Pole walking, also known as Nordic walking, was originally developed by Finnish ski coaches as a way to keep their skiers in top form year-round. This aerobic exercise transforms a regular walk into nearly a full-body workout, while building on the benefits of what is surely the oldest form of exercise. By incorporating upper body muscles, there is less impact on all the muscles and joints from the back and hips down to the knees, ankles, and feet. Introducing more muscle groups into the walk can also increase cardio by 20%, and burn significantly more calories, making more efficient use of limited time to exercise.
Keenfit markets their fitness poles to walkers of all ages and body types. Their very comprehensive website covers the history of pole walking, as well as the benefits. There are instructions for setting up the correct length, getting the correct grip, and learning to walk with poles. That wealth of information should make it easy for anyone to determine if pole walking is right for them, as well as get them off on the right foot, so to speak.
They offer two pole options – the first is their 2-piece poles. These are the best choice if you’re not planning on packing your poles with you on vacation, as they don’t collapse down to a very compact size. Suitable for walkers from 4 feet to over 6 feet tall, they utilize a simple single lock to adjust the height, and are available in blue, black, red, purple or green.
The second option is a 3-piece pole, available in blue only. Two adjustment points allow them to pack down into a more compact size, making them the go-to choice for someone that wants to take along their poles on a trip across town or around the world.
Both options offer the same quality of construction, and are equally durable. Features shared between the two include cork on the handles for year-round comfort, adjustable palm straps, and reflector tape for safety in low-light. Included with each set are a DVD to help you get started, as well as two pairs of road feet, one pair of trail feet, built-in carbide tips (for hiking or icy paths) and baskets for sandy or grassy terrain, so your poles don’t sink into the ground.
While we haven’t had the opportunity to try them out, we’re very impressed with Keenfit. Their website is quite informative, and they don’t really make any outlandish claims like some other “exercise equipment” infomercials do. They’ve even partnered with Curves fitness centers, which now stocks Keenfit. And the owner, Sheri Simson, freely admits that eating properly, not dieting, and sticking to the very simple plan of regular pole walking, has been the key to her new-found fitness. No pills, no shakes, no questionable machines – just a more efficient use of time spent walking. Read more at Keenfit.com
– Brian
These Poles are the best! I’ve tried a couple different kinds – and these by far are the most comfortable and best built. I’ve used them to climb steep terrain – and I’ve also lost 20 lbs! Love them.