In nature or in a park, you can often meet a group of people, or people walking separately one after another, who look like skiers. Most of them are pensioners, but there are also young people and even professional athletes. This beneficial practice is gaining widespread popularity. When you first get acquainted with it, the question often arises - how to choose poles for Nordic walking. Considering that in other countries such a walk is equated to a separate sport, beginners do not have any difficulties with selecting equipment. In our country it is not so popular; in many respects its usefulness and correctness depend on the competent selection of equipment. We will tell you how to do this in this article.
How to choose the right poles for Nordic walking
The first inventor and designer of Nordic walking poles was the Finnish company Exel; the Finnish Institute of Sports took part in their development.
Currently, there are a large number of pole manufacturers; they can be bought at any sports store.
Factors to consider when choosing Nordic walking poles:
- One of the most basic points that you need to take into account in advance is to independently or with the help of an instructor calculate the height of Nordic walking poles that suits you.
- Decide whether you will need to adjust the height of the stick.
- When purchasing, check and inspect all structural elements of the stick.
Why are these sticks needed at all?
Before we figure out how to choose the right poles for Nordic walking, let's find out why they are needed at all.
- Firstly, as mentioned above, the very essence of this sport is associated with this equipment. And in order to get the maximum benefit from Finnish walking and not harm your body, you need to devote maximum time to this issue;
- Secondly, this walking affects almost all muscle groups, and this is achieved precisely through poles (they force the muscles of the shoulder girdle to work);
- With them, training is more productive, since the load is distributed evenly across all muscle groups;
- A correctly selected length can significantly minimize the load on the spine, which is why Nordic walking is recommended for people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, joints and ligaments;
Features of inventory selection
The market offers 2 main models for Finnish walking - with a fixed length or folding (telescopic) with height adjustment.
You should pay attention to telescopic canes if:
- You travel often. When folded, their dimensions are reduced to 30 cm; they are convenient to put in a bag and take with you on a hike.
- The fixed length of the equipment has an interval of 5 cm, i.e. 100-105-110 cm; it does not seem realistic to accurately select the poles to fit the size calculated by the formula, but the ability to adjust the length in telescopic poles will allow this to be done. It is also possible that after a certain period of training your fitness level will increase and you will need taller poles.
However, no matter the quality of the sliding mechanism, it affects the stability and durability of the cane, so when choosing carbon telescopic poles, it is important to remember that the joints are made of plastic materials; over time they will wear out and it will no longer be possible to achieve the same stability. None of you would like to feel like your support is folding while walking and you have to stop to tighten it.
If you take this sport seriously and plan to engage in it regularly, then you definitely need to opt for equipment with a solid barrel.
Think about the fact that Nordic walking was originally practiced only by skiers; they did not have any special equipment except ski poles, which they also used in the summer. No athlete would risk exercising with telescopic poles - it would simply become a risky activity, so if you start regular exercise, then purchase stable, solid-barrel canes.
How to fix the length of poles
The easiest way to acquire the necessary equipment for the Norwegian runs is to ask an experienced runner for help. Not everyone has the opportunity to turn to a professional, but you shouldn’t be upset about this - you can easily cope on your own if you know what the correct length of Nordic walking poles should be.
The first feature that you should know about when choosing poles is that the longer this Nordic walking accessory, the greater the load on the body. It is not recommended for beginners, older people or those with a serious illness. The optimal length can be calculated using the formula - height multiplied by 0.66.
To ensure that the length of Nordic walking poles does not cause discomfort when jogging, even measuring your height should be taken responsibly. You should not slouch or stretch out; you should take a free, relaxed position. It is unlikely that you will be able to take an accurate measurement on your own, so it is better to do this in advance by asking someone at home to help.
If you have any doubts that the formula has calculated the length of the Nordic walking poles correctly, you can use a special table. Here are the optimal sizes for this essential accessory for Norwegian jogging. You can compare the data obtained through simple calculations with the sizes provided in the table, and if they match, feel free to purchase your desired purchase.
