As we celebrate Labor Day it got us thinking about walking and whether it can sometimes be considered a labor. Walking, for most people, is a routine activity and not usually categorized as labor unless it's part of a job or involves significant effort (like hiking long distances).
However, if someone is walking under strenuous conditions like horrendous weather or for an extended period, it could feel like laborious work. That said, for some people walking can be a labor because of a physical condition like arthritis, an injury or a chronic condition like Parkinson’s or MS. It is for those folks that we stress the advantages that walking poles can provide.
Walking poles help provide balance and stability while engaging the body’s core, both of which can greatly take pressure off of joints and parts of the body that might be under stress while walking. Other advantages include promoting joint flexibility and muscle movement, thereby reducing stiffness and improving overall mobility. Taken together, pole walking can help take the labor out of otherwise strenuous walking, or at least make it easier to enjoy.
Let’s Get Out There!
Tags
Health Benefits of Walking, Pole Walking for Seniors, Walking Research
I love my new foldable walking poles. They are so convenient to use when out hiking. Recently brought them with me to the Berkshires; they made trekking through the snow so easy!
Don't get me wrong they're useful. They help the crutches stand up and be less likely to tip. But honestly thats all the praise I can give them. The main issue I have is that the to top magnets piece are not long enough to extend past the crutch cuff. This results in the magnets not being able to fully make contact SIGNIFICANTLY reducing their ability to stick together. The advertisements are more tame here on smart crutchs than geckos own site but you cannot carry one and support the other because without the magnets making that full contact they aren't strong enough to support the weight. Additionally (not smart crutches fault) the wrist straps gecko sells are not long enough to reach your wrists even on the smallest forearm setting, which I use. I use them every day, but I wish they were better.