home » Good to know » The size of ski poles for Nordic walking. How to choose Scandinavian sticks. Rating of quality sticks for Nordic walking

The size of ski poles for Nordic walking. How to choose Scandinavian sticks. Rating of quality sticks for Nordic walking

In this article we will talk about what kind of sticks are for nordic walking: we will give instructions on how to choose the right size, height, length for growth. It seems to many people that there is nothing complicated in buying such sports equipment and you can even use a ski kit. This is wrong. To make training as useful and convenient as possible, you need to take into account various nuances. When purchasing, you should focus on several factors:

level physical training;
type of occupation;
personal preferences;
financial opportunities.

Do not ignore the advice of experts. The shop assistants will help you.

Types of equipment

There are two options for Nordic walking sticks:

Ordinary. They are suitable for experienced athletes and overweight people. They are reliable, since there is no division into sections, they break less often, deform. During exercise, you can shift the maximum pressure on them. This will reduce the stress on your joints. Fixed products are convenient to use on terrain without elevation changes. For example, the paths in the park. The downside is that they are difficult to take on vacation or on a hike.
Folding (telescopic). They consist of several parts that can be nested into each other. The advantage is that you can vary their size depending on your needs. For example, if you are tired in class, you can make the inventory shorter and unload the desired area of the body. Or vice versa, you feel that you are ready to make more efforts - increase the parameters. In the folded position, they can easily fit into luggage and you will not have a break in sports during the trip.

How to choose the right length, size, height of Nordic walking poles according to your height

Projectile dimensions are the main factor that affects the effectiveness of exercises. If you carefully consider the purchase, then the knees, elbows, back in the process of training will be as unloaded as possible. Muscles work evenly. For those who have foot problems, it is better to use products higher in order to transfer pressure to the hands. With osteochondrosis or problem joints, on the contrary, take smaller equipment. The calculation must be made according to one of the three formulas that we have presented below. It is important to take into account the selected type of classes and physical condition.

How to choose Scandinavian walking poles: table

The classic formula: multiply your height by the appropriate factor:

For beginners, children, pensioners and those who are rehabilitated after injuries - 0.66.
In order to maintain muscle tone, for ordinary physical training - 0.67.
With strong intensity, for professional athletes - 0.70.

The result must be rounded up to an integer. This will be the optimal length. With the improvement of the level, it can be adjusted. This is another reason why it would be a rational decision to purchase telescopic equipment.

Below are the average values. Use them, but do not forget about your goals and body characteristics.

What materials should Nordic walking poles be made of?

The task of these shells is to unload the back, joints of the arms or legs in the classroom. This means that you need to find a product that will not break and complicate the process. There are three types on store shelves:

Aluminum. High quality, durable, affordable. Their disadvantage is that they do not spring.
Plastic. Lightweight, flexible, reliable. The disadvantages include the high cost.
From fiberglass. Very light weight, absorb vibrations well, but very fragile.

The higher the carbon content index, the more pressure resistant the equipment. For people of large build, trainers recommend buying models with a large amount of this substance. They will reduce the recoil from impacts on hard surfaces and relieve the shoulders, elbows, and wrists.

What sticks are needed for Nordic walking - it is better to choose and buy once and for a long time

In such sports equipment there are several parts, the quality of which directly affects the convenience of its use.

Lever

A good handle is made of durable raw materials and does not slip during operation. In the process of doing workouts, the palm constantly opens and closes - this is the execution technique. As a result, the part becomes wet and it is important that the coating absorb moisture. There are three options:

Plastic. The most uncomfortable. You can correct their shortcomings by purchasing a special glove.
Cork. Absorb sweat, but wear out quickly.
Rubber. Non-slip, absorb water, easy to clean, durable.

Lanyard

This is a device that fixes a person's hand in the desired position. It should be made of dense fabric, do not rub or squeeze your fingers. It is rational to immediately purchase two pieces: for summer and for winter one size larger - for a glove.

There are several types:

Base. Can be worn on any brush. Since the products are not fitted, this creates inconvenience during use.
For right or left hand. Widely distributed than the previous version. Can be adjusted and provide good grip.
Professional. Produced together with expensive equipment.

Tips

Rubber or carbon spikes should be included with the inventory in order to improve the connection with asphalt or other hard surfaces. They also minimize noise and prolong the life of walking sticks.

