Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Common Questions About Nordic Walking, Tone 'n Trek Poles & More

This website contains lots of detailed information, but if you're looking for a shortcut or can't find what you're looking for below are some of the more common questions folks ask us.

Questions About Tone 'n Trek™ Nordic Fitness Walking Poles

Please see the "Compare To Other Poles" and "Instruction Video" sections of this website for comprehensive information about Tone 'n Trek poles compared to other poles.

Q. How are Tone 'n Trek poles different than other Nordic walking poles?

A.Tone 'n Trek poles are easier to use than others. The advanced Patent-Pending design includes many unique features others don't have - here are just a few:

1st & Only E-Z Flip Lock™ = quicker and easier to adjust length: No others have this type of lock - just flip it open & flip it closed to adjust poles. ALL OTHER adjustable poles use a twist-lock that can be difficult, unreliable and a hassle to use.
Push-Button Quick-Release Straps = more convenient & simple to use straps: Just click-in, click-out to free up hands to grab a water bottle or cell phone. Others have complicated, uncomfortable buckles and difficult-to-use plastic-wedge adjustment systems.
1st & ONLY No-Turn Groove in Shaft = you never have to hassle to straighten the rubber tips: The only poles with a groove in the bottom shaft - shaft drops straight down so the Rubber Traction Feet are always correctly aligned. ALL OTHERS require turning the shaft so every time you adjust pole length you have to hassle to straighten the rubber tips.
Wider, More Cushiony Handle Grips = more comfortable to use: All other grips are more narrow and most use hard rubber, cork or plastic. Ours are especially comfortable for hands with lower dexterity.
Large, High-Quality Rubber Traction Feet = better grip & durability: Our large rubber tips are made with real, natural tire-grade rubber like auto tires. Many others are smaller and the cheap ones use a low-quality 'rubber-like' material that wears out extremely fast.

Q. Which are better: adjustable poles or 1-piece fixed-length poles?

A. Unlike some companies, we don't use fear tactics claiming that only one type is right - this is a personal preference decision. For regular, everyday fitness walkers our adjustable-length poles offer significant advantages compared to 1-piece poles:

Get exactly the pole length you want, every time - you're not locked into just one size: Tone 'n Trek's E-Z Flip Lock™ makes it quick & easy to change pole-length for any situation: different terrains (uphill = shorter poles, downhill = longer), different skill levels (beginners = shorter, more experienced = longer) and different surfaces (using rubber tips changes pole height).
One-size-fits-all when buying - no need to settle for 'close enough': 1-piece poles typically come in 2" (5cm) increments so you only get 'close enough' when choosing your size. The sizing guidelines companies provide don't ensure the correct size either, because 2 people exactly the same height may need different pole lengths due to different torso lengths.

Easy to share with others:

Convenient for storage and travel: Tone 'n Trek poles adjust from 33" - 55" (84cm - 140cm).
The main advantages of 1-piece poles are that they are typically slightly lighter-weight (1-2oz. / 30-60g less per pole), and some perceive a 'truer' swing due to the absence of a lock mechanism. We believe that unless you're a highly advanced Nordic walker the many advantages of adjustable poles far outweigh the few advantages of 1-piece poles.

Q. What's the difference between Tone 'n Trek poles and cheap poles I've seen selling for $50 ($40 / $60 / etc.)?

A. Like most products, from walking shoes to cars, you get what you pay for: cheap poles are often uncomfortable to use and can break down in just a short time due to use of low-quality materials and poor workmanship. Many have experienced the following with cheap poles: twist-locks that stop working (making the poles completely useless), low-quality 'rubber-like' tips that wear off after just a few miles / kms, pole shafts that vibrate when using them and bend easily, and uncomfortable & difficult to use straps and grips.

Q. I noticed a few Nordic walking poles that do not have straps - which are better, straps or no straps?

A. The first Nordic fitness walking poles in the 1980's did not have straps but now almost all Nordic walking poles have them. You can experience good benefits either way; however, we believe using straps gives you more. Straps enable you to extend your arms further behind you for better fitness benefits, and they allow you to release your hands from the poles at the end of the back-swing for better blood flow to your hands.

Q. How long will the Tone 'n Trek poles (Rubber Traction Feet / straps / etc.) last?

A. Unfortunately there's no simple answer for this, as it totally depends on how you use the poles and how many miles / kms you put on them. When used as intended, the poles should last for years though you will have to occasionally replace the 'wear and tear' items such as the Rubber Traction Feet and Quick-Release Straps (we have spare parts available). The pole shafts have a lifetime warranty against defects.

