Yes! Pole walking is a simple yet highly effective form of exercise for people of all ages, sizes, health conditions and athletic abilities.

When first learning how to pole walk, aim for progress not perfection. Enjoy the journey. 

PS: If you have balance or mobility issues due to age, health condition, surgery or injury, book at call to determine if the Activator Stability and Rehab Poles and the Activator walking technique are a better fit.

You know the expression "you have to learn how walk before you can run"? Like any new physical activity, it's important to learn the basic technique first to achieve the fitness and health benefits, and a total body workout. 

Pole walking is a simple activity but it's not as intuitive as you'd think when first starting out. After a few times or a few weeks, you'll be walking like a boss and ready and eager to learn more. Advanced walkers move faster and with more precise technique and confidence. 

Whenever I pole walk, my apple watch identifies this activity as an Elliptical workout. I burn up to 700 calories when I am pole walking.

Learning is a journey and there's so much variety, intensity and adventure to add to your pole walking workout when you step up to the next level. Outdoors and even at your desk or workstation at work!

A good quality athletic shoe that provides comfort, the proper width and proper arch support is a must. 

Any comfortable clothing should suffice. Remember to layer if you're walking in colder months. If you are walking long distances and/or sweat a lot, consider wick-away fabrics.

Pole walking is common in Europe and gaining popularity worldwide as a simple yet highly effective form of exercise for people of all ages, sizes, health conditions and athletic abilities.

But here's the thing: Not everyone is clued into how wonderful walking with poles is. I've been asked "where's the snow?!"

So how do you deal with this? You KEEP MOVING FORWARD with confidence and a smile. 

Walk with a friend or start a pole walking group. Remember, you're a big deal, an early adopter and trend setter!

The purpose, technique and intended use of hiking poles and walking poles are completely different.

Hiking/trekking poles and sticks: are designed to minimize energy expenditure by providing stability and taking the pressure of the hips and knees.

Anatomy of hiking poles: there are no rubber boot tips since the poles aren't used on pavement. The handles have loop straps and finger grooves to help prevent the poles from dropping downhill. 

Walking technique for hiking/trekking: there is no technique per se. The poles are typically held vertically in front of the body to provide stability while climbing.

Nordic walking poles and walking technique: are designed to maximize energy expenditure by engaging the upper body (core, triceps and shoulders) with a full arms swing and a "plant, push, propel" pole action. The poles are held at a 45 degree angle with the boot tips always angled behind the body.

Anatomy of urban poles: these are strapless poles that have ergonomic handles that absorbs vibrations (in wrist, elbow and shoulder joints) and prevent grip fatigue during long walks. There is a ledge on the base of the thick handle where walkers exert pressure to propel the body forward (while engaging upper body muscles).

Another style of walking poles has straps or mini gloves where pressure is exerted as the body moves forward.

Both strapless and strap-style nordic poles have detachable rubber boot-shaped tips for walking on hard surfaces such as pavement and trekking tips for hiking or walking on trails and rocky surfaces.