Why you can’t work with ski and trekking equipment

At specialized sticks for winter sports usually longer than their Norse walking counterparts. This is due to the fact that a person, when moving, is repelled by them from the ground, and does not rely on them. Height is calculated according to different indices.

The second factor is the tips. Sharp options are suitable for snow cover, and rubber pads are needed for traction on hard ground.

Hiking products are very durable and designed to carry the weight of a hiker and a backpack with things. They are made of metal, consist of two or three sections, do not bend. The handle is wide, there are notches for the fingers and there is no lanyard.

Both types are not suitable, since the impact on the surface is not repaid by the body, and all its strength ends up in the joints.

The choice of sneakers and other equipment is not so important. But for the cold season, try to find shoes with embossed soles - they will slip less. If you have flat feet, buy orthopedic shoes. The wardrobe needs to be multi-layered. It will keep warm and you will be able to take something off if it gets hot.

For winter, choose a warm but light jacket. Such costumes are produced by Stayer. All products are presented in the online store: they are very durable, so they will serve you long years. A unique bright design is a distinctive feature of the Stayer models.

A few more rules for a successful purchase

It is not necessary for beginners to immediately purchase expensive products, but it is also impossible to save too much. It is important to know that the effectiveness of classes and the absence of health problems depend on the quality of the equipment. We advise:

Choose a well-known manufacturer. Durable products are created by Finnish and German brands.
Do not settle for too cheap, unknown brands.
Good plastic models have a carbon index of more than 20.
It is necessary to check the properties of walking sticks in the store, take them out of the packaging and inspect them.
It is more correct to give preference to equipment with a cork or rubber handle.
Do not buy a product with a warranty period of less than a year.

Now you know what Nordic walking poles should be and how to choose the right size for your height.

Do not forget to purchase equipment from Stayer so that your workouts bring you pleasure even in winter!

Benefits of Nordic walking.

Nordic walking is an easy way to keep fit when more intense workouts are hard to come by. It is gaining popularity in our country and more and more often you can see a person with walking sticks on the street.

Walking in itself is very useful, it has a good effect on the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and also strengthens the muscular frame and has a beneficial effect on the musculoskeletal system. Normal walking without sticks involves about 60% of the muscles in the work, and walking with sticks up to 90%. The pulse when walking with sticks increases by 10-15 beats, which has a good effect on the cardiovascular system. Lung ventilation becomes more efficient, oxygen is better transported in the body. When walking with sticks, the muscles of the neck, arms and shoulders, and back are included in the work. Calories are burned 2 times more than with normal walking and the back always remains straight. Unloading the joints of the legs, walking has a good effect on the musculoskeletal system as a whole. Walking is good for those who suffer from arthrosis or have suffered an injury.

How to choose the material from which the sticks are made?

The principle of Nordic walking is to unload part of the body due to the active work of other parts.

It follows from the principle that in order to unload the joints and spine, the sticks must be light. To have a minimum weight, they should be made from materials that will not additionally load the joints and spine, that is, light but strong. Materials for manufacturing are different. Nordic walking poles are made of aluminum, composite materials, which are more expensive than aluminum ones.

A material such as carbon does its job well. Carbon sticks are easy to lift, have a minimum weight, but are strong enough for practice. Carbon is considered the best material for Nordic walking.

Basically, sticks are made not from pure carbon, but from alloys with it. The more of this substance is contained in the material for the production of sticks, the better it will be. The cost of sticks with an increase in the percentage of carbon fiber also increases.
For infrequent use or for beginners, aluminum sticks are also great. They are made of alloy and are quite light. They performed well in operation.
Professional use requires more expensive equipment continuous loads it is also better to give preference to expensive sticks in which a carbon fiber rod is built in.

The main part of the load during classes falls on the rod of the stick. It absorbs the impact of walking and helps the athlete move around. The more carbon content in the alloy, the stronger and harder it is. If the rod is made entirely of carbon, then its cost will be high, but then it will be suitable for running, for increased walking load and for performing complex exercises. Carbon sticks, although they are more expensive, are considered to be of better quality and safer, unlike metal ones, which are cheaper. The difference is significant in that the carbon rod has the ability to spring along its entire length and take the load on itself, freeing the joints and spine from it.

How to choose the right handles for sticks?

