One of the nation’s leading daily newspapers spotlights Nordic Walking
To those of us who grew up in the New York Times’ sphere of influence (which is everyone in the nation but especially in the metro area), the paper is a major authority on everything. So a small piece on Nordic Walking can have a big impact. “Say Where’s the Snow?” Therefore, the 200-odd words in, of all sections, “Fashion & Style,” will have a disproportionally large impact because the Times is still considered the newspaper of record.
A photo shows Dr. Andrew Feldman, identified as “an orthopedic surgeon in Manhattan who specializes in sports medicine and is the head team physician for the New York Rangers, [who] recently tested five pairs of Nordic walking poles. Dr. Feldman, who also runs and surfs,” was cited by the paper as giving his approval on Nordic Walking. An accompanying photograph showed Dr. Feldman purposefully striding across the grass of Central Park. The photo is copyrighted, so I can’t show it here, but you can see it by clicking on the small article.
The pole models cited in the piece with prices, and shown in another image, are Swix VIP, $69.95; Fittrek Enduro, $49.95; Exerstrider OS2 Fitness Trekker, $89.95; LEKI Instructor, $149.99; and Exel Formula Cork, $119.
Exerstrider inventor, founder and president Tom Rutlin might take issue with Dr. Feldman’s comment, “but the lack of straps was an issue. ‘It’s fine for a beginner, but to go fast you need them to push off.’” His contention is that upping the workout level is not just a function of going faster but also of the force put into the poling action. Dr. Feldman also noted that beginners “might find LEKI’s technology intimidating” — but by “technology,” I suppose he was referring to the previously praised “turn-and-lock length adjustment and easily detachable wrist straps.”
Dr. Feldman was also quoted as commenting, ““But as someone who understands physiology, I saw that the learning curve is quick.The poles definitely add value because they work the upper body and core.” No Nordic Walking enthusiast would quibble with that.
I've only Nordic skied, not walked, and there straps are essential. WE let go of the pole entirely when swinging the hand behind us and catch the pole handle on the forward part of the swing in classic stride.
NY Times style page is ahead of the curve… and ahead of other parts of the paper that cover recreation and exercise. I hope this sells lots of books!
Let's hope for more and more coverage on the benefits of Nordic walking–it all helps bring this form of exercise to people's attention. What's next? Nordic dancing with poles?