Should I use Walking Poles?
People often ask me if poles could help them get more out of their exercise walking program and give them a better workout. The answer is absolutely.
Let me explain the benefits. With one pole in each hand, you grip the handles and push off with each stride. As you walk they work your arms, shoulders, chest and upper back muscles through a full range of motion. Think of it as cross-country skiing for walkers. The arm movement adds intensity to your aerobic workout, which can help you burn more calories and lose weight/inches.
The main benefit of pole walking is when your arms are moving you achieve balance and stability. And that’s not all of it. Before I started using them I noticed after about one mile my lower back, hips and knees were hurting. I started studying the health benefits of this particular exercise, which is called Nordic Walking, and I decided I was going to try it out before I could recommend it to my readers.
One of the main reasons people have turned to this exercise is because it is helpful if you have arthritis or back problems. Most of them have rubber tips that grab the pavement and wrist straps that secure the poles to your arms. There are specially designed gloves you can purchase as well that keeps your hands dry to enable you to grip the poles on those hot, sunny days.
Moving your feet by putting one foot in front of the other has always been great for the “below the belt” muscles; however, when you put the poles to your exercise walking it covers the “above the belt” muscles as well. It is what I call “the whole body workout”.
Make sure you have the proper fitting shoes and socks; pick up your poles and I am pretty sure that your body will walk longer without, if any, pain in your body.
A message to the Baby Boomers who worry about their aging parents: get your parents up to move their bodies and provide them a pair of Nordic Poles to maintain their balance and stability. Get poles for yourself and walk with them until they feel confident. You will soon see your parents develop a healthier lifestyle for themselves.
I learned the hard way – do not use the poles and walk your dog at the same time.
Thanks Rosalie! I am going to try this. I fell last year on an icy deck and landed 10 feet below and have tons of trouble with my hips. Being a female over 50 I cracked my pelvis. Still a year later and I am having pain. I think I have always had a strange gait due to a slight curvature of my spine and walking properly has been a challenge. I think proper walking may just help tons to rid myself of some of the pain.
I am getting the poles (two sets) and have someone join me. Marvelous information.
I am so sorry to hear about your accident on the icy deck. That must of been a fearful fall. I understand about having trouble with hips. I did too when I started walking. I’m pleased that you have chosen Nordic Walking or Pole Walking. I want to encourage you to start slow in the beginning. Watch the video on Nordic Walking I have on my website to find the proper posture as your feet and arms walk together. I can reassure you that walking will relieve some of your pain in the beginning and almost all of your pain in a few months. Have fun and build your confidence knowing that you are walking to have a healthy body. Let me know if I can help you in anyway. Congratulations on your decision to get control of your body and for taking action.