I love walking for exercise and just read an article in Weight Watcher’s magazine about walking with Nordic Poles – ski pole-like sticks that apparently rev up the workout.
Before investing in a pair of poles, I’d like to hear from anyone who uses these walking sticks (is it worthwhile?) and if you have any comments on brands, buying them online, adjustable vs. non-adjustable, using, etc.
The pricing for a set of poles ranges seems to range from 30-$200. What do you wise walkers say?
I use walking poles for backpacking and more serious hiking. I was recommended them when I was recovering from an ankle injury. It doesn’t seem like much, but when you use the poles they do offset the weight on your feet a bit, so they do help with a recovering ankle. When backpacking, I’ve found them really useful - especially on steep downhills. They give you an extra contact point as you step down, and so you’re more stable.
For just normal walking, I’m guessing you get more benefit from the additional arm movement, but it’s not a whole lot. If you are just walking around the neighborhood, I’d recommend using hand weights if you want to get your arms more involved.
But if you do more hiking (trails instead of street/sidewalk) then the hiking poles might be useful. It all depends on how serious the trail is and what kind of condition you’re in.
Yes, prices vary greatly. I opted for the cheapest pair I could find ($30/pair), and they’ve worked well. Unless you’re regularly carrying a seriously heavy backpack, I don’t think you need to spend the extra on the shock absorbing models. And you can get lighter ones, but even the cheap ones are pretty light.
My word, at first I thought you were talking about PEOPLE. ANd then I thought, sure, why not, we can go walking together (dad’s Norwegian, mom’s Polish 
).
As to actually contributing anything useful, sorry, I’m only good (and barely so) for making lame jokey comments.
While you can buy $100 special built trekking poles, any old ski pole will do. You can get them for $5 or free at a ski swap and just cut them down to size. If you decide that this is is a good exercise or you, then you can look at buying the expensive models.
cormac262, That’s just the kind of input I was hoping for. I’m glad you commented on price too, that’s very helpful. I didn’t think about using hand weights, either, so thank you very much!
**
Neverending Elbow**, That’s pretty funny, if I do say so with my half-Polish self! (No shiny jokes, now)
Telemark, Also a good idea, thanks. I’m not familiar with ski-poles per se, the walking poles seem to come with particular tips for wear on the asphalt. You think I can get the same “feel” with regular ski poles?
Frankly, it doesn’t really matter. Hiking sticks are hiking sticks. Walking on pavement the tips don’t do much of anything. A lot of this is hype, the pole makers ads are full of interesting claims but are mostly fluff.
I’d assume the claim is related to the cardiovascular benefit of the arm swing above your heart. It’s cheaper do this without the poles.