Nordic Walking /Urban Walking with Nordic Poles :     Lorne Milne is a graduate of the Leki ‘Nordic Walking’ Instructor program (also an Outdoor Instruction specialist in many other recreational activities) & provides group or  personal instruction & coaching in Vancouver, British Columbia (Leki Nordic Poles rentals provided with class).  Look up his outdoor sports instruction school ( LM Bladeskool) at  inlineskatingvancouver.com  or e-mail  LMBladeskool@shaw.ca;  ph: 604-708-1055; cell: 604-805-4810; fx. 604-708-1062

    Interested in a cross training activity after a day of Inline Skating?; …Looking to improve your posture after spending too much time on the computer?; … Bored with aerobics & wanting to get back outdoors?;  …has Jogging just causing you too many aches & pains?; looking for a cheaper activity than buying a gym membership?; … Boot camp just ain’t your thing??,……then Nordic Walking is probably the new activity that you should try!!! Plan your Urban Safari now!     

   Nordic walking  (an Urban walking activity) has caught on in Europe & is the newest recreational activity taking place in North America. Nordic Poles look similar to Trekking Poles (using by off-road hikers & climbers) with significantly different features. Noric Walking poles are amazing light, shock-absorbent devices.  With unique technique (similar to contemporary Inline Skating Arm Swings & utilizing pole ‘set-down’ techniques that are similar to the new Downhill Skiing Pole training actions) Nordic Walking can reduce your ‘Heel Strike’ elongate your stride by approx. 25%, while having similar levels of benefits for upper body involvement, cardio-vascular activity. &  generally improved posture & just feeling ‘real darn good’!

Leki Pole Information:  Leki is well-known in the Vancouver & Whistler areas as one of the top downhill skiing poles in the world.   Leki’s motto  ‘Live to walk, …Walk to live’ is supported by the benefits they report on their web-site:.

• Burn up to 40% more calories during your walk
• Pump up your cardio by increasing oxygen consumption up to 25%
• Reduce stress to your knees and lower joints
• Reduce heel strike force by up to 26%
• Strengthen your upper body and create resistance to build better bone density
• Distance and intensity can be adapted to weather, terrain, and physical condition of the individual

  Visit their web-site for more info on Nordic Walking ,  their product, & their instructor education program, look up: http://www.leki.com/html/nw_main.asp 

Nordic Walking Events:

1.) Nordic Walk Marathon Championship .  In response to 2005’s successful introduction of Nordic Walking as an official division & the increased popularity of Nordic Walking worldwide, The Portland Marathon has introduced the Nordic Walking World Championships (to be held as part of the Oct. 1, 2006 Portland Marathon).  If you are already experienced or just want to get out & watch the First World Championships come on out to Portland Oregon.  http://www.portlandmarathon.org/events_nordic.php

2) ‘Mayor’s Walk’  fitness event:  If you are already experienced or just want to get out & watch the First World Championships are being held in Portland Oregon.  Participate in the 10km (6.2 miles) ‘Mayor’s Walk’  fitness event starting near the south end of the University of Portland at N. Harvard and Willamette Blvd. Those in the mayor's walk get the opportunity to see our lead marathoners as they work their way along the last miles of the course. 10k walkers can start anytime between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.. For true convenience, we bus entrants from the Portland Hilton to the start.  http://www.portlandmarathon.org/events_mayors.php

 The American Nordic Walking Association (ANWA):     Amwa advises that Nordic walking:

• is a fitness activity with specially  designed Nordic Walking poles that  offers very efficient aerobic workout  in an easy way to improve your physical condition (irrespective of age, sex or physical condition);
• is the hottest new trend in fitness in recent years, spreading rapidly all over the world;
• is a time efficient low-stress, total body workout which is fantastic for weight-loss, as well as to keep you fit, toned and help you look better;
• is great for your Body, Mind;
• can be done by anyone, regardless of age, weight, or gender;
• is great for people who are looking for a smart physical Activity with maximum health benefits, combined with fun and convenience;
• is an enjoyable activity for those who can no longer take the steady pounding of running or jogging on your joints, but want the same benefits;
• can help lower your blood pressure, reduce your cholesterol, and help to relieve back, shoulder and neck pain (by walking with your poles as little as thirty minutes a day, three times a week ) & that after only a few weeks you will notice  more relaxed muscles, better conditioning and better health.

See their web-site for more information ( http://www.anwa.us/index.php?News&id=20 )