Hiking Poles Vs. Walking Poles

 

Nordic / Fitness / Pole Walking Poles are different than Hiking & Trekking Poles.
The differences are in the handle-grips, palm-straps and feet options
as well as in the weight of the Poles & their comfort.

…You definitely would not want to take Hiking Poles ‘Walking,’

The straps, handles & weight of hiking or trekking Poles are not always made to be comfortable for repeated, extended use. However we are happy to say that because of the durability, feet options, weight & design – “you truly can enjoy taking our Keenfit ‘Walking Poles’ for a Hike!”

See the comparisons below…

 

Hiking / Trekking PolesFitness / Nordic / Pole Walking Poles
Purpose of Hiking Poles:
to minimize energy expended while hiking by aiding balance and reducing stress on the lower body.		Purpose of Nordic / Walking Poles:
to energy expended while fitness walking – enabling a variety of arm-movements that help you ‘plant and propel’ the body efficiently forward in an exercise motion.
How Used:
the poles are usually held straight up & down and planted in front of the body, with minimal push-off or arm-swing.		How Used:
the poles are typically held at an angle and planted behind the body, pushing off the ground to propel your body forward, through a firm Punch-Pull or Pendulum-Push motion of the arms.
Handle Grips:
typically plastic, straight with grooves & finger-nubs, and may be flat on top to be used for help going downhill.		Handle Grips:
ergonomically angled, smooth surface (with no grooves or finger-nubs) – made with cork for comfort.
Straps:
usually simple wrist loops used to prevent dropping the poles.		Palm Straps:
adjustable palm-pads, attached to the handles with adjustable straps – used to help control & transfer your energy during push-off and to help keep hold of the poles through the Punch-Pull or Pendulum-Push motion of the arms.
Feet Options:
steel-tips & baskets only – no rubber feet since poles are never used on surfaces like sidewalks.		Feet Options:
steel-tips & baskets for rough surfaces, plus attachable durable rubber feet for trails & harder surfaces like roads & sidewalks, & indoor walking tacks.

Struggling with very Painful Ankle; I had developed Arthritis & Doc wanted it Strengthened

I was struggling with a very painful right ankle, thinking I had developed arthritis in it as it ached all... View Article

QUICK VIEW GO TO TESTIMONIAL

Struggling with very Painful Ankle; I had developed Arthritis & Doc wanted it Strengthened

I was struggling with a very painful right ankle, thinking I had developed arthritis in it as it ached all the time.  I went to the doctor to see if he could do anything & found out I did not have arthritis in the ankle, but had in fact broken the ankle a few years before.  I didn’t know it was broken, so it set on its own & my ankle and foot were in fact crooked.

Since re-breaking it was not an option to me, the doctor told me I had to do 2 things – firstly take off some weight & secondly strengthen the ankle.  I had heard about the Poles & had seen people walking with them so decided to try them.

Here I am almost a year later & amazing enough my ankle does not ache anymore!  When I walk with the Poles, it reduces the impact on my body & has made all the difference in the world.  I am also dropping weight with a structured eating program & the Walking.

I have dropped a total of 34 pounds.  I still have a long way to go, but am sure I’m on the right path.  I also have arthritis in my knees, but they do not ache at all when I walk with the Walking Poles.  All in all it is amazing how good I feel when I have gone Pole Walking.

Carla – age 64
Kelowna, British Columbia – CA