It is important that the handles of the sticks are thin and fit easily in the palm of your hand. Handle material may vary.

Plastic. Plastic handles are durable enough, but do not absorb liquids. When practicing, they quickly become wet and slip out of the hands. When moving, they create inconvenience, but they last a long time. The advantage of this type of handle is that it is easy to clean and hygienic.
Cork. The best option for the manufacture of the handle. In terms of comfort, this material absorbs moisture better and is more pleasant to the touch, but cork, unfortunately, is not as durable. Over time, detachments may occur, and the handle may crumble.
Rubber. Usually handles for professional sticks are made from this material. The most comfortable and durable of all the materials listed here. Such handles absorb moisture well, do not slip in the hand, are quite durable and resistant to external influences.

Types of temples on the handle.

There must be a temple on the handle of the stick. This is such a special fastening for the hand, which allows you to return the stick to your hand during classes, if it accidentally fell out, or you lowered it.

There is a strap in the form of a loop, which is not very comfortable when walking, because if you put it on your hand, it will not be securely fixed to the handle. This type is cheaper and sufficient for non-professional use.
If you have been practicing for a long time, you like a thorough approach to everything, then it is better to replace the templa in the form of a loop with a templa in the form of a glove that has no fingers. Such a handle is more comfortable and pleasant to the touch, the hand is perfectly fixed in it, thus the exercises are performed correctly.

There is a special system for quickly detaching the temple from the handle by pressing one button. In case you need to use your hand, for the convenience of handling the phone, camera, during a break, when you want to drink coffee. Attaches the templak with one simple backward movement.

Which tip to choose?

If we consider the best option, then there should be two types of tips in the kit. One is needed for walking on asphalt, and the other is equipped with a metal spike.
Good walking poles should be equipped with two types of tips: a metal spike and a nozzle for walking on asphalt.

The rubber tip works well for walking on asphalt. This material reduces vibration when walking. Metal tips should be made of very durable materials, for example, tungsten carbide is suitable, because it is on it that most of the load is taken during classes.

There are novelties in the manufacture of tips, or rather in the materials from which they are made.

Carbon. Made from a mixture of carbon and rubber. This fusion of the two elements improves traction and dampens the sound of the stick on the asphalt surface. Made from a mixture of rubber and carbon, which together improve grip and make the stick hit the ground quieter. Furrows on the surface also allow you to move on small pebbles, sand, grass, which is very convenient when exercising on the beach or in the forest. The durability of such tips is about 4 times higher than usual ones.
Kevlar tips. Designed to have a Kevlar body (durable para-aramid fibre) and a rubber/carbon compound pad.

There are two types of sticks:

Telescopic (the size of which can be adjusted)
fixed (monolithic).

Each type has its pros and cons. It all depends on the individual who is more comfortable. Experts advise beginners to choose telescopic ones, because the size can be adjusted, and it is impossible to make fixed ones larger or smaller.

On the other hand, monolithic sticks are more reliable in the sense that they cannot suddenly fold, they will not break. But with such sticks, you need to know exactly what length to choose and fit they will only be for the one for whom they are purchased.

Telescopic sticks can be used by any member of the family, especially for children whose growth changes over time. Such sticks are cheaper than monolithic ones, but not as reliable and can break when water or dirt gets in, can freeze in winter, which can cause the latch to break when trying to change the length. With strong pressure, the sticks can fold and cause injury.

How to choose the size of sticks for Nordic walking.

Suitable for beginners or for light training coefficient 0.66. For slow walking, for training after an injury. With a height of 160 cm, for example, 160 cm x 0.66 \u003d 105.6 cm.

Suitable for a more intense workout coefficient 0.68. With a height of 160 cm, for example, 160 cm x 0.68 \u003d 108.8 cm.

For advanced sports training with increased load - coefficient 0.7. With a height of 160cm, the size of the stick is 160cm x 0.7=112cm.

It should be noted that elongated sticks load more upper part body and make it easier for the legs. Shortened sticks, on the contrary, increase the load on the legs.

When choosing sticks, it should also be taken into account that elongated models reinforce physical activity on your upper body and reduce the load on the leg muscles. The use of shortened ones has the opposite effect.