When going to the store for the mandatory equipment for Norwegian jogging, you should not forget that the length table for Nordic walking poles should certainly be at hand. Why do this? Sellers in a sports store are not always conscientious, and can often offer not only low-quality, but also unsuitable goods.
When using the table, you should remember that each organism is individual and may differ in some features. That is why even the optimal sizes of poles are not always comfortable and cause discomfort during exercise. To completely eliminate any unpleasant surprises, it is better to check your purchase directly in the store. If the seller does not allow you to do this, it is better to refuse the purchase and go to another store.
The purchase of Scandinavian poles will be greatly facilitated by a special formula for calculating the length, which should be familiar to everyone who is already jogging or is just about to start jogging. Before you start making calculations, you should decide for what purpose the classes are planned. If you don’t need to perform any special feats, and Norwegian jogging will only serve to improve your health, multiply your height by 0.66.
If sports activities are carried out according to a more complex program, daily and for a long time, then you will have to use another calculation option - multiply by 0.68. Beginners or patients should not use this formula - they will certainly feel some discomfort when jogging.
For those who plan to carry out Scandinavian jogging with serious intentions, it is recommended to multiply by 0.7. It should be remembered that this is recommended only for athletes, otherwise you can only harm the body.
Often, sports stores offer telescopic poles. Not only do they allow you to easily adjust them to the required height, but they also make transportation much easier if the jogging park is located far from home. This accessory can easily fit into a small backpack and will not cause any inconvenience when traveling on public transport.
What is the length of the poles when folded? This accessory can consist of two or three sections, but usually does not exceed 40-50 cm. For intensive training, it is better to choose equipment consisting of two sections, otherwise after a few months you will have to go to the store again. Three-section poles do not withstand loads well, so they are recommended only for beginners.
Such sticks have no special advantages, except for one thing – ease of transportation. There are quite a few disadvantages, and the main one is that during a run the latch may fail, it will no longer be possible to repair it, the only way out is to go to the store for new equipment.
Telescopic poles have one great feature - they can be adjusted to the required length, although for intense runs it is better to give preference to fixed accessories. Before adjusting the length of Nordic walking poles, you should measure your height and use formulas.
What should you consider when going for a run? Be sure to take into account the terrain where you will have to walk. This is important, because with the help of adjustable poles you can significantly reduce the load on the body:
- when walking uphill, reduce the length slightly - this will help transfer some of the load to your arms and make it easier to climb;
- when descending, reduce the length, which will result in significant unloading;
- when jogging on straight, flat terrain, adjust in accordance with the table.
Of course, you should always act in accordance with your characteristics. If during exercise you feel discomfort and your arms or whole body begin to ache, you should definitely check how accurately the poles have been adjusted. It is quite possible that during movement the thread got a little lost, which led to discomfort. It is imperative that the fixation be repeated, otherwise it is strictly not recommended to continue jogging.
Beginners who are just starting their first steps in a pleasant and uncomplicated sport need to know how to fix the length of the poles so as not to turn jogging into real torture. Often the calculation formula and table are ineffective, especially if the body has some peculiarities.
To completely eliminate errors during fixation, you can do this simply:
- stand up straight;
- take the stick in one of your hands and place it parallel to your body;
- bend your arm at the elbow;
- continue to bend your arm, achieving a right angle between the forearm and shoulder;
- fix the stick.
It remains to fix the other accessory, focusing on the length of the first stick. Usually the optimal length is obtained - this will not cause inconvenience when jogging, either for beginners or for more experienced athletes.
Even during exercise, you can constantly monitor your sensations - if inconveniences arise, they can be easily corrected by increasing or decreasing the length. To completely avoid mistakes, you can first go to a trainer, who will not only help with the length of this necessary accessory for Norwegian runs, but also determine the most optimal loads.
