More than 30 years ago my life was changed by the power of creating a “hybrid” exercise form that combines the exercise that is programmed into all human DNA – walking, and the exercise many experts consider the ultimate total body exercise – cross-country (or “Nordic”) skiing. By adding specially designed poles to walking along with a very simple, yet specific technique I developed after a great deal of experimentation I discovered the hybrid total body version of walking that freed me forever from the “no pain, no gain” paradigm of fitness and yet still allowed me to maintain an optimal level of fitness in the more than three decades since.
Just a few year later I coined the term “Exerstriding®” to describe this synergistic hybrid that allows anyone of any age and ability to simultaneously exercise (put to use) the entire body while striding (the most effective pace, i.e. hitting one’s stride) and I set out on a mission to make optimal fitness available to people of all ages and abilities. Unlike most “no pain, no gain” exercise prescriptions, any person of any age and ability who can walk and shake another’s hand, has all of the physical capabilities needed to start realizing and building on the total body “tuning’ benefits of Exerstriding®.
It has been the greatest pleasure of my life to help so many people of all ages and abilities to discover that optimal functional fitness can be achieved without ever having to pant breathlessly, sweat profusely or subject their body to pain and injury causing stresses, to rediscover both the self-empowerment and the healing power of gently putting to use one’s entire body on a regular basis.
Exercise only becomes a habit – a positive addiction – when two things occur. It must be both tolerable (better yet enjoyable!), and it must produce life-enhancing results. That is exactly what to expect from Exerstriding®! Whether you are an athlete (or former athlete) looking for a less damaging means to maintain your fitness, or you are dealing with challenges based on obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and even the neurological challenges of MS, Parkinsons or peripheral neuropathy, Exerstriding® has proven to be life-changing. I hope you’ll decide to give it a try!
Stay well,
Tom Rutlin