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 have severe scoliosis and these poles are so comfortable and supportive - they really help me keep moving! I have used regular trekking poles in the past, but I would get hand fatigue and sometimes even numbness in my hands. I have used a cane in the past, but I would get both hand and shoulder pain with a cane. The York Nordic Motivator poles have solved both of these issues. I highly recommend them. I also strongly recommend getting a FlexTip base with a spring as for the added shock absorption and a longer life for the tips - the typical rubber tips don't last long if you walk a lot. Thank you for developing these poles!
These trekking poles are sturdy and have fun designs. The handles are very comfortable and provide great support for balance on uneven surfaces or on even surfaces if you have balance problems. The only downside is that if you are using them in a therapy clinic to trial for patients, adjusting the height is not simple and it takes time to get both sides even. For that purpose, button settings would be easier. But if you are purchasing for a single person use, then once they are adjusted for the height, they stay put.
These flip locks are easy to use and hold my poles firmly at the right height. I know that I will need to keep tabs on these flip locks to make sure they don't come lose and fall off. I am VERY pleased that, in addition to the flip lock that I ordered to replace a lost one on my foldable poles, York Nordic included an extra set for my new poles. That really impressed me!