grip each pole firmly but not tensely. Then, keeping the arms straight, swing your arms to approximately waist height and holding the poles diagonally behind you, help propel yourself forward alternatingI'm not one to latch onto fads. I tend to favor tried and true methods, such as walking, but I am always interested in new exercise techniques that might enhance the results. I am even more interested in new approaches that may help those with physical problems enter mainstream physical fitness more easily. So, when my wife showed me an article in a magazine about what they called, "pole walking", I did a little digging. Here's what I found out.

This is what is often called "Nordic walking". It is, put as simply as possible, the technique of walking with what resembles a pair of ski poles. As with skiing, the walker alternately moves the poles as he or she walks. Obviously, there is a "best" technique, but it's a little complicated to describe here. However, the basic method is first to grip each pole firmly but not tensely. Then, keeping the arms straight, swing your arms to approximately waist height and holding the poles diagonally behind you, help propel yourself forward alternating

in new approaches that may help those with physical problems enter mainstream physical fitness more easily. So, when my wife showed me an article in a magazine about what they called, "pole walking", I did a little digging. Here's what I found out.

This is what is often called "Nordic walking". It is, put as simply as possible, the technique of walking with what resembles a pair of ski poles. As with skiing, the walker alternately moves the poles as he or she walks. Obviously, there is a "best" technique, but it's a little complicated to describe here. However, the basic method is first to grip each pole firmly but not tensely. Then, keeping the arms straight, swing your arms to approximately waist height and holding the poles diagonally behind you, help propel yourself forward alternating

did a little digging. Here's what I found out.

This is what is often called "Nordic walking". It is, put as simply as possible, the technique of walking with what resembles a pair of ski poles. As with skiing, the walker alternately moves the poles as he or she walks. Obviously, there is a "best" technique, but it's a little complicated to describe here. However, the basic method is first to grip each pole firmly but not tensely. Then, keeping the arms straight, swing your arms to approximately waist height and holding the poles diagonally behind you, help propel yourself forward alternating

As with skiing, the walker alternately moves the poles as he or she walks. Obviously, there is a "best" technique, but it's a little complicated to describe here. However, the basic method is first to grip each pole firmly but not tensely. Then, keeping the arms straight, swing your arms to approximately waist height and holding the poles diagonally behind you, help propel yourself forward alternatinggrip each pole firmly but not tensely. Then, keeping the arms straight, swing your arms to approximately waist height and holding the poles diagonally behind you, help propel yourself forward alternating your right and left poles as you walk.

What has developed as an activity in its own right, Nordic walking was originally a means by which Finnish skiers could maintain fitness and ability during the off-season. Just as they skied on snow, they would walk on land, helping to propel themselves with poles. Obviously, these used in the sport are NOT ski poles. They are specially made and can cost anywhere from about $40 to over $200 per pair. You can determine optimum pole length by multiplying your height in inches by .72. The poles are adjustable.

So, what are the results of proper pole walking?

Well, among many research groups and facilities, the Cooper Institute in Dallas, tested the pole walking technique. Here are a few things they and others found out about pole walking.