How Do You Exercise With Walking Sticks?
Walking sticks, or walking poles, are used to enhance walking as an exercise. Walkers and hikers use poles to increase the intensity of a workout and increase upper body strength. It involves pectorals, triceps and abdominal muscles, which raise the heart rate higher than regular walking does. The activity is like “cross-country skiing for walkers,” reports the mayo Clinic. The added intensity increases the number of calories burned and improves stability. Walking poles are helpful because they relieve the load that walking can place on knees, hips, ankles and lower back. Walking with poles might be just what you’re looking for to spice up your walking routine. Practice. Get a feel for the action of walking with the poles. Walk carrying the poles and then dragging them to get accustomed to how it feels walking with them. Also practice planting the poles in the earth, while gripping the poles and pushing back as you step forward. Pay attention to your arms. Walk with your arms in front