I haven't seen any pole dancing here in Andalucía. Well, for that matter, except for on television and in movies, I haven't actually seen pole dancing anywhere. But, now that summer is officially over, I've seen an awful lot of pole
walking. It's also known as Nordic Walking but it's not another Viking invasion. The Nordic Walkers seem to be mostly from Finland, where the training method was developed in 1979. The activity is also called "pole walking" because it's done with what look like cross-country ski poles, although significantly shorter in length. No matter how it's done, it's much less erotic than pole
dancing (and even when done correctly, I doubt it's as good a workout).
By the way, Polish jokes (i.e., jokes about Poles) and all ethnic jokes are always forbidden on my blog. And, on this post specifically, I will refrain from making adolescent comments about any men pictured with well-used poles, etc. Oh, did I mention the option of a solid pole or a pole that extends to its full length and retracts again so it can be easily tucked away?
(Sorry. Add juvenile snicker here).
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| DOING IT RIGHT: SHE'S GOT WHAT IT TAKES AND SHE KNOWS HOW TO USE IT. |
The idea behind Nordic Walking is that the entire body is used when the arms (and poles) are moved correctly. It can be a good workout that produces "...up to a 46 percent increase in energy consumption compared to walking without poles." I see all types of people walking along the paseo proudly displaying their Nordic poles
(another snicker... So I lied; I just can't help myself). A few are clearly getting a good workout. Others use the poles like hiking sticks; still others simply drag them along. My guess is that most pole-walkers don't achieve the intended benefits.
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| POLE-WALKING THE PASEO PRIOR TO THE PESETA (THE SCULPTURE). |
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ONE OF OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS, SANDPIPER, COMING UP ON THE LEFT
(JUST PAST THE ICE CREAM SHOP). |
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| PASSING THE MONUMENT TO THE [NAKED] TOURIST. |
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| ABOUT TO FACE OFF? |
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| A RARE SIGHTING (FOR ME)... POLE-WALKERS ON A SIDE STREET. |
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| PASSING US BY AS WE HEAD FOR OUR MORNING COFFEE. |
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| NORDIC WALKER IN THE MIST. |
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| ANOTHER MISTY EYED POLE WALKER. |
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POLE-WALKING TO CHURCH... IN PARADISE.
(WELL, NEXT TO PARADISE, A COCKTAIL LOUNGE, WHICH IS NEXT TO MANILA, A CAFÉ.) |
Pole walking may be good exercise, but when you go to a restaurant or shopping, what do you do with the poles? Is there a pole stand, like an umbrella stand, near the entrance? Are your poles engraved so you can find yours among the hundreds of other poles in the stand? The poles that retract or fold may be more practical, but you still have to carry them. Oh, I get it, you use the poles inside a restaurant or shop as well as outside!
ReplyDeleteJo:
DeleteThe collapsible ones do make it easier but, to me, it's just another thing to stash/keep track of ... like wallet, keys, phone, camera,change, etc. But I'll bet someone could make a nice living (or maybe not) customizing/engraving poles.
I've never seen a Nordic pole before and I do get around a bit, well not so much these days.
ReplyDeleteAndrew:
DeleteIt surprises me that I had never seen them either until moving here.
Since none of them are smoking I guess I can't say 'Thank You For Pole Smoking'?
ReplyDeleteOoooo, did I really type that?
Jacquelineand....
Delete(Add juvenile snicker here...) I'm proud of you!
Invasion of the Pole Walkers a la Stephen King ~~~~ there everywhere and they are going to get you ~~~ seriously do not go outside as in Dawn of the Dead. period.
ReplyDeleteWe have them here too, our ex-neighbours had poles too big for themselves and they would lob down the road. Oh Lordie!! You knew it was them from a mile away!
Ron
Ron:
DeleteI know they're said to be beneficial when used correctly, but I can count on one hand (with fingers to spare) the number of people I've seen using them in any worthwhile way. (And then there are those who have removed the protective rubber tips and tap tap tap the hard metal tips -- intended for natural trails, snow, etc -- against the pavement, putting little nicks in it as they go!
I've seen a few of these pole walkers but they seem to be flourishing in your corner of Spain. Some of the people in your pictures are to be admired for getting out and exercising.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteThis is a great city for exercise. It's flat and well-maintained, so easy walking. The paseo runs along the beach for about 7 kilometers with exercise stations along the way. In encourages residents and visitors to get out and take advantage of it.
Like you I haven't noticed this anywhere, not even on TV or films - or if I did I assumed that in some way the walker would have been incapacitated without the poles. Now I'll look out - before I get tired of the sight of 'em.
ReplyDeleteRaybeard:
DeleteWhen we arrived here end of February, the Nordic Walkers were even more prevalent. I guess as winter sets in and the beach is less busy, it becomes more popular. (Ya gotta have a gimmick.)
Good heavens, that's a lot of pole walkers. The lady striding along in the matching orange pants and shoes seems to be getting the best workout. I don't recall ever seeing pole walkers in this neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteJudith:
DeleteThe lady you mentioned just walked by a few minutes ago (in the same outfit). She really gets a workout. Many of the others just walk, but if the poles encourage them to get out and do that, I guess they're serving a purpose.
::::spittin' out chew:::: 'round these parts we call it a'walkin' with sticks. And mostly we do it to keep the critters away.
ReplyDeleteBob:
DeleteBut you're very classy.... if you walk ("a'walk"?) with "Nordic" sticks. Most folk I know'd just pikt up any ol' tree branch.
I've seen the poles used rarely around here. Since they're so popular in Europe, I wonder why we haven't caught on to using them.
ReplyDeleteMs. Sparrow:
DeleteI don't know how popular they are generally around Europe and I hadn't seen them while living in Sevilla. There's a large Finnish population here and the poles originated there. Also, lots of Scandinavians here. Add to that the fact that this is a resort town with lots of opportunities for outdoor activity and exercise... it's the perfect spot for it.
Ron neglected to mention that we are 'proud' owners of Nordic Poles!! They are usually in our car at all times....just in case. Actually they helped me quite a bit after my concussion with balance etc. You are correct in that they are shorter than ski poles. If you bend your arm at the elbow to 90 degrees at your side/waist, the hand grip of the pole ought to fit right in your hand in that position and extend to the ground. Many people have poles far too big (tsk tsk) for them and don't know how to handle them,
ReplyDeleteBut they are as you said a great workout if used correctly....very good for bicep/tricep conditioning. I can see you guys having a set of these each....seriously.
Jim:
DeleteI can imagine you guys using them... and correctly. But, I'll stick to the gym for my strength training and muscle development. Those poles would be just another thing for me to carry around and keep track of! (But they do look like they can be fun.)
Especially when you have a camera in hand! Just doesn't work!
ReplyDeleteJim:
DeleteAnd that's constantly... Camera strap around wrist; stylishly masculine bracelets (6) around both wrists; wallet, keys, phone, change, handkerchief in pockets; bottle of water in hand, Those walking sticks and their wrist straps would put me over the edge!
I've never seen these outside of mountain hikers. They looks rather odd in a city dwelling. I like the notion of one walking stick, something like Gandalf the Grey's. Large and for boding and hopefully able to shoot electricity.
ReplyDeleteSpo:
DeleteI want a stick that shoots electricity!!!