Using Trekking Poles Can Benefit Your Walking Workout?

Will using trekking poles make your walking workout more effective? Trekking poles are the domain of hikers who use them for stability when they're climbing or navigating uneven terrain. But hiking isn't the only way to put these sturdy poles to use. Trekking poles can add a new dimension to your walking routine - and even decrease your risk of injury.

The Benefits of Trekking Walking Poles

The art of walking with trekking poles is called Nordic walking - and it's more effective than just swinging your arms. When you're using trekking poles to walk, you take longer strides, which can boost calorie burn by 40% or more. If you've been doing the same walking routine for a while, your body has probably adapted to the movements so you burn less calories. Nordic walking with poles revives an idling metabolism so it burns more fat.

If you burn more calories using trekking poles, it must be more demanding. Right? Surprisingly, people who do Nordic walking don't feel like they're working harder even though they're burning more calories. That's a win-win situation for any fitness walker. The fact that you're taking longer strides with trekking poles means you're also getting a better cardiovascular workout.

Using Walking Poles Reduces the Risk of Injury and Improves Posture

Many people have bad posture and don't even know it. They may be wrestling with back pain and not even realize poor posture is part of the problem. Using trekking poles that are the right length improves posture and helps to absorb some of the force that would normally be transmitted to the knees, ankles and feet. This reduces the risk of overuse injuries and helps to prevent post-workout soreness. Nordic walking with trekking poles builds endurance in the upper body too due to the continuous arm movements.

The Bottom Line?

Is Nordic walking for you? Trekking walking poles cost $50.00 and up, but it's a good investment compared it to the cost of a gym membership. You can use them anywhere - on the beach, in your neighborhood, on a track or hiking on a trail. If you're ready to kick your walking workout up a notch and improve your posture, Nordic walking may be for you. Give it a try.

References:

Fitness Prescription. April 2011. Page 20.

Medicine Science Sports Exercise. 43: 140-145. 2011.