). The price is high, but also corresponds to world quality.
2. Resist the temptation of discounted sticks. You can buy low-quality products.
3. When choosing a material, pay attention to the carbon index of the flagpole, not less than 20%. This ensures durability and safety.
4. Cheap sticks are equipped with non-removable spikes, which become useless and with this an absolutely suitable pole must be changed.
5. Do not choose "Nordic" with plastic parts, a very impractical material.
6. For an optimal price, the warranty period is at least 2 years.

Individual approach to the selection of Scandinavian sticks

For pensioners

Taking into account the elderly and a large number of diseases, it is recommended to approach carefully both the choice of sports equipment and the activities themselves. It is best to start with a consultation with a doctor and in the future, in the absence of contraindications, the selection of an individual load from a specialist.

There are no contraindications for Scandinavian walking, except for serious diseases requiring pastel mode.

But the intensity of the load, depending on the disease, can be adjusted by a doctor.

Which Scandinavian walking sticks are suitable for senior citizens:

1. It is recommended to pick up sticks by height, using the coefficient 0.66 in the calculation formula.
2. They should be light, well fix the brush, it is desirable to suppress vibration (anti-shock) to reduce the load on the joints.
3. The best choice of growth sticks with a carbon index of 20%, they are often used in rehabilitation procedures.

With this walk, retirees have the opportunity to spend more time outdoors. It gives them pleasure, because you can rely on sticks when climbing uphill or short stops.

Scandinavian walking is allowed for disorders in the joints of the lower extremities, the lungs increase in volume by more than 30%, there is more oxygen saturation, cholesterol levels in the blood decrease, bowel work and metabolism are normalized. Recommend to deal with people who are overweight and obese.

For kids

Scientific developments have shown that lessons with sticks produce a sense of balance and coordination of movements. It is an ideal way to normalize posture.

Joint walks with parents, training all the muscles of the upper body, while spending one and a half times more energy than with normal walking.

All this will bring joy to children and allow them to develop physically correctly.

A child can engage in this sport from an appropriate age when they can observe safety rules.

Expert Tips:

1. It is convenient to use telescopic sticks, at any time you can adjust the length.
2. You should not save on material, it will ensure the safety of the child (the best option is a composite carbon fiber shaft).
3. The handle should be narrow so that it fits completely into the arm, rubberized for good grip.
4. Lanyard should provide a good fixation of the hand, not twisted on the arm, otherwise the child may cause injury when the child is active, as the joints and limbs are not yet strong.
5. It is mandatory to conduct an explanatory conversation about security measures when using sticks.

Summary instructions for the selection of Nordic walking sticks

Recommendations:

1. Buy in specialized stores where you can visually get acquainted with the product.
2. If possible, get advice from a specialist or professional athlete.
3. Determine for yourself the type of sticks and material.
4. Pick up the length in place, check the quality and material.
5. Check the equipment, there should be removable tips, spare rubberized "boots", the presence of lanyard (attachment for hands), the presence of anti-shock (shock absorber) is desirable.

The right lifestyle, taking care of your health - this choice can be made by any of us. With all the negative environment and the valiant acquisition of all our ills, there is a way not only to enjoy the contemplation of nature and communicate with pleasant people, but at the same time engage in the rehabilitation of the body or its rehabilitation.

Improve your mental state, relieve stress, get rid of depression and get a good figure. An ideal way to acquire all of this is to do Nordic walking. Now you know how to choose the right stick for Nordic walking. Do not forget to get advice on walking techniques and find a pleasant company.

Good luck to all!

And a few more tips on picking sticks - in the next video.

Watch the video: How to Choose Suitable Walking Poles. Nordic Walking (April 2024).