Total Body Walking
Total Body Walking is the new way to nordic walk, it harnesses the power of poles but in a more natural and less sports specific action. The poles make you lighter on your feet, engage the core and upper body muscles with every step and increase the calories your burn. The ergonomic poles help you to avoid common pole walking mistakes and feel empowered immediately – you will also notice the results quickly!. It is important to hold the poles correctly, adjust them to the right height for you and master a few basic movements to gain maximum benefits. These videos should help
Purchase WALX Poles from our store
Downloadable Workout Plan
FAQs
Q. Why do I need specific total body walking poles to get the full benefits of total body walking?
A. You will always benefit from using 2 poles but if you want to be able to engage the upper body and core effectively whilst moving as naturally as possible, the angle on the pole shaft combined with the loose grip handle on WALX poles will maximise results, comfort and feeling of freedom. Straighter pole handles can create more tension in wrists and shoulders whilst nordic walking straps make you feel restricted. Total body walking poles are also designed to enable you to stop and perform exercise drills and yoga poses plus engage with nature via touch! In short, they help you to use your whole body, including the senses in as natural a movement as possible.
Q. I don’t have a group or instructor near me – how do I know I am using my poles correctly?
A. Of course, it’s always best to seek advice from a professional but hopefully the basic movements and walking well sections of the book will help you identify if you are not feeling relaxed and if you do not feel core engagement or effort in the upper body. Refer back to the trouble shooting section for both of those scenarios. When you get it right, its feels smooth, natural and powerful.
Q. There are three types of WALX total body walking poles - how do I get the right ones for me?
A. They all provide the same benefits and are adjustable so you need to choose whether you need them to break into 3 sections for travel or if you are happy with 2 slightly longer sections. The velocity is the most popular and it breaks into two sections. The WALX xplorer breaks down smaller into 3 shorter sections and the Pro models are 2 piece but the bottom section is longer so is designed for performance rather than travel. The pro model also comes in 2 specific height ranges and the adjustment is closer to the handle for an enhanced experience.
Q. How do WALX poles adjust for height?
A. They are all fully adjustable but there are three types of adjusters. The velocity has a twist lock adjuster and the xplorer has one section that operates via a twist lock and the top sections that is a clip lock. WALX pro poles have clip lock only. There are videos explaining how to use these on the WALX YouTube channel
Q. My poles keep slipping when they hit the ground - what am I doing wrong?
A. This is sometimes due to your movements being incorrect but more often than not it will be the pole length is incorrect. Try shortening them slightly first and if that does not work it may be worth lengthening them If it is still happening – go back over your drills again and keep practising. See also the correcting faults section on page 83 in the book.
Q. I struggle with co-ordination - should I be using the same leg and arm on each side?
A. I try to not mention co-ordination but when we walk on a daily basis we do not think about it so I try to steer people towards walking naturally and the adding poles. Once you try to consider it consciously you will go stiff and walk unnaturally ( plus overthink things) By following the get started video and starting with one arm and the opposite leg in trainable positions, you should be able to stay co-ordinated. if you do not it will be because you are moving the arms and legs at different speeds. Try saying tic toc and moving them in rhythm. Refer to page 83 in the book.
Q. I am enjoying Total Body Walking and want to spread the word - how can i be more involved?
A. Get in touch with the WALX team and we can suggest ways you can help us to get as many people total body walking as possible. We have options from Ambassadors who share their stories, to Instructors and even WALX National representatives – If you have discovered the power of poles, love the WALX ethos and have a positive approach to life – we would love you to join the walking revolution!