In addition to being good for your heart, blood sugar, mental health, and more, walking also has a lot of health benefits. What if you wanted to add more intensity to your walks by engaging your upper body? It might be a good idea to use walking poles.
Through the core, the poles integrate the upper and lower bodies. Although you may not feel like you’re exerting yourself more, walking with poles can burn more calories and raise your heart rate. It can improve your health and blood pressure.
Jon Schultz, a board-certified physical therapist, tells TODAY.com that adding poles makes it a much more complete workout.
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Using Walking Poles: Who Should And Shouldn’t
Schultz says it’s a low-risk activity. Some people benefit from walking poles, but not everyone. Doctors can help you decide if walking poles are right for you if you have Parkinson’s disease, balance issues, or shoulder problems. Ask your doctor or a physical therapist if you’re unsure if they’re right for you. Consider where and how you’ll use walking poles. A fitness pole or Nordic walking pole is for walking on sidewalks
With A Walking Pole, How Do You Walk?
The first time you walk with poles, it feels different. Most people do not move their arms when they walk, or they move one arm more than the other. Schultz finds integrating the upper and lower bodies a little strange. Most people like it once they learn how to do it. By dragging the poles behind them, Schultz instructs participants to change arm movements, bringing their arms up in handshake position as they drag the poles behind them. Walking up hills can also be more accessible with poles, and squats and lunges will give you more stability.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Tyler Olson
Conclusion
Consider adding walking poles to your routine if you want to spice things up. Exercises like these can help intensify and strengthen your upper body while counteracting the effects of long computer sessions.