You should not assume that the length of Nordic walking poles does not matter, and the most important thing is long and regular exercise. It is this mandatory accessory for jogging that takes on the main load, allowing you to easily and simply improve your health and get rid of extra pounds. The forum has a lot of useful information on this topic, we invite everyone to share their opinions or interesting experiences there.
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Nordic walking attracts more and more people of different ages. This wonderful sport is suitable for everyone without exception, even completely untrained people. Have you decided to try it? So, it’s time to reveal the secrets of choosing Nordic walking poles. Selection criteria, a table of optimal matches of poles to height and walking technique are the first step to recovery in the Scandinavian way.
What is Nordic walking with poles?
We are talking about one of the types of amateur sports, hiking with special poles. The main benefit of Nordic walking is the simultaneous training of the legs and longitudinal muscles of the back and shoulder girdle. At the same time, thanks to the support on the poles, the negative load on the joints, ligaments and muscles of the legs is reduced.
A high-quality Nordic walking pole should be: light and elastic; with a comfortable ergonomic handle; adjustable lanyard that fits comfortably on the hand; complete with rubber tips for walking on asphalt. Choosing the correct length of Nordic walking poles is very important to get the most out of your workout.
Gabel Nordic walking poles are available in two design options: fixed length and telescopic.
Fixed-length poles are considered safer and more reliable. Their advantage is simplicity and the absence of moving elements, and, accordingly, reliability. The size of fixed poles for Nordic walking is chosen based on your height, which should be multiplied by a factor of 0.68. For example, with a height of 170 cm, the size of Scandinavian poles should be 115.6 cm. The size step of Gabel poles of a fixed length is 5 cm
Telescopic poles are more versatile and allow you to adjust the length to suit the terrain and training objectives. The length of telescopic Scandinavian poles is set individually, in accordance with the terrain. When walking uphill, the length of the poles is reduced in order to transfer part of the weight to the arms, and on the descent, the length of the poles is increased in order to effectively unload the legs.
Aluminum and composite materials are used in the production of Nordic walking poles. This determines the difference in the properties of the sticks. For example, carbon poles spring well when walking. This quality depends on the carbon index, that is, the amount of carbon in the stick material. As the percentage of carbon content in the pole material increases, its strength increases and its weight decreases. The more carbon, the higher the price of the stick.
Using high-quality Scandinavian poles is very important to create comfort while walking. This sport should be taken seriously. It is necessary to master the correct walking technique to get the maximum effect from classes!
Properly selected Nordic walking poles perform the following functions:
- normalize weight;
- strengthen the heart muscle;
- relieve fatigue;
- distribute the load evenly across the entire musculoskeletal system.
Stick design
The Nordic walking cane consists of 3 parts:
- Handle with lanyard.
- Barrel or shaft.
- Tip with rubber nozzle.
Each part must meet certain requirements. All parts of the structure that experience the greatest friction force wear the most. These are tips, attachments, lanyards, rubber tips for walking on hard surfaces, lanyards and tips. The difference between high-quality poles is that all wearing parts are removable and easily replaced.
Why you can’t practice with skiing and trekking equipment
Specialized winter sports poles are usually longer than their Norwegian walking counterparts.
This is due to the fact that when a person moves, he pushes them off the ground, rather than leaning on them. Height is calculated using different indices. The second factor is the tips. Sharp options are suitable for snow cover, and rubber pads are needed for traction on hard ground.
Hiking products are very durable and are designed to carry the weight of a hiker and a backpack with things. They are made of metal, consist of two or three sections, and do not bend. The handle is wide, there are grooves for fingers and there is no lanyard.
Both types are not suitable, since the impact on the surface is not absorbed by the body, and all its force ultimately falls on the joints.
The choice of sneakers and other equipment is not so important. But for the cold season, try to find boots with textured soles - they will slip less. If you have flat feet, buy orthopedic shoes. The wardrobe needs to be multi-layered. It will keep you warm and you will be able to take something off if it gets hot.
