Fit Rx Linda Stollings

You have certainly heard of skiing with poles, but have you ever heard of walking with poles? Yes I am talking about walking with a pole in each hand, not necessarily in the snow either.

My oldest daughter Jessica came in the house one day and asked me if I had ever heard of Leki Sticks. Well I gave her an odd look and asked for a little more information. She had been on a trip with her husband Jesse and his parents. They all love to walk, so they did a little hike and used something called Leki Sticks as Jessica called them. She was very impressed with the poles and the way they added intensity to her workout. Of course, I had to do some research on these poles to see just what they were all about.

Leki is a European-based manufacturer of poles for Nordic walking, trekking, and skiing poles and accessories. Their fully adjustable Spin poles are a popular item with both beginner and veteran Nordic walker. They are made with ultra-lightweight aircraft grade aluminum and high modulus carbon. The lengths of the poles are easy to adjust with a simple twisting motion and remain stable throughout the walks.

These Leki Nordic walking poles are marketed as an easy, full body workout and a way to strengthen your upper body, create resistance for building bone density easy and burn 40 percent more calories compared to regular walking (without poles). Nordic Walking is the activity of walking for fitness using these specially designed poles to give you a full-body workout. Okay let’s back up; burn up to 40 percent more calories than regular walking. Is that possible or just another marketing ploy to make money? You have my attention now!

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is the largest nonprofit fitness certification, education and training organization in the world with nearly 50,000 certified professionals who hold more than 55,000 ACE certifications. ACE put the Leki poles to the test, and after research by leading wellness authorities the editor’s review in June of 2010 concluded the following:

ACE experts agreed that the most challenging part of using these poles was getting the hang of Nordic walking but after reviewing the helpful instructional videos on the Leki website and using the poles on a few 2-4 mile walks — they got it down. Leki touts Nordic walking as a way to get a “surprisingly easy, full-body workout,” and experts are in full agreement. With the Spin Poles, you are able to work up a serious sweat and reach target heart rates, even for those with orthopedic limitations that prevent them from running. Experts also agree that it is a better workout than traditional walking because using the poles works the upper body. Nordic walking is a great way for fitness walkers of all ages and abilities to boost the intensity of their workouts. Following is what the ACE experts really liked.

» Lightweight body and easily adjustable length.

» Comfortable handgrips with quick release straps for easy access to water bottle, or phone.

» Instructional video clips on manufacturers website.

» Vigorous full-body workout with reduced joint strain.

So if you are looking to step up your walking program in 2012 the Leki poles might be just what you are looking for.

See you on the roads.

 Linda Stollings is a personal fitness trainer in Bristol, Tenn. Email her at lstollings@fitprescriptions.com.