How We Created Our Walking Poles

The Keenfit Factor…

Creating a pair of good quality; durable; light-weight,
sturdy; rattle-free Walking Poles that are not only
comfortable & easy to adjust but also affordable
& something we could stand behind,
warranty without difficulty
& be proud of – was our quest…

These were some of the factors, along with many more, that we made extremely important when we started Keenfit – the Pole Walking Co.

Here’s the story of how our Keenfit Walking Poles were created…

I, Sheri Simson, aka The Pole Lady, discovered Pole Walking almost 10 years ago on a trip to Denmark where my Mother-in-law ended up giving me a pair of poles someone had just given her. I didn’t know at the time but they were a very crude pair of trekking poles – they had ski-pole handles & straps with hard-rubber trail-feet – I was so excited to get them that I didn’t mind that they weren’t very comfortable & that they clunked, rattled & vibrated with every step.

A couple of years later, after I fell in love with Pole Walking & it changed my life [click here to read my whole life-changing story] – I started my search to find the best walking poles out there – poles that were good quality & well priced – that I could proudly represent & have available for people to use during my clinics & affordable for them to buy if they wanted them for themselves.

Well – it was not a simple task – In the end I had bought & walked with almost a dozen different pairs of Walking Poles & to no avail – I couldn’t find anything I felt good about. They were either: too expensive; too cheap; too noisy; too clunky or too uncomfortable! I was so frustrated & disappointed – I nearly gave up.

Thankfully my husband suggested that I design my own… & that was the true beginning of Keenfit – the Pole Walking Co. – I didn’t even know where to begin when it came to having them manufactured [my husband took care of that] but I did know what I liked & what I didn’t like about all the poles I had been Walking with over the last thousands of kms/miles.

It took probably 4 to 5 goes at it before we finally got it to where we have them today – working on everything from the materials; to the finishes; to the sizing, to the design of the locking mechanism, the handles & straps.

WE are proud to say that since March 2004:

  • We have sold tens of thousands of pairs of Keenfit Walking Poles
  • We WON the 2012 About.com Readers’ Choice Award for BEST WALKING POLES

…All while maintaining a less than 0.3% Return/Warranty Rate!

“Walking Poles should not only be light-weight, sturdy & rattle-free
but to help ensure that you’ll use them – they should also be
easy to adjust & comfortable… I Guarantee ours are!”

Please continue-on & get all your questions answered
so you can get the right Walking Poles for YOU…

Balance is my Biggest Challenge, because of the Effect of the Cancer Surgery on my Brain & Eyesight

I am a 68 year old Holistic Nurse, Mother, & Grandmother.  In April of 2005 my life changed as I... View Article

QUICK VIEW GO TO TESTIMONIAL

Balance is my Biggest Challenge, because of the Effect of the Cancer Surgery on my Brain & Eyesight

I am a 68 year old Holistic Nurse, Mother, & Grandmother.  In April of 2005 my life changed as I was diagnosed with brain cancer, called Glioblastoma.

I was given a year to live, but it wasn’t my time to die. So, I had surgery, chemo and radiation, side effects and problems. When I first came home from rehab, my friend pushed me in a wheelchair. Sometimes I walked behind it, pushing it. I advanced to a wheeled walker.

One day, one of my daughters took me for a “walk” in an outdoor area. She had the idea of using regular ski Poles so I could get through the rough terrain. I continued to use the ski Poles and a special cane.

Then we found the Keenfit Walking Poles online. What a great thing! I could walk on hard surfaces without slipping. You see, balance is my biggest challenge. Because of the effect of the surgery on my brain and eyesight, if I look suddenly up, or to one side, I will lurch and lose my balance – but no more. As long as I have my Walking Poles, I am able to ‘catch myself’ before I’m in danger of falling.

I understand that as I build my core strength, my balance will improve. So, every day, I walk with my Poles. I’m able to go out independently and am safe. I live in the city of Royal Oak, MI which is a great walking community.

When I walk to the post office, library, drug store etc. it works best to wear a backpack so I can use both arms for my walking poles. I’ve started traveling to teach (healing) again, so when I fly, I just telescope the Walking Poles & put them in my suitcase.

The airport is good about riding me in a wheelchair and I carry a cane for short requirements. I contacted Keenfit, suggesting that they promote their products to rehab establishments, or whereever. I think my balance is improving…maybe because my body is used to walking better.

It’s been more than three years since my original surgery and diagnosis….and I’m doing great. I believe the cancer is behind me but the balance problem is still with me. For me, prayer and healing were the keys to my recovery along with my attitude. Just don’t believe everything the doctors say. I believe I will continue to be well. Only the good die young, and I’m way past that. So, I guess I’ll just keep on walking.

Kathy – age 68
Royal Oak, Michigan – US