Scandinavian (Nordic, Nordic) walking is a sport that is gaining popularity and can be practiced by everyone, regardless of age and physical condition. It is equally suitable for pregnant women, the elderly and children taller than 150 centimeters. But how to choose sticks for Nordic walking so that classes bring maximum results?

This sport creates a load on various muscle groups that are not involved, for example, when running or riding. Thus, Nordic walking allows you to prepare the body for more serious physical exertion, bring it into tone and maintain it, and even get rid of excess weight.

This sport is not contraindicated for those who, for medical reasons, cannot run, i.e. people suffering:

diseases of the cardiovascular system;
obesity;
diseases of the respiratory system.

At the same time, its great advantage is accessibility - nothing is required from sports equipment for Nordic walking except a couple of sticks. However, far from any sticks are suitable for classes, choosing the right ones can be quite difficult for an unprepared person.

Due to the growing popularity of Nordic walking, how to choose sticks for it is not yet clear to everyone. In this case, instead of picking up specialized equipment, it is often replaced with a similar one for its intended purpose: ski or trekking poles.

Of course, since these products are not designed for Nordic walking, the effectiveness of training with them will be lower, and their use has a lot of features.

Ski poles can also be used in Nordic walking, however, it should be noted that their use is only allowed on loose surfaces: due to the characteristics of the tip, they can only be used in winter and on snow.

In extreme cases, they are suitable for loose surfaces (sand). It is also impossible to use the same pair of sticks for walking and for riding: they are selected based on different criteria, which means that their length should differ markedly.

Trekking poles (travel poles), in turn, are designed for completely different functions: supporting a tourist on a hike. They are heavy, thick and massive, as they are designed to withstand not only human weight, but also the mass of a backpack.

Trekking poles are almost always telescopic. Their use for Nordic walking is undesirable because a significant muscle overload is created.

Choice of stick length

When choosing sticks, two aspects must be taken into account: the height of a person and the features of the products themselves. The selection of the optimal length is necessary for productive training: this is the only way the load on the body will be distributed correctly, without causing muscle strain.

Sticks of insufficient length will overload the spine, they cannot properly push off the ground. With short sticks, the stride length is also reduced, which reduces the training load by back muscles legs. On the contrary, sticks that are too long will not allow you to tilt the body a little forward, which is necessary for proper walking.

The required length of sticks directly depends on the height of a person. It is logical that for more tall man longer sticks are needed. The size of the inventory can vary from 110 to 140 centimeters, the table of possible sizes has a step of 5 centimeters.

To determine the optimal length of sticks for everyday activities and keep the body in good shape, you need to multiply your height by a standard coefficient of 0.7. The result will approximately reflect the appropriate length.

The physical condition of the body also affects the required length of the sticks. People with a more athletic build can increase it by 5 centimeters, and professional athletes by 10.

Also, instead of wondering how to choose the right sticks for Nordic walking, you can conduct a simple test: pick them up. Ideally, with the body and sticks straight, the elbow should be bent at a right angle.

When choosing the length, it is necessary to take into account not only the physical shape and height of a person, but also his individual characteristics. So, people suffering from diseases of the joints cannot take long enough steps, based on which the size of the stick is selected.

In this case, it is better to take shorter guns. It's the same with leg size: long-legged people take wider strides and need longer poles, while people with short legs will be more comfortable with shorter poles.

Criterias of choice

Answering further the question of how to choose sticks for Nordic walking, you need to consider their features. They are made from different materials and have different designs. Their choice is determined by the available amount of money and personal preferences.

Ideally, the selected inventory should:

have sufficient rigidity;
be non-traumatic;
have a small weight;
have high strength;
dampen vibrations and shocks;
have a comfortable handle;
match in length.

Design

The design of the sticks can be fixed or telescopic. Telescopic poles allow you to fine-tune the height. They consist of two or three sections and are equipped with a twist lock. These poles are easy to transport and can be adjusted for walking on various surfaces. Telescopic Scandinavian walking poles are recommended:

beginners who select the most comfortable parameters for themselves;
people involved in walking with different loads and in different conditions.

For those who rarely change their load (and, accordingly, do not feel the need to adjust the height of the poles) and are walking on homogeneous terrain, it is recommended to choose solid poles: they are safer and more durable.

Scandinavian walking sticks consist of four elements: a shaft, a tip, a lanyard and a handle. Each of these elements can have different quality parameters, be made from different materials and affect the productivity of classes in general.

