Guide To Walking Poles

Choosing Walking Poles Can Be a Challenge

We hear of Sticks and Poles, Activators, Exerstriders, Nordic, Urban Poling , Leki, Exel, Gabel… Just the words can generate confusion.  

 So what is all this about?

In this article we will hopefully help you to have a better understanding of different pole types and take away the confusion.

Questions that are often asked.

• What are the poles  designed for?
• Who designed them and why?
• Why are they shaped differently? (some bent, some not, etc)
• Why some have straps and some don’t?
• How are they supposed to be used?
• How are they actually used?
• What methods of use are being applied to various pole types?
• What assessment methods are being applied to determine which Pole type is best applied to an individuals need.

Our Thoughts

At Nordic Fitness Ireland we do not claim to be an authority on pole types but our years of experience of working with different clients and using poles ourselves, there are many things we have learned along the way.  Commercial interests and marketing, Governing bodies around the world. Research articles with varying perspectives……Enthusiasts and “pole” users have varying perspectives all have an influence on why different poles are recommended for different people.  We believe that each person is unique and that one pole type does not fit all. Assessment is key when deciding which poles will be most beneficial to each individual. Listening to the client and understanding their goals will help provide the best solution for them.

Hopefully, some of our thoughts may help you find your way through the minefield of poles.

Nordic Walking Poles

Poles specifically designed for Nordic Walking were produced in 1997 by Ski Pole Manufacturer Exel. Exel trademarked “Nordic Walk”. Other manufacturers followed suit such as Leki and Gabel.

• Nordic walking poles have straps or gloves
• Allow Nordic walkers to release the poles at the end of the backstroke and catch the grips as they move forward to the front stroke/pole plant.
• Allow for a greater range of shoulder movement.
• Allow for increased propulsion

Nordic Walking when applied to the specially designed strapped poles provides the greatest range of benefits for whole body workout.

They work well for most who want to achieve competency in full Nordic Walking.

The Strapped poles and Nordic Walking method works well for mountain and ultra runners and walkers.

We have found that clients with poor shoulder mobility do not get the full benefit that Nordic Walking poles can offer.

Exerstrider Poles

In North America poles were being developed that were also inspired by Ski movement. And in 1985, in Wisconsin, USA, a man named Tom Rutlin began promoting pole walking. In 1988, he formally named his activity “Exerstriding” and began commercially selling poles for it. He also developed the first “Activator” walking poles with bell ends, in 2003 (Now called Exerstrider “Medisport”), which can be used in the same way as the Urban Poling Activator poles (see below)

Exerstrider poles are very much designed for fitness walking and provide a full body workout. The core grips are supportive without being restrictive, enabling a full pole walk action and movement flow .The core grips on the surface look very similar to Urban Polling’s Activator

• These are Strapless poles with comfortable good grip handle with ledge.
• A “hybrid” exercise form that combines walking, and cross-country (or “Nordic”) skiing.
• Total body version of walking that allows optimal level of fitness

Exerstrider poles are great choice for all round fitness walking with a core grip which will meet the needs of most users wanting to achieve the all-round fitness without straps. They work well for shorter fitness walks on good surfaces and trails.

As they are strapless they are NOT designed for application of full range Nordic Walking technique and associated benefits. 

Activator Poles

These poles are produced by Urban Poling in Canada which was incorporated in 2005. They are strapless poles. These poles have a comfortable Core Grip which has a wide shelf. This core grip design was further developed by an occupational therapist from the original Exerstrider Activator pole and subsequently patented by Urban Poling. They also have a button adjustment in shaft for ease of length adjustment.

Activator poles work well has rehabilitation poles and the bell end rubber feet and wide ledge on core grip helps those with balance and mobility issues.

On the cons, the wide ledge on the core grip does impede the level of push back and extension range which can constrain the walking motion power and flow compared to Exerstrider.

Activator Poles are prescribed in Canada as best practices for orthopaedics, neurology, metabolic syndromes, cancer rehabilitation, spinal conditions, older adults and Senior Living (under the direction of a physician or health care professional

Activator poles and the other Urban Polling strapless poles will not work as well for full range longer distance walking or hikes. They work well for shorter fitness walks on good surfaces and trails. They can also be used for indoor walking / exercise programmes.

As they are strapless, they are NOT designed for application of full range Nordic Walking technique and associated benefits.

Trekking / Hiking Poles

These are the standard poles which most people will be familiar with. They generally have straps in form of loops at the handles/grip at top of shafts.

If they are adjusted properly for individual user and that user has been trained in using them properly, they will work well, for aiding with balance and to some extent aid with ascent and descent of hills.

We would not recommend to use a single pole as this can lead to muscle and joint misalignment over time. 

They are NOT suitable for Nordic Walking and the full benefits of Nordic Walking will not be achieved.

Hazel Sticks

In Ireland Hazel sticks can often be found at the beginning of walks for people to use. Croagh Patrick being an example of this. Whilst these can be of some help with heading up and down the hills we would not recommend them as a regular pole to use.

In Conclusion

Choosing poles is  not an exact science. This article is not based on research but on what we have observed during our time as Fitness Walking Instructors. We believe assessment is key when helping a client to decide on the right pole for them. Whilst our knowledge and advice can steer them in the right direction to choose poles that will give them the ultimate benefit to achieve their goals, listening to them is key. Some people have a particularly attachment to their  chosen poles and we feel it is best for us to help them to use them in the best way possible rather than try and convert them to something new which they may not use.

Working with You to Achieve Your Goals

At Nordic Fitness Ireland we will work with you to help you achieve your goals using the best poles for you.