Nordic Walking News

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Following the successful launch of my book 'Nordic Walking Step by Step' in ebook format in July, the wait for the Physical version is almost over! It's been published and all I have to do is see a copy and approve it and it will then go on sale! I hope to be able to tell you more in a week or so.

For those of you who have been asking about buying bulk quantities for retailing I will have some news about that too.

I have not forgotten my promise that if you have already bought the ebook version of 'Nordic Walking Step by Step' that you will be able to upgrade to the physical version at a special price (plus shipping). Details of how you will be able to do this will be emailed to you, again once I have approved the physical version.

In the mean time anyone buying the ebook version right now will already be downloading the 'updated' version. There have been a number of changes / additions since the original addition was published including:

* The addition of a 'Forward' by Bernd Zimmermann, President of ANWA. I was thrilled that someone with the standing of Bernd Zimmermann came forward offering to do this for me

* A new addition to the Sports & Fitness (Advanced) Exercises Chapter - Skate Jumps: Skate jumps mimic (as close as they can) the action of a skater.

* The addition of INFO (International Nordic Fitness Organisation) in the Origins & History Chapter.

* On the back cover, a few of the wonderful testimonials I have received from ordinary Nordic Walkers, Instructors and people from a medical background.

Of course I haven't forgotten that I promised to send a FREE copy of the updated ebook to everyone who purchased the original edition, so if this applies to you then keep an eye on your Inbox this coming week.

Thank you so much to everyone who has sent me messages of congratulations regarding 'Nordic Walking Step by Step', together with the many testimonials - I can say 'hand on heart' that the positive responses I have received have far exceeded even my wildest dreams- Thank you everyone so much!

If you have yet to check out the 'Nordic Walking Step by Step' website here it is:

http://www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com

Ok that almost all for now - Except to say that Christmas Day is only 9 weeks, less one day away... And right now I am working on a very exciting Nordic Walking project with Christmas in mind! I know I am going to be accused again of being a tease! Oh Well - I will have to live with it because right now I can't possibly tell you what it's all about, except to say it is something that I feel sure will be of interest to any Nordic Walker who celebrates Christmas - And it will be another first!!! :-)

Note: Thinking about it, even if you don't celebrate Christmas I think you will find this interesting!

As they say... Watch this space!

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In a study carried out by Dr. Irwin Goldstein, from Boston University School of Medicine and published in the August, 2000 issue of Urology, it was shown that after a 9-year study of 600 men who at the start of the study had no impotence problems, those who kept exercising or took up exercising at middle age reduced their risk of impotence.

The study also found that taking other healthy actions at mid-life such as quitting smoking, losing weight or cutting back on drinking did not reduce the risk of impotence.

According to Dr. Goldstein a brisk 2 mile walk each day can reduce men's risk of impotence...

Of course as Nordic Walkers we know that if you are going to walk then it makes sense to go Nordic Walking!

To read more about these findings visit Wendy Bumgartner's 'Walking.About' website at:

http://walking.about.com/od/malehealth/a/edwalkgood.htm

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Sometimes a Nordic Walker contacts me saying that they are experiencing pain in their wrist, elbow or shoulder which is exhasperated when Nordic Walking and they ask my advice:

First things first... If you are experiencing pain the first thing you should do is seek professional medical advice. Here in the UK I would visit eg a osteopath, physiotherapist, chiropractor or sports injury specialist...

Could this be caused by Nordic Walking? Yes it could! When I first began Nordic Walking one of the first things that struck me was the potential for this sort of 'repetitive strain' soft tissue injury due to both vibration through the poles when 'planting' and also 'planting' the poles too forcefully.

So what can be done to avoid or limit the risk of injury...

Well, three things...

1) Learn the 'correct' technique: The very best way to do this in my opinion is via a trained instructor. If you do not have access to an instructor then either buy a training DVD and or purchase a book that gives clear instruction.

* Excuse the self promotion here... But my new book - 'Nordic Walking Step by Step' takes you 'step by step' through my 10 point training program - the very same program that you would experience if you booked personal training sessions with me.

2) Buy good quality Nordic Walking poles - Some low cost aluminum poles on the market cause me concern due to the level of vibration transmitted to your wrist and arm every time you plant your poles!

...That is vibration transmitted through both your right and left wrists and arms approx 900 times for every mile you walk! If you have the opportunity to 'physically' test poles before you buy them you should look out for this!

Note: Carbon fibre poles are usually noted for their 'vibration limiting' qualities, although some aluminum poles have systems in place designed to counter vibration.

3) ... And this comes back to point 1) above eg - Getting good training: DO NOT 'slam' your pole tips into the ground each time you plant them - The harder and more often you do this the more likely you are to be setting yourself up for 'painful' problems down the road...

So - Always plant your poles 'gently' and 'thoughtfully'! Do not apply downwards force until fractionally 'after' the tips have made contact with the ground.

I hope that helps...

David

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Ps... My book - 'Nordic Walking Step by Step' is available via:

http://www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com

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