The shaft (shaft) is made of aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass, carbon fiber and composite. The first option is the cheapest, but at the same time the least preferable: aluminum poles very poorly dampen the impacts on the ground and vibrations that occur during walking, creating an additional load on the joints.

More professional poles made of aluminum are equipped with a special anti-shock anti-vibration system that increases the elasticity of the poles. More preferred options are products with the addition of carbon. The more of this material in the design - the less weight of the sticks.

Carbon perfectly absorbs vibration and impact energy. Its addition increases the stiffness, flexibility and strength of the poles. Professionals prefer to use composite or carbon fiber poles: they show the best qualities.

The main difference between Nordic walking sticks and ski or trekking sticks is the handle. Their handle has a special ergonomic shape and a small diameter.

Handles are made from various materials. The least preferred among them is plastic: while walking, the hand is constantly unclenched and compressed, which causes sweating.

Excess moisture accumulates and causes discomfort. The material of the handle should at least partially absorb excess moisture, plastic does not have such qualities. Therefore, in most inexpensive models, rubber inclusions are introduced into the plastic handle. Cork handles are considered the highest quality: they not only perfectly absorb moisture, but also sit comfortably in the hand.

A lanyard is a special belt around the hand, resembling a glove. In simpler models, the strap is wrapped around the wrist, similar to a ski lanyard.

The task of the lanyard is to support the hand and wrist, to provide the ability to release the stick after it hits the ground. Lanyards vary in size, which must be taken into account when choosing. Not every lanyard can be adjusted in size to a specific hand, however, there are such, buying sticks with a lanyard of this kind will obviously be better.

More primitive lanyards are not divided by hand, but are identical, as a result of which some discomfort may occur when using such sticks.

The accuracy of the trajectory of a stick with a universal lanyard also suffers. In more advanced models, a division into left and right appears. Professional lanyards are made taking into account the anatomical features of the owner, they use special moisture-absorbing materials.

An extremely convenient solution is a removable lanyard, which can be unfastened from the stick at any time. This design allows you to save time when you need to answer a phone call, take a drink and in other similar situations.

The length of the lanyard also matters. In the case of a short strap, it is sometimes better to choose a shorter stick, since there will simply not be enough time to complete a full arm movement. In turn, with a long belt, it is also better to choose a longer stick.

Nordic walking poles are equipped with a Pobedite tip, hard and durable. This tip is ideal for soft and slippery surfaces.

Separately, there are tips to walk on asphalt paths or dense earth. As a rule, these shoe tips are removable and detach when not needed. They are made from rubber. Their function: to protect the hard tip of the stick itself, while providing additional shock absorption when walking.

Many have already heard, and the question often arises: do you need some correct sticks for Nordic walking - or will old ski poles work, for example? We will tell you which Nordic walking poles to buy and how to choose them according to your height.

Although there are no uniform European standards yet, various associations and federations in Europe have defined the following requirements for Nordic walking poles:

Sticks should not be telescopic (folding).
Poles must be made of glass and carbon fiber (minimum carbon index between 30% and 50%, i.e. CL300 to CL500) and not aluminum.
Handles should be made of plastic, cork or rubber compound (best).
Mandatory presence of a comfortable lanyard (fastening for fixing the hands).
The presence of good metal tips (thorns).
The presence of tips (boots, shoes) for walking on asphalt or other hard surfaces where metal spikes slip.

Let us dwell on these requirements for Nordic walking sticks in more detail.

Telescopic poles: what's wrong?

Why don't Nordic walking poles have to be telescopic? Folding poles are not recommended as they can fold unexpectedly during heavy pressure and cause serious injury. They can only be used for occasional use, for example, during holidays, where monolithic ones may be inconvenient (inconvenient to pack, transport and store).

Basically, telescopic sticks are cheaper than monolithic ones. Made from aluminum alloys. To “soften” the aluminum shaft, a special Antishock system is built into some models. In this case, there is a spring inside, which plays the role of a shock absorber and compensates for the shock load. Folding poles with a composite carbon shaft are not cheap.

pros folding models in that they are easily adjusted to the height of any member of the family, can "grow" with the user and, moreover, when folded, are placed in a special case and are more convenient for travel.

