People drive for over 2 hours to come to WALX store in rural Dorset and our Instructors also report that they are helping people discover poles for a range of very different reasons these days. These reasons have changed since we started our journey with Nordic walking in 2004

Back then we introduced two poles based on the fitness benefits based on cross country skiing. Performing a coached sports technique provided forward propulsion and worked the whole body. We called it our outdoor cross trainer. These days we engage with people from all walks (or should that be WALX) of life and always have the solution they are seeking – here are the top reasons why people want to explore how to walk with 2 poles…….

1. FITNESS is still one of the major reasons people want to use 2 walking poles.

The fact that using two walking poles correctly will work both upper and lower body muscles really does make sense to anyone who loves walking but is time poor.

Unlike running, using poles can improve posture too (especially ergonomic poles like the WALX velocity total body walking poles which encourage natural walking gait) Using more muscles means burning more calories as well so great for cardiovascular function and weight loss too. Poles also increase your pace and studies show that those who walk briskly reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30 per cent!

A 20 minute blast with two poles provides a great whole body workout. It tones the whole body while you enjoy the benefits of being outdoors. You can also add in strength, functional fitness and balance exercises by attending total body walking classes with qualified Instructors who carefully tailor them from wellness to bootcamp – perfect for all levels!

2. PERFORMANCE when Hiking is gained by using 2 walking poles

Although most people appreciate that poles help with hills and provide stability on uneven ground, hikers in the know also understand that using 2 poles will improve performance and reduce fatigue. By using 2 poles they are harnessing the power of the upper body, are lighter on their feet and return with fresher legs! Perfect for challenge and distance hikes, the poles reduce pain on downhill sections too. Hikers need to avoid being strapped into poles ( Nordic walking style) as they need at adapt their pole position according to terrain and a fall could result in wrist or thumb injury if attached to the poles.

Hikers need to learn how to use their poles for maximum effect too – throwing the lower section (base tip) forward is a technique often seen and can waste energy on most terrain. Over gripping of narrow handles can also lead to shortened strides and tension in the upper body. WALX ergonomic handles eliminate this and help keep poles angled correctly for forward propulsion and power but they can be adapted for use on hills and gnarly terrain too. They come with videos on how to use effectively or there is a network of Instructors who can introduce you to pole walking via the Power of Poles workshops.

3. IMPROVED BALANCE when walking is a key reason to use 2 walking poles

Walking is an essential part of daily life as well as the best way to stay fit and healthy but if balance is challenged, it is easy to lose confidence. Our balance is affected by many things over the years because it is controlled by a range of systems working together – brain, eyes and ears as well as postural muscles. Injury, ageing and health conditions can take their toll and the risk of taking a tumble increases. Using one stick is not the answer as that affects posture which is another key factor in maintaining good balance. 2 poles provide stability but it is important to retain a natural walking motion and to engage the core if possible. This keeps you upright and your eyes forward.

If you struggle with balance, avoid being strapped into walking poles ( Nordic style straps) and explore the movement patterns that are right for you.

4. JOINT AND FOOT PAIN when walking is helped by using 2 walking poles

Walking is the best way to remain active so when hip, knee or foot pain impedes that, it can be frustrating as well as painful. Lower body joint pain is one of the key drivers when it comes to using walking poles and once again two are much better than one. Postural alignment is important if you want to take weight off hips and knees and trying to maintain a good walking gait helps too. Using one pole or walking stick can cause a sideways lean or twist of the spine and it is common to overload the wrist too. Two WALX ergonomic poles used correctly will help activate the core for good posture, share the load evenly and promote a natural walking style. All of which can help you stay on your feet and active. As they also boost fitness, they can help with weight management which is also a key factor in managing lower joint pain

5. MENTAL HEALTH and MINDFULNESS can be aided by using 2 walking poles

Walking correctly with ergonomic poles that have a soft  grip and are lightweight can be empowering! The rhythmic action is calming and the added fitness benefits increase the feel good endorphins gained from your walk. The poles can make walking feel easier and a more positive experience which combined with engaging with nature is a very powerful anti depressant!

For those who are short of time, being able to combine the mood boosting benefits of being outdoors with whole body exercise thats feels comfortable is a bonus!

Studies show that the rhythmic action of walking has a positive impact on brain function, memory, learning and even our ability to navigate – check out the the chapter about Theta brainwaves by neuroscientist Shane O’ Mara in his book ‘In praise of walking’ and you will be reaching for 2 poles to perfect your brain boosting rhythm!

Its a fact – 2 poles are better than one but make sure you get the right poles and learn to right movements for the type of walking you want to enjoy or benefits you want to gain. At WALX our experts can help you get the results YOU want!