The range starts of with the entry level Exel NW Tour Pole.

The Nordic Walker® Tour Alis pole has only 10% carbon and yet is well balanced and light. It is a perfect starter pole, affordable and yet still the quality you wold expect from Exel. Equipped with a carbon composite shaft, ALIS TPE grip, Alis black strap, Aero2 tip and endurance paw. The Alis strap allows a quick release of the strap by clicking with the index finger. Sold as a pair. £58.00

Shaft: Carbon Composite Construction;
Grip: Alis TPE;
Strap: Alis Black Strap;
Spiketip: Aero 2 tip and endurance paw;
Exel Carbon Index: CI 100;
Lengths: 100-130/5 cm.

The Exel Nordic Walk trainer has long been our best selling pole.

The Nordic Walker® Trainer Alis pole is 45% carbon and provides a good all round pole for different abilities. It is designed for Nordic Walkers who seek performance and durability in their equipment at reasonable cost. The Nordic Walker Trainer is favoured by Nordic walking instructors & may well be the pole you use in your classes. Equipped with a carbon composite shaft, Alis cork grip, Alis strap and all terrain tip. The Alis strap allows a quick release of the strap by clicking with the index finger. Sold as a pair. £79.95.

Shaft: Carbon Composite Construction;
Grip: Alis Cork Grip;
Strap: Alis Strap;
Spiketip: All terrain tip;
Exel Carbon Index: CI 450;
Lengths:100-130/5 cm.

The Exel Nordic Walker Sport ALIS is a lovely looking pole in green and silver. For the more discerning nordic walker, this is a good choice

New for 2010, The Nordic Walker® Sport Alis pole is 80% carbon and so is lighter and more shock absorbing than the trainer pole. It comes with a lifetime guarantee and is designed for athletic Nordic Walkers who seek excellent performance and durability in their equipment. Equipped with a carbon composite shaft, Alis cork grip, Alis strap and all terrain tip. The Alis strap allows a quick release of the strap by clicking with the index finger. The all terrain tip allows an easy transition from asphalt to soft ground. Using your foot, you easily adjust the lever on or off the tip. Sold as a pair. £99.95.

Shaft: Carbon Composite Construction;
Grip: Alis Cork Grip;
Strap: Alis Strap;
Spiketip: All terrain tip;
Exel Carbon Index: CI 800;
Lengths: 100-130/5 cm.

Exel Nordic walking Pole Size Chart

So you’ve had a few Nordic walking lessons, possibly with us at our nordic walking centre in South Wales. You’ve decided its time to buy a pair of poles, but what length to buy?

Nordic Walking poles are typically sold in fixed lengths of 5 cms increments, starting from 100cms and going all the way up to 135cms. The simplist way to estimate the length of Nordic walking pole you need is to multiply your height in cms by 0.68 and then round down to the nearest 5cm length. So for example, I am 5′ 5″ ish which is 165cm and I walk with 110cms poles (actually nice 100% carbon Exel Ultimates!).

If you have the poles to hand another way of measuring up is to hold the handle of the Nordic walking pole with the shaft vertical and your  elbow tucked into your side (like the silhouette in the chart to the left). Your elbow should make a 90 degree angle or slightly more (so that your hand is a little lower to the ground).

Many factors could affect the ideal pole length for your style of Nordic walking. If you have a particularly long stride then you may want a longer pole. Or if you have a hip restriction then you may want a slightly shorter Nordic walking pole. For this kind of fine tunning then its best to take the advise of a qualified INWA (International Nordic Walking Federation) instructor. You can find your nearest instructor at www.britishnordicwalking.org.uk. Or pop in and see us at Barefoot Studio, Cowbridge, near Cardiff. All our staff are INWA qualified instructors and are happy to give you as much advise as you need.

If you wold like to see the poles and road test them then come along to the Cardiff Outdoor Action Show in cardiff Bay this weekend. Barefoot Studio will be there together with Exel and British Nordic walking. There will be free taster sessions and you can view the full 2009 pole collection.

INWA has decided to officially change its English name to ”Federation” in the beginning of 2009, because this definition better describes INWA’s position and role as the official worldwide Nordic Walking organisation.

International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA) is represented at the moment in more than 40 nations with 20 national member organizations.