Minuses: latches may break when exposed to sand or water, freeze in winter or fold unexpectedly, and rattle and vibration may occur. Experienced instructors do not recommend them. Please note that there are no folding models among the higher class sticks.

Stick material: pros and cons

Fiberglass. Very a light weight effectively absorbs vibrations. Its strength is provided by a mixture of glass and carbon fiber. Unfortunately, this material is very fragile and does not exclude breakage.

Carbon fiber (carbon). The addition of carbon fiber ensures the strength of the poles, while maintaining the quality of fiberglass (absorbs shock and light weight). The higher the carbon content, the stronger the sticks. The recommended percentage of carbon should be between 50% and 80%. For beginners, sticks with an index of 20-30% are quite suitable. Moreover, it must be remembered that sticks from different manufacturers with the same carbon index may differ from each other in elasticity.

Aluminum. These sticks do not absorb vibration well, which very quickly increases the risk of problems for the upper limbs, in particular, inflammation of the articular capsule of the elbow joint. In cross-country skiing, this problem does not exist as the snow absorbs vibrations.

stick handles

Unlike ski or trekking poles (the latter intended for hikers or climbers), Nordic walking poles require constant gripping and releasing ("opening" and "closing" the palms of the hands), which causes the palms to become wet. Therefore, it is very important to choose handles that are not only comfortable, but also absorb moisture to avoid slipping.

There are three types of handles:

Plastic. They do not absorb sweat, making them slippery and uncomfortable to use. This shortcoming can be compensated by using a lanyard that absorbs moisture and provides a grip on the stick.

Cork. Nice natural material handles, effectively absorb sweat. However, if used for a long time in humid conditions, the cork may peel off.

Rubber. A mixture of rubber and cork. Excellent handles, absorb sweat, do not slip and are very durable. Usually found on professional sticks.

In models of the middle price category, the handles are either rubberized or made of a material that imitates natural cork. The difference is not fundamental. The main thing is that the pen should be thin, “lie down” in the hand, not slip and not rub the palm.

What is a lanyard and why Nordic walking poles need it

In order for the stick to return to the palm after you release it, there is a special fixation system called a lanyard. It is a fingerless glove that allows the hand to fit snugly against the handle of the stick.

Different manufacturers have their own designs. There are 3 types of lanyards:

Base. It does not have the designation "left" and "right", it can be worn on any hand. The fact that the lanyard is not fitted to a particular hand interferes with the accuracy of the movement of the stick. When returning to the palm, some inconvenience may occur. Fortunately, these are now rare.

Lanyards for the right and left hands. The most widely used. They are marked "left" and "right", provide perfect grip with sticks and increase the accuracy of movements. Sometimes they are adjustable in length, which allows you to additionally use gloves if necessary.

Lanyard for professionals. This is a more modern look, produced by most manufacturers and used on professional sticks. Lanyard for professionals is a fabric. It is located between the thumb and forefinger. This fabric allows you to absorb sweat. Adjustable for convenience.

A good lanyard comes in sizes S to L and has a quick release system (QLS). At the same time, without taking off your gloves, you can detach sticks in a second, answer a phone call, take a good picture, etc.

To choose the right lanyard, measure the circumference of your palm, as shown in the figure. If the circumference is from 12 to 20 cm, then choose a lanyard in size 5-8, and from 20-30 cm - in size 9-12.

Tips for sticks

At the end of the Scandinavian stick there is a tip (claw, spike) made of durable tungsten carbide. It can be safely stuck into the soil, soil and sand, it will not slip and get stuck. In addition, the kit may include special removable metal tips of various configurations for different surfaces. Moreover, it must be borne in mind that on more expensive models, the tips can be changed, but not always on cheap ones.

For walking on asphalt, special rubber tips (boots) are put on. They should be included with the sticks. Plastic tips are much worse.

Metal tips (thorns). This part takes on the main load. Therefore, the tips for sticks must be very strong, preferably from tungsten carbide. In addition, replacement tips must be attached to the sticks.

Tips for asphalt and other hard surfaces. Nordic walking poles have a carbide tip and a rubber "shoe" for walking on asphalt. Carbide are different types, some resemble a "claw", while others are made in the form of peaks.

Recently, new tips made of the following materials have appeared in European countries.

