Anybody else use walking/trekking poles as a fitness aid? About This Page:

[Her Dotness]

Honestly, I had NO idea that poles could make such a huge difference in how effortlessly I can walk for exercise until deciding last summer on a whim to try a pair of cheapo $30 poles from Target to see if I liked them.

Short story is that once I got on the Net and found out how you were supposed to use the wrist support straps, those things actually revolutionized my walking.

Seriously, you wouldn't ever think so, but those poles take a bunch of the impact and strain off your knees. I can walk much further more comfortably for my arthritic knees than without the poles. They're great on pavement and hiking trails both.

In fact, I just upgraded to some mid-price Lekis which are fabulous in comparison.

Do try poles if you resist getting the exercise you need because you have not-so-good knees or ankles. The things are a sheer marvel, I'm tellin' ya.

[Starwind]

They are wonderful, aren't they ?

I use Exerstrider poles ( Team Exerstrider by Tom Rutlin and Browse Products | Exerstrider - World's #1 Total Body Walking Poles ).

Studies have demonstrated that by using nordic walking poles, one burns about as many calories over the same distance as running (obviously time-wise it takes longer to cover that same distance :-) ). The walking poles give a good upper-body//whole body workout.

Also, at least for the Exerstrider style ones (they don't have straps and the action with them is a bit different than with poles that do - the key one being you are always holding on to the Exerstrider ones, whereas with the strap ones you actually let go with your hand and the strap does some of the work), studies have demonstrated they can be good for those with balance and stability issues. I find they are a big help; in some ways similar to walking in a grocery store while pushing the shopping cart vs not -- more stable, less pain, better balance (well, except for when the shopping cart whacks into an obstacle, but we shall just ignore that, shall we?).

I've tried the strap style and prefer Exerstrider, but I know people who have the opposite preference. I think the key is finding what works for the person and get walking, not adherence to a specific model :-)

Oh! And if you use the snow/ice attachments many have, you can use 'em year-round in wintery climes ! :-)

-SW

[Her Dotness]

I saw Exerstriders online but hesitated to try those because I do some semi-rugged trail hiking and felt I needed the Leki flip-lock system for quickly adjusting pole length as well as giving me that wrist action you mentioned. It really is surprising that a properly adjusted wrist strap allows you to steady the pole with only your index fingers holding the poles. You truly can walk briskly without more than your index fingers holding the grips. Really fantastic design as long as you find a comfortable grip to start with.

I also found that fingerless cycling gloves work well to wick sweat off the grips if your poles haven't cork grips. The sales guy at the REI store said that baby powder works well, too, but I hate the feel of talc so thought I'd go with the gloves instead.

I haven't yet tried the Lekis out on my favorite woodland trail, a hearty two miles of uphill/downhill, but can hardly wait for cooler weather so I needn't wear a strap to keep my sunglasses from sliding down my nose. It works but annoys me despite being preferable to "sweaty slither," yanno that one, I'm guessing. As well as my cheapola poles worked, I'll bet these much better ones will be terrific for trail hiking.