For winter, choose a warm but light jacket. Such suits are produced by Stayer. All products are presented in the online store: they are very durable, so they will serve you for many years. A unique bright design is a distinctive feature of the Stayer models.
Handle with lanyard
A comfortable handle can be made of rubber or cork material. Rubber is durable, does not absorb sweat and moisture, cork material is more pleasant to the touch, but it absorbs moisture and can crumble after a few years.
Special straps resembling gloves, called lanyards, are attached to the handle. Lanyards can be fixed or detachable. A detachable lanyard is more comfortable to use, but it cannot be precisely adjusted to your hand. In winter, when walking in warm gloves, this will cause inconvenience, and they will also wear out faster.
Lanyards are an intermediary between the hand and the stick; they transmit repulsion force from the hand. They are designated by the letters R and L , which respectively indicate the right and left stick. You need to insert your hand into the lanyard as if you want to say hello, then you need to use the fastenings to grab your wrist. A check for correct fastening will be to alternately unclench the palms with outstretched arms. If the handle falls by 6 cm or more, or, on the contrary, it is firmly fixed, then the fixation needs to be adjusted.
Solid or folding
I think you already understand that Scandinavian sticks are divided into two types:
- telescopic (folding);
- fixed (solid).
Each of them has its own pros and cons.
Solid sticks:
- inexpensive;
- more durable, because they do not have a folding mechanism;
- do not vibrate or make any extraneous sounds while walking;
- about 30% lighter, especially if they contain carbon.
Perhaps their only drawback is the inconvenience of transportation.
The advantages of telescopic (folding) poles are obvious:
- can be adjusted for height and, accordingly, for load;
- they do not take up much space;
- you can easily take them on a trip.
But there are disadvantages: the folding mechanism can break and ring when walking. And they are heavier in weight.
Telescopic poles for Nordic walking
Tips and nozzles
When choosing tips, you need to take into account that the tips can be removable, in which case they can be replaced when erased. The tip itself is a sharp metal pin that is designed for walking on ice and gravel. They can be sharp or cylindrical in shape. A sharp shape is suitable for ice; a cylindrical shape is suitable for softer surfaces.
Tips can be made of aluminum, tungsten and pobedit alloy, the latter being more wear-resistant.
In order to walk on asphalt, cement needs removable rubber attachments. Rubber tips will generally last the same; of course, you need to choose the best quality rubber, but it will still wear out.
It is important not to forget to put on rubber shoes when going out on asphalt and concrete, and then take them off.
What kind of equipment does it come with?
When choosing a stick, you cannot do without paying close attention to such elements as handles, tips and temples. It is fundamentally important what raw materials were used to make them. You should also pay attention to whether they are suitable for use in the given climatic conditions or for too frequent training. Let's try to understand each type in more detail.
Nozzles and tips
What Scandinavian poles should be like can only be determined by looking at the equipment. Typically, manufacturers offer a set of tips that can be used when walking on sandy soil, earth, loose soil, and hard surfaces.
Nozzles and tips from well-known manufacturers practically do not wear out during use, and they also provide excellent adhesion to any surface. However, for extreme cases it is better to choose a suitable option. For example, a hard metal tip is used for walking on ice, sand or soft ground. But for moving on paving stones or concrete, it is better to purchase a silent nozzle made of soft rubber.
There are also special attachments that look unusual. They are often called “claws” or “spikes”. What makes them different from the rest is the material. They are usually made from tungsten carbide. They can only be used in cold winter. Driving through a city or forest area in warm weather is impossible if the road is not covered with snow. They are usually protected with special tips so that the spikes do not wear off.
Pens
The grip area of the stick should be rubberized, with enough ribs to securely hold the hand. Sliding can seriously interfere with the process, so it should not exist at all. Manufacturers usually make this part from natural cork or similar raw materials. The advantage is weightlessness in cleaning and long service life.