Carbon. Made from a mixture of rubber and carbon, which together improve grip and make the stick hit the ground quieter. They have deep grooves, which, in addition to being comfortable on hard surfaces, provide good traction on grass, sand or soft ground, that is, they are a kind of "all-terrain vehicle". They are 3-4 times more durable than usual.

Kevlar (para-aramid fibre) tips. The design is similar to carbon fiber. Their body is made of Kevlar, and the pad is made of a rubber-carbon mixture. The result is a softer pad that improves ground contact and makes them even quieter in operation. Improved durability.

Sticks for Nordic walking by height: table

The calculation formula is quite simple: you need to multiply your height by a certain coefficient. Its value fluctuates depending on the state of health and the goals that you want to achieve.

For light walking - a coefficient of 0.66. Suitable for people with a slow pace of walking or people who are recovering from illness, injury. For example, height 171 cm x 0.66 \u003d 112.86 cm. You can use sticks 110 cm long.

For healthy people - the coefficient is 0.68. This coefficient is suitable for more trained people, lovers of medium-intensity walking, who want to chat in a friendly company. For example, height 171 cm x 0.68 \u003d 116.28 cm. You can use sticks 115 cm long.

For training with increased load - a coefficient of 0.70. An increased load is required for athletes and lovers of a fast pace of walking who want to keep their physical shape on high level. For example, height 171 cm x 0.70 \u003d 119.7 cm. You can use sticks 120 cm long.

By the way, the poles you choose will be about 25-30 cm shorter than the length of a suitable ski pole for you.

When choosing sticks, you should also consider that elongated models increase the physical load on your upper body and reduce the load on the leg muscles. The use of shortened ones has the opposite effect.

Man's height	Stick length
136 - 141 cm	90 cm
142 - 150 cm	95 cm
151 - 158 cm	100 cm
159 - 165 cm	105 cm
166 - 173 cm	110 cm
174 - 181 cm	115 cm
182 - 188 cm	120 cm
189 - 196 cm	125 cm
197 - 203 cm	130 cm
204 - 210 cm	135 cm

Since the structure of the body is individual for each, the calculated size may differ slightly from the physiological length for you. Therefore, the selected length should be checked again "in work". To do this, take a stick in your hand and put its tip on the toe of your foot. In this case, the elbow of the arm holding the stick should bend at a right angle.

And one moment. The length of the stick and its severity directly affects the width of your step, the intensity and length of the path that can be overcome in the process of exercising. Estimate the weight, compare it with the weight of other sticks in the sports store. The smaller it is, the easier the lessons will be.

What not to do when buying sticks

Hope for the decency and professionalism of sales consultants. Unfortunately, there are cases when, instead of sticks for Nordic walking, ignorant beginners are sold sticks for walking. skiing or for trekking (for tourism and mountaineering).
Buy packaged sticks in stores where they are not allowed to open the package and inspect the purchase.
Buy sticks with plastic handles. Plastic handles do not absorb sweat and quickly become slippery.
Don't buy highly vibrating sticks - they tend to be heavy and clumsy as well. Be sure to check the shaft for vibration.
Do not purchase sticks that have a warranty of less than one year.

Nordic walking has become popular due to its accessibility at any age, and the ability to practice without special training. Choosing the right equipment is essential for effective training. For beginner athletes, a logical question arises - how to choose sticks for Nordic walking by height, the table with the algorithm will be discussed later.

The right approach to choosing sports equipment

Properly selected Nordic walking poles perform the following functions:

normalize weight;
strengthen the heart muscle;
relieve fatigue;
evenly distribute the load on the entire musculoskeletal system.

To ensure such results, sports equipment must have lightness and elasticity, a comfortable handle with a rubberized nozzle. All parts must be made from quality materials.

It is unacceptable to use ordinary ski or trekking poles for Nordic walking. These products are not designed for this type of training, and do not have the necessary properties.

What does the material affect?

Nordic walking poles may contain:

Aluminium alloy;
fiberglass alloy with carbon;
composite composition (carbon).

Aluminum sticks are a good budget option. The disadvantages of such products are heavy weight, low level of strength and noticeable vibration while moving on hard surfaces.

At a low cost, sticks made of an alloy of fiberglass with carbon are distinguished by increased durability and the ability to dampen vibrations. Such inventory is durable, and is able to serve the owner for up to several decades.

