Take a Load Off Your Sore Joints!

A few years ago I added one simple piece of equipment to my exercise regime while recovering from back surgery — and suddenly I was having a ball on my daily walks!

After surgery in 2004, my physical therapist suggested I add walking poles to my daily rehab strolls to take the pressure off my knees, and arthritis hips tone up my core muscles and boost my cardiovascular system.

What a Difference Having “Four Legs” Makes!

From Day One I was up and walking because it was so much easier.

And, even in my weakened condition, I was getting a full-body workout … burning off calories … and regaining my correct posture. BONUS: I had more energy and slept much better at night.

Now that I’m back in tip-top shape, I rarely take a hike without my trusty walking poles because they continue to help me walk farther and faster — and it’s still a blast.

But Those Early Days Were Critical

Following my operation, any type of walking hurt. This, understandably, weakened my desire to get moving again (even though I knew it would speed my recovery).

As you know, physical activity aids the healing process because it’s the driving force behind all metabolic functions. It burns calories … moves waste and toxins out of our bodies … thins the blood … and pumps life-giving oxygen and nutrients to all our cells and organs, including our brains.

I wanted all that, but the pain and instability on my feet made me want to keep my butt in bed.

Then the walking poles appeared, and walking was immediately safer and more comfortable.

Before I knew it, I was having serious fun!

Nordic Skiers Started the Trend

Walking poles began as a summer training tactic for European cross-country skiers.

Soon they caught on with hikers and quickly spread from Europe to the US. Athletes, physical therapists and researchers noticed the benefit of the whole-body workout and the way poles take the pressure off lower joints, particularly on cartilage-corroding downhill slopes.

Researchers also noticed that pole walking helps breast cancer survivors improve muscular endurance of the upper body … tames neck and shoulder pain for office workers … and diminishes leg pain in people suffering from hardening of the arteries in their feet and legs (peripheral arterial disease). Studies also found that poles help lift depression (by making it easier for people to get more physical activity).

Nearly Double the Calorie Burn of Any Walk

Walking poles increase the calorie expenditure of a walk by up to 46% (it is estimated that an hour walking with poles burns about 400 calories compared to only 280 calories walking without them, depending on body weight).

But the biggest benefit to me is that I don’t notice I’m working harder!

Maybe it’s because — like everyone else — I’m having too much fun to care. (Even scientists report that pole walkers don’t perceive the additional effort.)

I don’t want to overanalyze it, but I think the “glee-factor” comes because there’s an ease of movement plus the extra power and speed that come with having “four legs.”

“Meet the Pole Lady”

“Fun” is exactly what Sheri Simson (aka “The Pole Lady”) experienced when she tried her first walking poles.

To see how this busy professional and mother of three turned her life and health around with these amazing poles, take a look at her inspiring story here…