Options at too low a price use plastic; it copes worse with the task and often slips out of your hands. In addition, the handle must withstand any weather conditions and sudden changes in temperature.
Lanyards
A lanyard (trap) is usually attached to the handle; you can see how it looks in the photo. It is a half-glove that can be adjusted to the desired size due to the presence of belts. But you can also find models that already have traps with the most common sizes. Before buying, it is better to try on and make sure that it fits perfectly and does not press.
This is another significant difference that Nordic walking poles can boast of, in contrast to ski poles, where the lanyard is replaced with a loop. It can be adjusted to the desired size using Velcro, which is convenient for kids. With one movement they can be removed or put on your hand.
Material used in production
Due to the fact that Nordic walking poles were invented relatively recently (1997), modern material was used for their manufacture - carbon. This material is woven from carbon fiber threads. Due to many of their properties, they are considered the best material for the production of poles. Their advantages are strength, elasticity (they resist vibration that occurs when repelling from the surface), but at the same time they are very light. It is believed that when using them, the joints of the hands are minimally loaded.
In addition, the shaft or barrel is also made of aluminum and fiberglass, but carbon can also be added to these materials. This allows you to achieve better performance properties: strength, lightness, elasticity, durability. All these qualities have a beneficial effect on the training process itself, reducing the load when walking.
As it was said earlier, the strength of the barrel depends on whether it is solid or jointed; a solid barrel will definitely be stronger.
Stick material: pros and cons
Fiberglass. Very light weight, effectively absorbs vibrations. Its strength is ensured by a mixture of glass and carbon fiber. Unfortunately, such material is very fragile and does not exclude breakage.
Carbon fiber (carbon). The addition of carbon fiber ensures the strength of the poles while maintaining the quality of fiberglass (shock absorption and light weight). The higher the carbon content, the stronger the sticks. The recommended percentage of carbon should be between 50% and 80%. For beginners, poles with an index of 20–30% are quite suitable. Moreover, it must be remembered that poles from different manufacturers with the same carbon index may differ from each other in elasticity.
Aluminum. Such poles do not absorb vibration well, which very quickly increases the risk of problems for the upper extremities, in particular, inflammation of the joint capsule of the elbow joint. In cross-country skiing, this problem does not exist as the snow absorbs vibrations.
How to choose the height of the poles (table)
The correct choice of Nordic walking pole size must be made taking into account many factors:
- The main factor is the height of the person; depending on the height, the height of the poles is selected. For this, previously developed tables are used (see below) or calculated using the formula - coefficient * human height in cm. The coefficient ranges from 0.6 to 0.7 . Professional athletes take the highest coefficient values when calculating.
- In addition, pay attention to the lanyard, if it is short, then the hand will not be able to perform the required range of motion when walking, so the poles should be shorter, otherwise vice versa.
- Due to joint disease or for a number of other reasons, a person is not able to take long strides, so when calculating the coefficient should be equal to 0,6.
- With the same height, the length of the legs can be different; it is easier to take a wide step on long legs than on short ones, so long legs need higher canes, and short ones - vice versa.
- What length of pole should beginners have? For beginners and for people in poor physical shape, lower poles are recommended; as you further master the Nordic walking technique, you can try longer ones. Skiers should take longer poles.
- In sand or soil, the sharp tip will sink, so you will have the feeling that the canes are short, but with a rubber attachment for asphalt they will increase by a couple of cm - this must be taken into account. On dirt and sand you need to lean forward more.
| Height, cm | Entry level (lower possible) | Fitness | Professionals |
| 160 | 95 | 110-115 | 115-120 |
| 170 | 100 | 115-120 | 120-125 |
| 175 | 105 | 120-125 | 125-130 |
| 180 | 110 | 125-130 | 130-135 |
| 190 | 115 | 130-145 | 135-140 |
So, it is best to take the shorter ones when first choosing equipment, but you should also try several other options.
Why is it so important that the sticks fit?
