MBT’s new Athletic Collection helps to strengthen the small and often neglected muscles that protect the joints and back; areas that suffer from repeated shock and compression during sporting activities. Keeping these small but important muscles in top condition has a positive effect on the entire body, as well as on athletic performance.

Specifically designed to be worn before and after athletic competitions, MBTs can help prevent injury, as well as speed recovery and regeneration.

MBT is footwear that not only helps you stay healthy, but also helps you stay on top of your game. And nothing feels better than that.

Barefoot Studio offers an expert MBT fitting service, making sure you leave with the perfect pair of MBT shoes for you. You can now also order on-line or by telephone. Its still best to come in for a fitting but if this is not possible we will give you the best advice possible over the phone.

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.

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!

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