walking with poles

Keith_H

Keith_H

Joined
Jul 20, 2007
Messages
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I am starting to see more and more people walking around town with aluminum hiking poles. I almost laughed when i saw a Mt. Everest team with poles in hand walking down a side walk. Does anybody walk in town with these?
 
Yes. I use Leki trekking poles. I train with them for mountain climbing in the Adirondacks. Using them works parts of the arms and shoulders and enables me to walk faster with them than without because I am pushing with my arms and shoulders.
 
The idea, it would seem to me, is the same as the "heavyhands" walking. Get some of the upper-body musculature involved in the aerobic activity.

The poles don't look any funnier than the hand-weights.....
 
I use them most times and I have convinced my wife to use them all the time. It probably does help with upper body workout but more importantly IMNH it helps stabilize you and also reduces by about 15% or so of the weight off of your knees. It is especially useful on the downhill from mountains. It does help reduce the pounding the knees take IMHO. If you are older or have knee problems or problems with balance they are very useful. I don't use them in town but would not think anything odd about anyone who did.

FWIW,
KR
 
I use a single cane to get around. Just that much makes a difference in how long my legs hold up. Dual poles on any kind of irregular ground are a BIG advantage. Walking around town with them might look funny. I remember the first time I saw people in Central Park practicing for winter with poles and roller-skis.
 
I use trekking poles for long walks: mountains, forests and beaches. Much better workout than normal walking, plus it takes the strain off my injured knee. Don't use em much in town, but i do use a cane when my knee bugs me.
 
I don't use them in town but always use them when out hiking and trekking and most importantly backpacking. They save my knees a huge amount of abuse.
 
What is a good trekking pole, as in who makes th better ones and how much should I pay?

Badge54
 
Keith_H said:
I am starting to see more and more people walking around town with aluminum hiking poles. I almost laughed when i saw a Mt. Everest team with poles in hand walking down a side walk. Does anybody walk in town with these?
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I once found a nice Leki trekking pole in the road and brought it home. I tried it out on a hike and didn't think much of it either way, although it sort of just feels "right" to have a stick when walking in the woods. But where I found it really shines is when I'm carrying a pack; especially a heavy one.

The added stability is a big plus, and the little extra push here and there is good too. I can see how using one can save the knees some punishment. I will not be without one from now on.

I think I'd be bothered by using two, but I definitely like having one.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
The EMS poles, and Komperdell and Leki's are all good poles as far as I am concerned. I have used them all. As far as price get the cheapest you feel does what you need. My poles are usable as winter poles and hiking poles. If you don't the extras don't get them. If your like me you'll start with one type of pole and then find other needs that my over time make you get another type.

You might also want to look at WalMart. They have decent poles that are fairly inexpensive.

KR
 
Walking with two poles is turning yourself into an upright four-footed animal -- the best of both worlds. And if you slip your wrists through the loops, you can have your hands free automatically whenever you need them.
 
Get a walking stick. You may be able to cut a sapling going into the woods. About 4' to 5'. See how it helps.

It's not only for support. It's also good for brushing branches or tall grass aside, tapping in front of you to warn off snakes and such, potentially even poking larger threats to ward them off.
 
I occasionally need to use a cane but I am thinking of getting a walking stick and using that instead. It seems like it would be a lot more practical for walking down stairs or down a steep hill.
 
There are trekking poles, and nordic walking poles. they look similar, but their uses are completely different. With a trekking pole you use them in front of you for balance and stability, with the walking poles you are mostly using them behind you to propel yourself forward.

Dave
 
I use ski poles. Much cheaper (used on ebay) & do the same thing. Use the wrist straps to you don't have to use your grip to take the weight - the straps move the weight directly to your wrists.

If you buy ski poles, you needs to first determine what size you need. I don't remember the standard anymore.
 
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