Sticks made of carbon (carbon fiber) are considered the most expensive and high quality. They are flexible, weightless and highly reliable. These products have a valuable property - elasticity, which makes it possible to ease the load on the ligaments and tendons during intense training. Carbon poles absorb vibrations, relieve pressure on the hands and shoulders. They are ideal for people who are overweight.

Why the correct height of walking poles is important

The height of Nordic walking poles is a key factor in determining the efficiency and correctness of the whole process. Properly selected support provides a reduction in load while increasing the efficiency of training.

If the length of the pole matches the height of the athlete, this ensures the following:

pressure is redistributed muscle mass in need of development;
the work of the skeletal system and organs close to it is regulated;
less pressure is exerted on the ligaments and tendons.

When using an incorrectly selected product, overstrain, pain in the lumbar region and in the back may appear. In this case, you will need to choose sports equipment again.

How to choose sticks for Nordic walking by height table

Beginner athletes need to know that Nordic walking poles are always selected individually. For right choice inventory, you need to know your height in centimeters. A special scheme developed by specialists makes it easy to choose the required size of the product in accordance with the height of a person.

The diagram below contains a detailed explanation regarding Nordic walking poles. It is designed for any height, starting from 145 centimeters and ending with 195. The range of product lengths varies from 1 meter to 135 cm. For athletes who want to know how to choose poles for Nordic walking by height, the table clearly demonstrates the principle of selecting this sports equipment.

If the poles for Nordic walking are chosen correctly, they should reach the level of the solar plexus of their owner, be light, comfortable and stable on any type of surface. Another indicator of the correct choice of equipment will be the presence of a right angle in the elbow bend when placing a stick on the toe.

Additional criteria for selecting a suitable stick are weight and health status. People with lower back pain are advised to choose products slightly lower standard size and the angle at the elbow must be greater than 90 degrees. In this case, it will be possible to adhere to the correct sports technique, the body will be tilted slightly forward, and lumbar will experience less stress

Design and equipment of products

Having studied the section “how to choose sticks for Nordic walking by height, table”, you will need to consider existing designs and configuration options. To date, you can find two varieties of such products - fixed (solid) and telescopic.

Fixed have the following characteristics:

the inability to change the length of products;
increased strength and reliability;
durability.

This type of equipment is especially popular among those who are engaged in Nordic walking all the time. Such products are very stable on hard surfaces, but outwardly they are not much different from ski poles.

Telescopic sticks are able to change their length. It is determined by the athlete himself, based on the characteristics of the crossed terrain and his own well-being.

When choosing a device for Nordic walking, it is important to carefully examine the tips, handles, lanyards and the materials from which they are made.

In high-quality models, the handles are rubberized, have a sufficient number of ribs for reliable fixation of the hands. Thanks to this, there is no slip that prevents full-fledged activities. Cheap models are equipped with plastic handles that slip out of the hands and do not withstand various weather conditions.

High-quality tips and nozzles are durable, have a good grip on various types surfaces. Solid ones are used while walking on icy, sandy surfaces, soft ground. Soft, made of rubber, designed to move on concrete, asphalt roads, paving stones.

A lanyard is a device resembling a half-glove that can be adjusted to any size of the palm due to the presence of straps. Before making a purchase, it is important to make sure that it really fits and does not pinch your hand.

The best Nordic walking pole manufacturers

The following manufacturers of Nordic walking poles have a good reputation on the world market:

Leki;
EXEL;
KV+Adula.

Leki is a German manufacturer that is distinguished by the annual release of new interesting models. A distinctive feature of the products of this brand is a large number of tips that provide for any situations while moving with sticks. The company strives to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers, and supplies products with various technological innovations.

EXEL is a Finnish company that manufactures equipment with increased safety and durability, specializing primarily in the production of telescopic walking poles. Products of this manufacturer have a rather high cost, but they fully justify it.

The Italian company KV + Adula produces Nordic walking poles, characterized by weightlessness and a wide variety of options. There are always a lot of interchangeable parts, handles and tips in the kits.

You need to select equipment in stores that have a proven reputation and offer customers only high-quality goods. A successful purchase will provide effective workouts, restoring health, strengthening the musculoskeletal system and increasing endurance. For anyone who wants to know how to choose Nordic walking poles by height, the table will help you decide on the right purchase. You can read reviews on this topic or write your opinion on the forum.