Walking Poles Save Senior Hikers' Knees
Anti-Shock Trekking Poles Great for Fitness, Hiking, Daily Walk
Aug 15, 2009
Whether they hike for fitness, fun, weight loss, or any other reason, walking and hiking enthusiasts over age 50 have discovered that poles made by companies like Black Diamond, Leki, REI and Komperdell propel them forward and up and down steep inclines with greater comfort.
According to Dr. Edward R. Laskowski, poles “work your arms, shoulders, chest and upper back muscles through a full range of motion as you walk.” The effect, he says on the Mayo Clinic website, is similar to cross-country skiing. The intent is not just to help you with your balance but to increase your aerobic intensity and thus burn more calories, as well as helping to firm loose flesh that often develops as a body ages in the triceps’ area.
The other great value of hiking poles for older trekkers is that they take some of the weight load that pounds your knees, hips and lower back when walking, hiking or trekking on a route that has ups and down.
Stefan Aschan, the innovating fitness trainer, has advocated poles on ABC News. He notes that “for the generation that enjoys activity yet experiences pain, this might be the right solution; adding poles to a walking routine decreases impact to the ankles, knee and hips. This is especially fortunate for those who have had hip replacement surgery or knee problems due to wear and tear.
Poles Popular in Europe for Nordic Walking
In Europe, walking with poles has evolved into the sport called “Nordic walking,” but the fact is that anyone who owns a pair of hiking poles or even non-adjustable ski poles can use these aids to build fitness and to hike pain free.
Poles plus other hiking gear especially for seniors make daily walks or multi-day tours more comfortable.
The pole manufacturer Leki has several different anti-shock systems built into its poles for different conditions. Its TSS, or Triple Spring System, has three settings, allowing a user to adjust poles according to how much cushioning versus support a trekker wants on uneven or rocky terrain, in the same way mountain bike suspensions are adjusted for maximum comfort on the trail.
Leki, Black Diamond, Komperdell Manufacture Excellent Poles
Kelli Calabrese,, an exercise physiologist, fitness author, and owner of Calabrese Consulting in Long Valley, N.J says on the WebMD website that “a set of aluminum, rubber-tipped poles” costing between $70 and $100 plus a stable, properly fitted pair of hiking boots can provide an excellent all-over fitness routine, especially in nice weather. "You move with quicker, smaller steps, your arms are pumping and it's almost like race-walking," she says. "The upper body motion really gets the heart rate going. It's a great way to add some intensity to your hiking."
Popular hiking or walking poles by Leki, Black Diamond and Komperdell come in various materials, with some super lightweight poles made partially of the space-age metal titanium, the same metal used to lighten bicycles and tennis racquets.
In summary, hiking with poles can be a great senior fitness routine that help the heart without hurting real or replacement hips, knees and ankles.
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