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Ski walking offers effective workout for people of all ages
BY Priscilla Miller

Originally from upstate New York, Pete Edward’s first job out of college was coaching ski racing, track and cross country at The Leelanau School. He has been coaching athletes for 25 years, ranging from recreational to All-State, All-American and even an occasional Junior National champion.

Edwards, along with wife Lissa, children Chase 21, Cassidy 19 and son Keefer 9, all share a love of the outdoors. They enjoy hiking, biking, running, skiing, fishing, canoeing, wild berry picking, mushroom picking, and of course, ski walking together.

“We are an outdoor family,” he said.

A former marathon runner, Edwards developed a painful condition known as runner’s knee, which limited his running ability. When he first heard about the hottest fitness activity to ever hit Europe, called nordic walking, he was immediately interested.

Walking is done with special nordic walking fitness poles. No skis are required. With this method, people can burn 40 percent more calories and use more muscle groups than they would with regular walking. Hiking three miles with nordic walking poles is equal to taking a five mile hike without poles.

Edwards is founder and owner of WWW.SKIWALKING.COM and the American Nordic Walking System based in Glen Arbor.

“I have found that ski walking benefits all my athletes,” he said. “It is a low impact way of improving their aerobic capacity, regardless of their fitness level.” Athletes with runner’s knee and shin splints can comfortably ski walk for hours because the poles absorb the shock, stress and pounding.

“People from four to 94 years of age can benefit from this proven activity and it will result in a healthier lifestyle,” Edwards said. “Folks with knee, hip and back problems love ski walking.” In addition, Edwards has hosted a number of free clinics for MS and Parkinson’s support groups.

Edwards said the most important thing to avoid is adjustable length telescoping poles. “I couldn’t sleep at night if I sold seniors or other folks with balance issues that type of pole,” he said. “They are heavier, noisier and can often collapse at unexpected times.”

Edwards said his customers receive one piece poles that are made in Scandinavia.

“The poles are lighter, easier and safer to use and are the perfect length for them,” he said. “They automatically help folks walk with a super straight back. Improving one’s walking posture in combination with nordic walking provides a low impact and effective workout.”

He has all sized poles in stock, ready to ship and customers receive a free nordic walking DVD, plus additional instructions via e-mail.

For more information, contact Pete Edwards at getfit@skiwalking.com or 231-334-3080.