Tubbs Snowshoes Partners with Excel and Launches Nordic Snowshoeing Program for Fitness and Winter Crosstraining in Japan and Europe

TUBBS SNOWSHOES PRESS RELEASE
The world’s leading snowshoe manufacturer, Tubbs Snowshoes and Finnish-based Exel have joined together to create a winter fitness pilot program for snowshoeing in Europe and Japan for the 2004-05 season.

Nordic Snowshoeing is the latest addition to the total body workout activities of Exel’s Nordic Fitness Sports concept. Similar to Nordic Walking, Nordic Snowshoeing combines The Tubbs lightweight, ergonomically tapered snowshoes with Exel’s special T5 pole, a light and durable composite pole with quick-release snowshoe-basket, particularly well suited for fresh, deep powder snow conditions in conjunction with an on –snow workout program to enhance year round fitness.

The Tubbs Nordic snowshoes are available in two sizes for women and men, feature the patented Quick Draw™ binding, designed to accommodate winter cross training footwear, aluminum toe and heel crampons for sure-footed traction, and durable, maintenance free decking for lightweight performance. Tubbs Nordic snowshoes have a fixed toe cord design for maximum efficiency and training effectiveness.

Exel’s Nordic Fitness Sports™ concept offers snow shoe enthusiasts a fun and easy way to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle. The Nordic Fitness Sports™ concept informs people of the health benefits that are related to various forms of controlled and effective exercise. Emphasis is put on how consumers may use different activities of Nordic Fitness Sports™ to reach personal goals whether weight control, physical fitness or more endurance-related training.

Exel’s Nordic Fitness Sports™ comprehensive concept has been developed in conjunction with the fitness professionals and the medical community. It includes new and innovative products, clear directions, fitness programming, and most of all, an active and trendy year-around life style.“The main emphasis is the aerobic benefits that come from snowshoeing with poles, with an underlying emphasis on the outdoor, playful nature of the activity,” said Aki Karihtala, Senior Vice President, Sports Division, Exel plc. “It’s ideal for walkers, runners and cyclists looking for a way to stay fit during the winter months,” said Karihtala.

The Tubbs/Exel Nordic Snowshoe program will be piloted in Finland, Norway, Germany and Japan in 2004-05, in conjuction with Exel’s Nordic Fitness Sports™ trainers. Beginning with a low-intensity tour, the fitness programs may evolve from workouts on an adventure-style course to interval training on hills that can burn upwards of 700 calories per workout.