INWA is also a member of TAFISA which currently operates in 132 countries worldwide and is a partner of WHO (World Health Organization), IOC (International Olympic Committee) UNESCO  (United Nations Educational and scientific and Cultural Organization) and ICSSPE (International Council of Sports Science and Physical Education). Co-operation and networking with TAFISA also supports the overall promotion of Nordic Walking.

INWA, representing Nordic Walking as its official and recognised World Federation, offers many practical opportunities to develop this natural, safe, efficient and suitable-for-all form of physical activity around the world.  It creates projects with international and national health and sports organisations, government bodies, public health authorities, ministries and school organisations both directly and through its member organisations in countries all over the world.

INWA has just updated its website, which now better reflects the development of Nordic Walking and INWA. Please visit www.inwa-nordicwalking.com.

To find out more about INWA’s work in the UK visit www.britishnordicwalking.org.uk

The cork handle provides comfort  and a low sweat surface and works together with the Worldcup strap system. This strap gives three points of adjustment and a broad base of support to push through when nordic walking. Once adjusted this strap system fits the hand perfectly.

The spike tip is fitted with the new Aero tip for improved grip when nordic walking on soft surfaces such as grass.

The pole is available in lengths from 100cms to 135cms and has a shaft lifetime guarantee.

You can check out the full 09 range of exel poles at the UK Exel  website
Or  order on-line from www.barefootstudiostore.co.uk

Lengths:

100-140/5 cm

Shaft lifetime guarantee!

How will it benefit my body?
Nordic Walking combines the simplicity and accessibility of walking with simultaneous core and upper body conditioning similar to Nordic skiing.  The result is a full body workout, which means that you:

• burn up to 46% more calories compared to walking without poles
• release tension in the neck and shoulders
• improve your posture and gait
• strengthen your back and abdominal muscles
• reduce the  impact on the joints

And because Nordic Walking doesn’t feel like hard work you’ll be happy to walk further and for longer.

“In 6 months I lost a stone, waved goodbye to the bingo wings, rediscovered my waistline and I definitely have less cellulite, even my husband said my bum was smaller”
Nordic Walking Mum of two

“Sitting at my computer all day kills my back. After my evening nordic walking class, I’ve really relaxed, its like a massage for my neck and shoulders and I sleep so much better”
Nordic Walking Site Manager

Many back sufferers lack rotation in the spine and therefore don’t give their inter vertebral discs the opportunity to imbibe the fluids needed for a health spine. Nordic Walking gently encourages the upper body to rotate as we walk. As people begin to improve this upper body rotation when nordic walking they also see improvements when they walk without poles.

Is it for me?
Nordic Walking is a very accessible activity and something that can be shared by people of different fitness levels.  It’s an ideal activity for people who haven’t exercised for a while or who dislike traditional sports or gym activities.  An injured person can use the poles to support and guide, working to improve fitness as part of their rehabilitation.  Athletes can use Nordic Walking for cross training and incorporate Nordic running.  Community groups find it a sociable way to keep fit.  If you’d like to shed a few pounds, then Nordic Walking is an enjoyable way to do this.  It’s great for fitness enthusiasts who like to try new things.  Whatever your age from 8 to 80+, you’ll probably enjoy discovering the benefits of Nordic Walking that improve your quality of life.

Barefoot Studio regularly runs introduction to Nordic walking workshops which are a great way to see how this activity can benefit you and your body. Check out the events page to find out more.

Exel All Terrain Tip

Are you tired of muddy pockets, or stopping to take your paws on and off when Nordic Walking? Then take a look at the new Exel All Terrain (AT) Tip. Karen Ingram, National Nordic Walking Coach for Wales, has been road testing them:

I easily fitted the new tip to my Exel 100% carbon poles. It needs a screw driver or something like that to lever up the little plastic clip that enable you to change the quick lock basket on the end of your pole. The first thing I noticed was that the swing weight of my poles was a little bit heavier, but not uncomfortably so. The AT Tip is a combined paw and tungsten carbide tip. The paw cleverly hinges and swings up to clip out of the way when on soft ground. After a bit of practice I can flick the paw up and downwith my foot, so no more muddy hands! I’ve walked a lot on roads with it and of course the paw rubber does start to wear down after time. When the paw has worn completely the whole AT tip will need to be replaced. So I wouldn’t recommend this if you are a 90% road walker. If like me though you are on and off the road and field then its great. At around £14 its not too expensive to change maybe once a year as the paw part wears. So in all a great concept, dead easy to use… I will be keeping them on my poles!

Available from Barefoot Studio Store £14.95