Description
Sometimes I feel like a nerd busting out my trekking poles on what I’d consider to be a fairly easy hike. But it do it because I know they are going to contribute to my longevity as a hiker.
One day, I want to be that 80 year old inspiration that’s crushing miles on the trail. I don’t want to be sitting at home kicking myself for not doing something really easy that could keep me hiking into my oldest years.
Here are some of the benefits of trekking poles:
✅ They reduce the pounding force on your knees and joints especially on the downhill. If you hike all of the time, it’s likely that the repeated stress without poles will catch up to you
✅ They help with balance and give you 4 points of contact on steep terrain - this can reduce the likelihood of injuries
✅ They help you maintain pace. Using poles makes it easier to time your strides with your breath.
✅ You get a full body workout which helps build upper body strength and burns more calories.
Do you use trekking poles? Why or why not?
*And also to address some of the comments..I’m not advocating for using trekking poles in lieu of doing other strength training and stability exercises. Those are important too for hiking longevity!
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