Questions About Nordic Fitness Walking

Please see the "About Nordic Walking" and "Instruction Video" sections of this website for comprehensive information about Nordic walking.

Q. What's the difference between Nordic walking, pole walking, ski walking and Exerstriding®?

A. There may be a few minor differences in suggested walking techniques but these are all basically the same thing, just different names for fitness walking using specially designed poles. We normally call it Nordic walking since that's the most commonly used name for it.

Q. How is Nordic walking better than regular walking?

A. In almost all ways, and it's been validated by a lot of research. Using the poles, you actively engage your upper body while walking to get much more fit & tone, in less time, while easing the stress on your knees & joints. A few of the benefits include:

Increases your heart rate an extra 10-15 beats per minute
Burns up to 40% more calories (some studies show even more)
Tones your arms and upper body muscles
Reduces stress on your knees, hips and lower back
Improves stability & balance on uneven surfaces

Yet it feels effortless, like you're working no harder than walking - no huffing & puffing and no need to walk any faster.

Q. How hard / easy is it to Nordic walk?

A. Nordic walking is really easy to do for almost anyone, regardless of age, fitness level or athletic ability/coordination - that's one reason why over 8 million people have switched to Nordic walking since it was introduced in Europe in 1997. Basically, you walk like normal but move your arms more and use the poles to "plant and propel" yourself forward with each step - nice and easy if you want, or more intensively for a better workout.

Q. Do I need to take instruction courses to learn how to Nordic walk?

A. No. By following the simple Tone 'n Trek instruction video on this website (a FREE Instruction DVD comes with your poles) or reading the simple how-to instructions provided, you should be able to get the basic hang of the exercise your first time out. However, as with most exercises, getting instruction from a qualified instructor can help you get more out of it and provide added motivation.

Q. Who is Nordic walking for - is it just for (old people / young athletic types / etc.)?

A. This is an excellent exercise for anyone looking for an easy time-efficient, low impact, total-body workout to get fit & tone - whether you're 25 or 85 years old.

Anyone already walking to stay fit & healthy: you get much more out of walking, in less time.
Those looking to lose weight: it's any easy exercise that you can actually enjoy doing. Burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking.
Former runners & athletes with knee & joint pain: if regular walking isn't 'enough', this gives much better benefits and adds a sense of athleticism while being gentle on your knees, hips and lower back.
People rehabbing from surgery, pregnancy or various physical challenges: in addition to the enhanced fitness benefits, the poles take stress off the lower body joints and provide added stability and balance. Especially good for those with knee or hip replacements.
Athletes in training: some athletes use the poles to add a low-impact cross-training exercise to their routines. You can run and bound with the poles for a good total-body workout.

Q. Where can you go Nordic walking?

A. Almost anywhere that you currently walk for exercise: sidewalks, roads, parks, malls, indoor tracks, dirt/gravel trails, grass, sand/beaches and snow. About the only place where Nordic walking is difficult is in the middle of crowds of people such as charity walks/races (poles can get in the way) and on treadmills.

Q. If over 8 million people are Nordic walking, how come I've never heard of it?

A. Give it time - it's still new. While it's become hugely popular in Europe since its introduction in the late 1990's / early 2000's (there are even several Nordic walking magazines), it's only recently begun to spread to the U.S. and Canada. Nordic walking is similar to now-popular exercises such as yoga and pilates, which became popular in other parts of the world before coming to North America.

Q. Why can't I find Nordic walking poles in retail stores near me?

A. Give it time - it's still new in the U.S. and Canada. Normally retail stores won't sell products like this until the exercise is better known to their shoppers. In some European countries Nordic walking is so popular you can even buy poles in grocery stores and convenience stores.

Q. Won't I look kind of strange (old / intense / etc.) walking with poles?

A. It's true that you may attract some attention & questions as a trend-setter and trailblazer, but when you're using the poles properly you'll actually look and feel more athletic & energetic than regular walkers. It was the same way for the first joggers in the 1970's and Roller-Bladers® in the 1980's. It can be a great conversation starter for meeting new people if you want, and at the least you're showing others you're smart about fitness by getting in much better shape in less time with lower impact on your knees & joints.

Q. Can you Nordic walk while walking your dog?

A. While we've definitely heard of people who do this, we do not advise it. Some tie their dog's leash to their waist but we don't think this is safe: poles freaking out the dog, dog chasing after squirrels, etc....it's a recipe for trouble. We suggest doing your Nordic walking as a separate exercise.

Q. What's the difference between Nordic fitness walking poles and hiking / mountaineering poles?

A. The main differences are the grips, straps and bottom tips. Each type of pole is ergonomically designed specifically to fit its intended use.