You will learn how to choose Scandinavian walking poles using the table below, but for now, let's figure out why size is so important.
Selecting the length of Nordic walking poles according to height is of great importance; the productivity of the activity and the correct load on the muscles depend on this. A short pair will overload the spine and also forcefully shorten the stride length. As a result, the muscles in the back of your legs will work at half strength, but you will still get tired quickly due to overstrain in the back area. In turn, a pair that is too long will not allow you to adhere to the correct walking technique, since you will not be able to slightly tilt your body forward.
Rating of quality poles
Popular manufacturers of equipment for Nordic walking are ]EXEL, Finpole, Leki, KV[/anchor] and others. The top position in the ranking is held by EXEL .
In order to choose the right model of poles, you need to pay attention to the description of them; it usually indicates that this model is an entry-level, entry-level fitness level, entry-level – advanced level.
A short overview of popular poles
Finpolenero 100% fiberglass and Vinson vinson plus are suitable for beginners. Finpolenero 100% fiberglass has a fixed length, Vinson vinson plus has a telescopic structure.
carbon 100% has proven itself well - it is a three-section high-quality equipment that is suitable for more advanced users; its disadvantage is its high cost.
No ski or trekking poles
Despite the fact that the first Scandinavian walkers practiced with ski poles, when this activity turned into a professional sport, the “special” equipment acquired its own characteristic and special features that are not found in skiing and trekking equipment:
- A special handle, which is designed for a certain load, a lanyard with fastenings comfortably supports the palm and does not allow it to get tired.
- Removable rubber tips that are designed for walking on hard surfaces (asphalt, cement).
- They differ significantly in length from ski poles (the specifics of sliding require more length), and are selected taking into account a person’s height.
Calculation formula to follow when choosing poles
It is unacceptable to use regular ski or trekking poles for Nordic walking. These products are not intended for this type of training and do not have the necessary properties.
Nordic walking poles may contain:
- Aluminium alloy;
- fiberglass alloy with carbon;
- composition (carbon).
Aluminum poles are a good budget option. The disadvantages of such products are heavy weight, low level of strength and noticeable vibration when moving on hard surfaces.
At a low cost, sticks made from an alloy of fiberglass and carbon are characterized by increased durability and the ability to dampen vibrations. Such equipment is durable and can serve the owner for up to several decades.
Carbon fiber (carbon fiber) poles are considered the most expensive and high quality. They are flexible, weightless and extremely reliable. These products have a valuable property - elasticity, which allows them to ease the load on ligaments and tendons during intense training. Carbon poles absorb vibrations and relieve pressure on the hands and shoulders. They are ideal for overweight people.
The length of the poles is selected taking into account the height of the athlete. If you purchase accessories that do not fit perfectly, you can harm your body. If the equipment is not long enough, excessive load will be placed on the back, and other muscles will be poorly used. Using poles that are too high will prevent you from bending properly, and you will feel discomfort while walking.
To improve comfort during Nordic walking, research was carried out, initiated by Marco Cantaneva, a manufacturer of equipment. As a result, a coefficient was calculated that allows you to select the optimal length. It is equal to 0.7. Later amendments were made, and the generally accepted coefficient today is 0.68.
So that people do not have to make calculations on their own, a special table was created, which also takes into account the degree of load. A lower intensity is indicated for the health group, and a higher intensity for the fitness group.
| Height, cm | Length, cm (health group) | Length, cm (fitness group) |
| 200 | 140 | 145 |
| 190 | 135 | 140 |
| 180 | 130 | 135 |
| 175 | 125 | 130 |
| 170 | 120 | 125 |
| 160 | 115 | 120 |
| 150 | 110 | 115 |
1. Belt length (lanyard or half-glove):
- a strap that is too short will not allow you to fully open your arms when moving. This means you need to test a stick that is a little shorter in length.
- A longer stick will fit with a long strap.
