In recent years, travel poles have gained significant popularity among fitness enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts. These poles, often referred to as trekking poles or Nordic walking poles, offer a range of benefits that enhance the overall exercise experience. From reducing stress on joints to providing a full-body workout, travel poles have become an integral part of many people's fitness routines. In this article, we will delve into the various advantages of using travel poles for exercise.
Reducing Stress on Joints
One of the primary benefits of using travel poles is the reduction of stress on joints, particularly the knees and ankles. When walking or hiking, the impact on these joints can be significant, leading to discomfort and even injury. Travel poles help distribute the weight and force more evenly across the body, alleviating this stress. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with joint issues, such as osteoarthritis, or those who are older or overweight. By taking some of the load off these joints, travel poles can significantly reduce the risk of injury and improve overall comfort during exercise.
Providing a Full-Body Workout
Travel poles not only reduce joint stress but also provide a comprehensive upper body workout. By actively driving the poles into the ground, users engage their arms, shoulders, and core muscles. This full-body workout not only burns more calories but also improves cardiovascular health, increases upper body strength, and enhances overall endurance. The added resistance from the poles requires more energy expenditure, leading to a more intense workout compared to traditional walking or hiking without poles.
Improving Balance and Posture
Travel poles also aid in balance and posture. By providing additional stability, these poles help maintain a more upright posture, which in turn can improve breathing and overall comfort. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with balance issues or those who need to carry heavy packs. Travel poles can help maintain a steady gait, even on uneven terrain, reducing the risk of falls and improving overall stability.
Enhancing Speed and Efficiency
Travel poles can also enhance speed and efficiency, especially when walking uphill or downhill. By using the poles to propel oneself forward, users can take longer and quicker strides, covering more ground with less effort. This is particularly noticeable when carrying a pack, as the poles help maintain a more natural walking gait, reducing the perceived effort and making the exercise feel easier. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who need to cover long distances or those who are looking to improve their overall fitness level.
Reducing Fatigue and Improving Endurance
Another significant benefit of using travel poles is the reduction of fatigue and improvement of endurance. By distributing the weight and force more evenly across the body, travel poles reduce the strain on individual muscles and joints. This allows users to maintain a consistent pace for longer periods, leading to improved endurance and reduced fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for long-distance hikers or those who engage in endurance sports.
Traveling with Poles
When traveling, it is essential to consider the convenience and portability of travel poles. Most good quality poles can be folded down to a compact size, making them easy to transport. This is particularly important for those who need to use public transportation or travel by plane. By ensuring the poles can be easily stowed away, users can avoid any inconvenience or additional costs associated with transporting bulky equipment.
Choosing the Right Poles
Selecting the right travel poles is crucial for maximizing their benefits. Poles should be adjusted to the correct height, allowing for a 90-degree angle at the elbow. This ensures that the poles are used effectively and efficiently. Additionally, poles with ergonomic grips and adjustable features can provide added comfort and adaptability for users of all heights and fitness levels. It is also important to consider the durability and quality of the poles, as they will be subjected to various terrains and conditions.
Travel poles have become an essential tool for many fitness enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts. By reducing joint stress, providing a full-body workout, improving balance and posture, enhancing speed and efficiency, and reducing fatigue and improving endurance, travel poles offer a comprehensive range of benefits. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, incorporating travel poles into your routine can significantly enhance your exercise experience. With their convenience, portability, and effectiveness, travel poles are a valuable addition to any fitness regimen.
Travel Poles Quiz
York Nordic
Due to the phenomenal success and customer feedback on the Motivator Walking Pole, York Nordic launched the Motivator Folding Travel Pole. This new walking pole combines the innovative, patented ergonomic Motivator grip with York Nordic's renowned travel poles to ensure the ability to continue rehab and walking routines while traveling or on the move.
The Motivator Folding Travel Pole has been lauded by physical therapists for its use in the rehab process due to the increased balance and stability patients find with the unique grip offering two thumb positions. Likewise, many individuals using walking poles for Nordic and routine walking find that the grip provides additional wrist support and less thumb strain due to the patented palm cradle feature.
Lauren DeLong, the creator of the Motivator, noted, "The Motivator offers patented (pending) contoured grips with two thumb support positions to stabilize the trapeziometacarpal joint and reduce strain on the carpometacarpal (CMC) thumb joint. This never-seen-before strapless grip design improves proprioception and offers state-of-the-art ergonomics and best-in-class hand support for the biaxial saddle joint. The result is a 10 times reduction in stress at CMC joint minimizing torsional load while providing balance and stability to the patient looking for motivation to begin walking more confidently. After hearing from our customers and recognizing the benefits of the grip, we decided to develop a travel version that could help people when they are on the move."
In addition to general health benefits, pole walking has been shown to aid those living with Parkinson's Disease, MS and osteoarthritic hips and knees, as well as in the recovery process by aiding stability and developing strength. The Motivator Folding Travel Poles fold up to just 13.5" so that they can easily be packed or stored during travel so the benefits from walking can always be realized.
York Nordic was founded by Lauren, who is also a certified Nordic Walking instructor, when she decided to design and manufacture her own poles after finding most poles lacked quality, style, and key features for different age groups and physical abilities. The poles are sold nationally and have been used in classes and health studies throughout the U.S. Visit yorknordic.com.