Nordic Blading, which was invented in Finland, is an effective form of exercising which uses not only roller skates but also special poles to train the muscles in the upper body. The popularity of Nordic Blading has increased enormously, because it offers a quite new and exhilarating way of achieving all-round fitness. Nordic Blading is outdoor conditioning that combines diversity, speed and fun.

The poles make the skating faster. The forward thrusts of both arms and legs can bring added speed to the skating and strength to the upper body. For the keep-fit enthusiast Nordic Blading is safer than normal roller skating, as the poles provide two additional points of support. It is easier and safer to stop because of the support provided by the poles. Using the poles also increases energy consumption, since more muscle groups are used in going forward than in normal roller skating. In Nordic Blading the effort is distributed evenly among all the major muscle groups. The arms, shoulders and chest muscles are strengthened, while the abdominals become firmer. Nordic Blading increases the strength and endurance of the upper-body muscles, whereas in normal roller skating the upper torso remains passive.

The poles must be chosen according to the skater's needs. In addition to top-grade components that are the result of years of long-term product development, the 100% carbon fibre structure strengthens the pole when the skater is both skating and pushing with both hands at the same time. The length of the poles is dependent on the skater's height, physical condition, relative limb measurements and technical expertise.

The world's leading producer of Nordic Blading poles is the Finnish company Exel Oyj, which employs about 370 people. The biggest export markets for the poles are in central Europe and Sweden.

>> www.exel.fi