Hiking poles are designed to minimize energy expended while hiking by adding stability and taking stress off the knees. The poles are typically held almost straight up & down in front of the body, the handle grips often have finger-grooves and a flat top for down-hills, they normally have just a loop strap to help prevent dropping the poles, and they don't have rubber tips since they're not used on pavement.
Nordic walking poles are designed to maximize energy expended while walking for fitness by actively engaging your upper body with a full arm-swing and "plant and propel" action. The poles are typically held at about a 45 degree angle with the tips always planted behind your body (not straight up & down in front of your body), the handle grips are angled with NO finger grooves, the straps are like mini-gloves to help with the extended swing motion, and they have attachable rubber tips for traction on hard surfaces like pavement.

Questions About Ordering, Shipping & Returning Products

Please see the "Customer Service" section on this website for detailed information about ordering and shipping Boomyah products.

Q. What is your return policy?

A. All of our items have a no-hassle 30-Day Money Back Guarantee - you can return any item to us within 30 days of purchase for a full product refund (excluding shipping & handling), no questions asked. This does not include abused products. If you want to exchange it for something else, we'll pay the cost to ship the new item to you.

Q. Where can I buy Boomyah products?

A. At this time Boomyah products are mainly available directly from the company, primarily on this website or by calling toll-free 1.800.640.6966 (U.S. and Canada only). We are currently exploring opportunities to sell our products through other outlets such as fitness instructors, affiliates, other websites and select retail stores. If you are interested in selling Boomyah products please contact us at 1.303.765.4615 or at boomyah@boomyah.com.

Q. How long will it take for my order to get to me?

A. Our Standard shipping normally takes a total of 3 - 5 business days from the time you place the order to get to U.S. addresses (7 - 11 business days to Canada). Express delivery is a total of 2 - 3 business days to U.S.addresses (4 - 6 business days to Canada).

Q. Do you deliver on Saturdays?

A. Yes.

Q. Do you ship to P.O. Boxes?

A. Yes.

Q. How much sales tax do I have to pay?

A. Sales tax is charged only on orders shipped to a Colorado address: 4.1% for most parts of Colorado, 7.72% for Denver county. There is no sales tax for orders shipped to addresses outside of Colorado.

Q. How much is the Shipping & Handling cost?

A. Shipping & Handling cost is based on the total dollar amount of the order (before taxes), where it is shipping to, and the delivery speed you choose. Please see the "Shipping & Delivery" section of this website in the "Customer Service" section for complete information on Shipping & Handling costs. There is FREE SHIPPING for U.S. orders over $120.

Q. What countries do you ship to?

A. You can order products on this website for shipment to the U.S.A. and Canada. If you're interested to ship to other countries please call us at 1.303.765.4615 or at customerservice@boomyah.com to place the order.

Q. How much are the import duties and Provincial sales taxes for shipments to Canada?

A. Based on information we received in August 2008, we estimate that import duties on Tone 'n Trek poles, spare parts and Tattoos Pole Reflectors is 6.5%; for the bags & packs it is 10%. Total sales tax varies from 5% - 15% depending on the Province. Please see the "Shipping & Delivery" section of this website in the"Customer Service" section for complete information on estimated Canadian import duties costs & sales taxes.

Questions About Boomyah International, LLC

Please see the "About Us" and "Contact Us" sections in the Customer Service area of this website for additional information about Boomyah.

Q. I've never heard of Boomyah - who are you guys?

A. Boomyah is a privately held company based in beautiful Denver, Colorado. Our passion is to design contemporary, innovative fitness & recreation products that make it really simple for folks of any age to Stay Active, Have Fun and Enjoy Life. We're a startup, which may explain why you've not heard of us yet. Give us a little time...and don't be afraid to spread the word!

Q. What products does Boomyah sell?

A. Following are our first products, all loaded with user-friendly features:

Patent-Pending Tone 'n Trek Simplicity™ Nordic fitness walking poles

With many innovative, user-friendly features different than all other poles
The only company where you can buy a pair of poles with 2 different colors (our Non-Conformist poles)

Tone 'n Trek Tattoos™ designer pole safety reflectors

A fun innovation others don't have
We'll even print custom designs for your club, organization, etc - contact us for further details

Tone 'n Trek Poles-To-Go™ pole & walking gear carry-all bags
Boomyah Hands-Free-Walkin'™ waist pack (fanny pack) water bottle holders
Combo Packs for added savings
Spare parts of the 'wear and tear' pole parts: Rubber Traction Feet, Quick-Release Straps, Sand/Snow Baskets.