The equipment: shoes
A good Nordic Walking shoe must support in a proper way the foot on any type of floor and protect bones, muscles and joints, absorbing every step and allowing the Nordic walker to perform the complete roll of the foot: heel, sole, tip. Since Nordic Walking can be enjoyed all year round, a versatile shoe is recommended, to suit all atmospheric conditions: transpiring in the Summer but also resistant to wind and water.
Diet
It is good to have with you a light flask, as for other activities performed in the nature. For longer excursions we can take energy bars and isotonic drinks for a supply of calories and liquids.
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The equipment: poles
Poles are used to support the entire body and to lighten the weight on the articulations. Poles have to be light, resistant, flexible. The handle is comfortable and the handstrap is adjustable.
They are made in an alloy of carbon and glass fiber, to ensure higher resistance and lightness at the same time. This combination of components allows the perfect distribution of the effort on arms and trunk, with a total absence of vibrations which can burden the articulations and cause pain in the hands, elbows and shoulders.
It is incorrect to think that all poles are the same, and to use those which have been built for other sports (ski and trekking, for example).
The tip of the pole has to be made in special material to last longer and above all it needs to have a good grip also on dirt roads. Usually, together with the pair of Nordic Waling poles, rubber pads are supplied. These are to be applied to the pole tip to allow a proper grip on hard pavements, such as on asphalt.
The height of the poles is chosen according to the rule of thumb of one’s height multiplied 0.66, but this method of measurement is not absolute. Other factors, far more decisive, are the physical constitution, the length of the limbs, the physical condition, the frequency and length of the steps, the intensity of the training, the goals and the technique skill. A well prepared Nordic Walking instructor knows how to give us advice on these technical aspects.
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