Walking Sticks Or Trekking Poles - For Beginners: All You Need To Know!

Bob and Brad demonstrate how to stop pain or injuries with the right tape or wraps.

Bob (the tall one) has been diagnosed with Ataxia. It affects his balance and his speech, but does not affect his thinking. We appreciate your understanding and support!

~~~~ Video Chapters ~~~~

0:00 intro, 0:34 the basics of walking sticks and poles, 2:34 the benefits of walking poles, 3:27 what to look for in a walking pole when buying, 5:20 how to set up your walking poles, 7:20 how to properly use a walking pole, 9:06 how to start out with walking poles, 10:15 how to use pole going up and downhill, 11:36 outro

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[joemaricich]

I've been using trekking poles since 2015 when Nordic walking was one of the exercise classes on the Queen Victoria 21day cruise from LA to Sydney...lots of sea days. We would do laps around the promenade deck before the stretch class. I bought mine (Cascade Mountain Tech) adjustable carbon fiber ones at Costco for $30.00, and use them every time I go for a walk or hike. After recovering from chemo for lymphoma this last winter and turning 80, I found that my stability wasn't as good and so using the poles gave me a better sense of security while walking. I'll be using them tomorrow morning when I go on a hike with my 86 year old ski buddy as we get into condition for ski season.

[vinci.]

Greetings from the Philippines! I am the only Nordic Walker here and I am doing my best to promote it in my country. Thank you for the video!

[elizabethwhite]

I like to see Bob teaching with Brad! They are the best team!

[gaillmani]

I love my Hiking poles/sticks(Foxelli Hiking Poles )Our town has terrible heaving interlocking stone sidewalks & roads full of holes. With my sticks I don't need to worry about tripping as they help when I hit anything uneven even when hiking in the bush. As well my husband now has to work harder to keep up with me as I can walk much faster & further distance, plus all the benefit mentioned in this video. Thanks for info.

[dinakennedy]

Oh my gosh -- I have been holding AND using my poles wrong for YEARS! Thank you! Can't wait to readjust and retrain!!!!

[lizsteilkie]

So great to see
Bob back in action yes!

[dianasowers]

I have Parkinson’s disease and trekking ticks are very helpful to me. Standing up straighter n my sit is wider. Love them

[michellegaida]

I was introduced to Nordic Walking sticks while at a Wellness/Fasting Clinic in Germany. I have the $200 telescoping LEKI. You offer such a good introduction but there is so much more. If you understood the “sport” you would not have laughed at the large tip. Completely necessary. You also want walking sticks with BASKET STRAPS. I’m afraid with the regular straps, even as you have demonstrated, that someone could hurt their hands. Also, I am 3 months away from LTKR and when I’m using my sticks I can keep up with my friends on a hilly walk with no problem. When I would walk in the USA, people would laugh and ask me if I was going skiing. Ha ha. Jokes on you. I started using the sticks walking through the zoo. No funny looks from the animals. :). Love your shows, have learned soooo much. ❤

[dman]

In September we did the Camino and I used Trekking Poles. They are awesome, we did 170 miles.

[jerrycollins]

Finally someone who shows the proper way to use trekking poles!

[pamisntcraiganymore]

I just received my walking poles today from Amazon and I get this video in my feed. Gotta love those algorithms. I’m glad though because with your suggestions I took my sticks out for a walk. I was able to walk a little faster and mostly without pain. I could really feel my arms working too. The best part was that I got enough out of my walk to register exercise minutes on my watch. Normally I am far to slow to get my heart rate up enough. These are a game changer! Thanks for the tips.

[fergyful]

Always had a hit and miss relationship with trekking poles but was obviously using them wrongly. Thank you so much for this one, it might extend my years of being out in the mountains.

[dinakennedy]

Just want to say thank you again for this video. This has been incredibly valuable for me. I have a messed up knee on one side, and messed up hip and ankle plus peripheral neuropathy on the other side. And a now 6 month old dog =) I use one trekking pole when I walk her, and switch which hand it's in depending on which leg is the better one each walk. After watching this video and finding out that I've been using my poles completely wrong, I adjusted the strap and the height, and went outside to practice getting the proper rhythm and pole placement for each side. HOLY SMOKES! Once I got it, it is indeed effortless and was instantly able to walk further, quicker, and with much better posture and more of a swing to my hips (how I used to walk). I feel safe and stable and it's like finding a pot of physical gold. The dog and I are both much happier and we say thank you and woof!

[marjoriekelly]

The video on walking poles was excellent.

[charliejg]

I see hikers using trek poles incorrectly all the time. On trail I just can't get accustomed to using them. I understand the benefits, especially on inclines and declines, but they get in the way because I'm also carrying a camera. At 62 years old with lumbar and cervical stenosis I've been rethinking using them. Great job explaining these tools!

[maudessen]

Excellent! I have been swinging my sticks too far forward. I am glad to be corrected. Thank you!

[catlovesGod]

I have a HUGE smile on my face when I hear your 'jingle' at the beginning of each video.. and yes... I DO SING ALONG! Thanks for these tips! I use hiking poles for balance (after effects from brain surgery) and these are useful! I use the tips that look like little booties... less wear and tear... those tiny tips need to be replaced often if used daily... Pro tip... get some of those rubber tips for putting on barstool legs (Walmart 4/cheap cheap) and put them over the small tips. Helps prolong the life.
Prayers for Bob!

[bonniewilliams]

I just love you two fine gentlemen. Thank you.
I actually have those poles. Thank you for showing us how to benefit most from them. God bless you!

[Mr]

Thanks to you both for informing & educating people who need to keep themselves physically fitt. As always it's a great pleasure to hear you both together & bring so much happiness for us, thanks 👍🙏❤

[jillalexander]

I use Nordic poles and took lessons. Love them. Lots of info online.