The solution? Nordic walking.
Nordic walking allows you to enjoy Ithaca's great outdoors while providing an intense core, full-body workout. You can burn up to 40 percent more calories than regular walking and bump your cardio results by up to 25 percent.
A fitness routine created by the Norwegians and Swedes, Nordic walking can be done year-round in any climate, anywhere you might otherwise normally walk or run (only without the poles). Olympic ski racers use and also had a hand in creating Nordic walking as a way for cross country skiers to keep their head in the game in the off-season to improve technique, strength and endurance. In its simplest form, Nordic walking is cross-country skiing with no skis and no snow.
Still unsure? Just ask Louise Adie, owner of Fiddlehead Fitness and Nordic walking expert. Fiddlehead Fitness is the first location in central New York to have its very own program dedicated to Nordic walking as a regular workout. Adie began teaching through Professional Ski Instructors of America 30 years ago. She's been Nordic walking for 25 years and - along with 7 million other people worldwide -swears by it.
"I was a hard-core skier for 30 years," said Adie. "I raced just so I could ski more. I really love good technique and taught technique for years. With Nordic walking you get the efficiency of a good workout by essentially walking with sticks."
Adie emphasizes the strength and endurance gained from Nordic walking by experiencing a whole body workout that really crunches your abs and helps focus the mind by exercising outdoors. You pretend you're skiing, standing with your forearms parallel to the ground where the pole handle will be. The more you focus on your technique the easier it will be on your body, she explained.
As in skiing, you need to be fitted for poles. Typically you get a shorter pole than you would for skiing. Adie warns to stay away from adjustable poles, as they are not as strong, collapse easily and rattle, she said. A collapsed pole can lead to injury, so she recommends purchasing adjustable poles only if traveling is paramount in your life. Pointy tips are necessary for Nordic walking in the woods, while rubber tips are best for asphalt. Throw on a pair of running shoes and comfortable workout clothes and you're good to go. For poles, Adie recommends checking out Exel Sports, Swix Sport or Leki brands.
On her website, www.fiddleheadfitness.com, Adie explains her "passion for the outdoors and a lifelong commitment to health and fitness."
The daughter of Norwegian parents, Adie started Nordic walking early on. Her parents instilled a healthy lifestyle that has since allowed her to spend her winters in Antarctica ice climbing (her first try!) and her days teaching Nordic walking on various Cayuga Trails throughout Ithaca.
"My father skied until he was 87," Adie remembered.
"Skiing and Nordic walking were a lifestyle for him. His body was trained for it. He skied with the finesse, grace, balance and fluidity of someone much younger."
Adie claims that if you start Nordic walking and continue your regimen, you'll be able to stay as active as her father until your golden years, too.
The best places to Nordic walk in Ithaca are on grassy or gravel land along woodsy trails. Hammond Hill is a hot spot as well as Yellow Barn Forest. Cornell Plantations, Wildflower Preserve and any of the local state parks and trails are prime locations, especially as soon as they are open to the public. Some locations are two hour drives away, but are worth the trip, Adie said. Salmon Hills, Winona Forest, Osceola and Highland Forest near Syracuse and Watertown are prime places to workout.
Another great way to get to know the trails in the area is to join Cayuga Trails Club. The trails are a fit for Nordic walking, and participating in the group allows you to get to know the trails that wind throughout the county. "I've hiked nearly all parts of the Finger Lakes Trail" by hiking with the group, Adie explained. Visit www.cayugatrailsclub.org for more details.
If you're interested in Nordic walking or want to take a class with Adie visit www.fiddleheadfitness.com or call
387-9753. Fiddlehead Fitness classes begin May 1.
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