The strap on the stick should not hinder movement
2. Features of the physical structure:
- for short limbs, shorter equipment is suitable;
- a person with long legs needs a slightly longer stick, because... he can take long strides;
- Even with long legs, but with limited joint mobility, it is difficult for a novice athlete to take long steps. This means that he needs a stick of slightly shorter length than indicated in the table.
As with any sport, equipment should be tailored to the individual's body type to reduce the likelihood of injury and increased fatigue. In addition to this, a certain margin of strength, durability and sufficient build quality are required.
Important! All hiking poles (trekking models) made of fiberglass and aluminum are not suitable for Nordic Walking, they are for making walking and climbing uphill easier during mountain tourism!
Answering further the question of how to choose poles for Nordic walking, you need to consider their features. They are made from different materials and have different designs. Their choice is determined by the available amount of money and personal preferences.
Ideally, the selected equipment should:
- have sufficient rigidity;
- be non-traumatic;
- have little weight;
- have high strength;
- dampen vibrations and shocks;
- have a comfortable handle;
- match in length.
An important condition for selecting sports equipment is its correct length. Devices must be ideally matched to the athlete’s height. Then they will solve the main problem of the Scandinavian movement: they will reduce the load on the spinal column and joints, “taking it upon themselves.”
Nordic walking poles “adjusted” to height strengthen the framework of the muscles of the body and heart, and vascular permeability. Losing excess weight, depression and constant fatigue is an incomplete list of important changes that will happen to an athlete who regularly walks “Scandinavian style”.
Knowing how to choose the right poles for Nordic walking, you achieve excellent results in training, achieving improved well-being and mood. Properly selected sports equipment must meet the following requirements:
- Be light in weight so as not to create additional stress on bones and joints.
- Be resilient.
- Have a well-adjustable handle that can become an “extension” of your hand while moving.
- Keep the tip in the form of a rubber nozzle, which will prevent slipping on the road surface.
- Be created from high quality material.
Many novice athletes try to save money by using conventional ski devices for training, not understanding how they differ from “Finnish” ones. Let's look at the difference between “Finnish” and ski equipment:
- Ski devices cannot be adjusted according to height.
- They do not have tips for a stable position on various surfaces.
- There are no special straps resembling gloves in ski equipment.
You should also not use trekking supports for exercise. This is the name given to tourists’ equipment, the task of which is to “support” the weight of a person and his backpack. These devices are heavy, too long, too thick, and therefore are completely unsuitable for intense Scandinavian training.
Devices not designed for Nordic movement will cause overload of muscle, bone and joint tissue. Therefore, saving on equipment will not allow you to achieve the main goal of Finnish walking - complete recovery.
It’s good if you have friends who are interested in Nordic walking, but what to do if you don’t have the opportunity to consult with an expert in all the intricacies? You should not panic ahead of time and purchase an accessory that attracted you with its beautiful appearance. There is a special calculation formula that will help you easily determine the length of the poles.
How to choose Nordic walking poles according to height, the table can help here, but not everyone always has it at hand. There is a much simpler way out - to calculate the length of the sticks using a simple formula. It’s easy to independently determine the length of equipment needed for Scandinavian jogging; just measure your height and multiply it by 0.66. It is the length, which was obtained through simple calculations, that will indicate which sticks to purchase.
When selecting such simple sports equipment as Scandinavian sticks, you should pay attention not only to their length, but also to the material from which they are made, the shape of the handle and its relief, etc.
What not to do when buying poles
- Do not expect that the first equipment will last you a lifetime; its service life depends on the intensity of training, the quality and quantity of joints.
- Don't expect a quality cane to give you the correct walking technique; you need to put in the effort and effort to master it. You can learn with low-quality equipment.
- For a beginner, you need to choose cheap canes with 10% carbon added and a fixed length.
- The main thing is that the classes bring you pleasure, so choose equipment for yourself (and not like your neighbor’s), taking into account all your characteristics.
