How a simple invention is changing the way the world walks…..

When we decided to design our own poles during lockdown, it was to solve a solution and to help our Instructors and Masters to be the best.

The problem…………

Having spent 20 years developing programmes that encouraged people to walk but more importantly, discover how it can provide a whole body exercise and host of mental health benefits too. We needed to come up with a concept that provided instant results and was easy to master.

Knowing that time is short for many, our philosophy was always to make walking as effective as possible. Our sociable groups and qualified Instructors meant we could motivate people and provide progression in sessions that were fun. Our secret weapon was what is commonly described as Nordic walking but we had adapted to be a far cry from the traditional strict coached technique which was hard to grasp and not appropriate for many participants. It looked a tad strange too, as to perfect the correct movement, you were strapped into the poles (mirroring cross country ski techniques)

Despite our unique adaptions which broke the technique into manageable chunks or ‘gears’ as we call them, we still saw some resistance to the activity by those who wanted to simply ‘get going’ without lengthy tuition or technical movements which many simply did not have the fitness or mobility to achieve.

The solution…..

We had already discovered that the most important element of using poles for stability, exercise and effective walking was to get the core engagement and posture right. We also knew that the forward armswing and gaining propulsion were vital and yet many ‘Nordic walkers’ seemed to walk along tapping their poles in the ground and not achieving this effectively.

We scratched our heads (a lot) and soon realised that we needed to stop looking at how to adapt nordic walking technique but look at how to enhance natural walking so it could provide the same benefits but without the faff!

It did not take long to conclude that we needed to change the way people hold poles and do away with the old style straps (pictured) which many people were not using correctly anyway

So, we listed what we wanted to gain from using poles …………

• Upper body engagement
• Core engagement
• Improved posture
• Improved gait
• Increased calorie consumption
• Natural movement
• Forward propulsion

• Low rate of perceived exertion ( technical fitness term but important!)
• Ability to perform balance strength and functional exercises too
• Easy to learn
• FAST results

WOW! a big list but the final two were really the driving force behind the projects which saw us out walking naturally and working out how we could add poles to that movement to provide a 4 x 4 effect WITHOUT looking or feeling strange.

It started with the hand and wrist position which we studied in detail and knew were issues when people used strapped nordic walking poles (where you had to explain that they should not grip the handles but use the straps – which felt alien)

We needed the pole handles to mould to this natural position and provide propulsion comfortably whilst maintaining a neutral wrist. That was the start of our journey from fitness programme providers to product designers, developers and manufacturers The WALX ergonomic handle was born

An innovation from pole manufacturers Fizan in Italy perfected the concept by setting the handle on a 15 degree angled shaft and the rest is history….

A successful roll out via our Instructor network in the UK and partners such as Parkinson’s UK who funded training sessions for those launching pole walking for rehabilitation sessions was positive and exciting but we have to admit even we have been surprised at what happened next….

Not only have we re trained over 200 Instructors and community projects who now deliver Power of Poles inductions across the UK but the WALX poles and programmes are proving a hit overseas too!

It began in Italy where we trained 17 master trainers last Autumn who have already delivered two Instructor training courses to date with such a positive reception for WALX that it made the news in some towns see picture.

The simplicity yet effectiveness of the poles and the workout they provide with every step seems to really resonate even amongst those committed to the traditional poles and techniques.

Everyone agrees that it is time to take poling to the masses by making it more effective, more adaptable, easier to learn and a a lot of fun too!

Now our Tutor team is planning Instructor and master training in more European countries and the far East plus launching a new WALX Master in the UK virtually every week.

So, it seems we found the solution to creating amazing Instructors but also a product that appeals to all ages, can be used for hiking, rehabilitation and fitness walking.

The poles have even taken Centre stage at the OUTDOOR by ISPO European convention in Munich and have been entered for innovation awards!

Follow our steps or contact us to find out how you can be part of the walking revolution. Contact Gill (gill@walx.co.uk) to talk through how individuals, health clubs and community groups can access training and support to get people total body walking for wellness and fitness.

Changing lives as we change the way the world walks!