If you’re a senior, you know that walking is a great way to stay healthy and keep your body strong. However, it can be difficult to walk long distances or uphill without some help. That’s where walking poles come in! Walking poles provide extra stability and support when you’re walking, which makes it easier and more comfortable for you to get around.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of walking poles available on the market today, as well as the benefits of using them. We’ll also recommend our top five picks for the best walking poles for seniors.
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5 Best Walking Poles for Seniors
Here are 5 of the best walking poles for seniors. They won’t break the bank, are durable, and come from reputable manufacturers:
1. Montem Ultra Strong Trekking, Walking, and Hiking Poles
These poles are a great pair for seniors who want an option that will come with plenty of accessories as well as in a selection of 10 different colours. They also cost well under $100, making them a great affordable option.
You can easily extend the poles from 24″ to 53″ as needed to meet your height requirements, making them a great length for most seniors. The grips are made from EVA foam and are more durable than cork over time, making them perfect for long-term use.
The poles also come with a mud basket, snow basket, and rubber tip cover to keep them functioning in any terrain or weather condition.
The poles themselves are made out of durable aluminium that won’t rust or corrode over time.
The company also offers a lifetime replacement promise on the poles, so you can be sure that they’ll last for a long time, if not a lifetime.
2. Real Nordic Walking Poles from SWIX of Norway
These non-collapsible walking poles are specifically customized to your height, making them a perfect option for seniors. They’re also adjustable in terms of grip, so you can find the perfect fit for your hands.
The poles are made out of an all-temperature thermoplastic and carbide material and come with removable rubber tips that help to provide a better grip on slippery surfaces.
The company also offers a lifetime warranty on the poles, so you can be sure that they’ll last for a long time.
The poles are a bit pricier than some of the other options on this list, but they’re worth the investment for seniors since they are very stable and solid. They are the best option for those walking on asphalt, concrete, or other hard surfaces.
3. Foxelli Carbon Fibre Trekking Poles
If you’re looking for a shock-absorbent, lightweight, and collapsible walking pole option, Foxelli’s carbon fibre hiking poles are a great choice.
The poles weigh in at 7.06 ounces and can be extended up to 55 inches in length. The carbon fibre makes this pole over 30% lighter than a traditional aluminium pole, making them a great choice for those who are looking for an easy-to-carry option.
The poles also come with padded and ultra-soft cushioned grips made out of natural cork. The wrist straps are adjustable and made to fit any hand size, so you can be sure that they’ll stay in place while you’re walking.
The flip locks on the poles make them easy to collapse and extend, so you can quickly set them up or put them away when needed.
The company offers a 120 no-questions-asked return policy alongside a 1-year warranty, so you know that you’re investing in a quality product with a manufacturer that stands behind it.
4. Trekology Trek-Z Trekking Hiking Poles
These poles are a great affordable option for seniors that are looking for a lightweight foldable pole that they can take with them on the go. They are lighter than the average umbrella, making them great for those who don’t want to experience wrist pain while they’re hiking or trekking.
The poles are made out of durable aircraft-grade aluminium and can collapse down to 15 inches with its easy and simple trifold design. There are flip locks that allow you to adjust the poles to your height, and they come with rubber tips and a snow basket for different terrain.
They have EVA foam handles that are moisture-wicking and will keep your hands cool even on the hottest days. The wrist straps are also adjustable to ensure a perfect fit.
The poles come with 4 different accessories that can help you conquer any terrain, including two types of baskets and two types of tip protectors.
This manufacturer does not offer a warranty or return policy on their poles, so make sure that you’re able to thoroughly read the product description and reviews before making your purchase.
5. TheFitLife Nordic Walking Trekking Poles
These extremely affordable telescoping poles are great for seniors because they include anti-shock mechanisms and are extremely lightweight.
The poles can be adjusted to fit any height, and the soft foam handles ensure a comfortable grip. They come with durable carbide tips that provide a strong grip on any surface, and they also include a snow basket for snowy conditions.
The poles are easy to fold up and transport, making them easy to tuck into a backpack or even a larger purse. They come in 5 different colours, making them a great option for those who want to add a little personality to their hiking experience. The different colours are also helpful if you want to purchase more than one pair and be able to tell the difference between them easily.
These poles can reduce the compressive force that the knees and hips feel by up to 25%, making them a great option for those who are looking to minimize joint pain.
They have a load-bearing capacity of up to 440 pounds, making them ideal for all sizes and shapes of senior walkers and hikers.
They come with several handy accessories as well as a waterproof carrying back and user guide, making them the perfect poles for beginners who want to make a single purchase and be ready for any terrain.
What is Nordic Walking?
Nordic walking came from Finland in the 1930s and is a form of cross-country skiing. Poles are used to provide extra propulsion and balance, similar to how skis work. Nordic walking has become popular all over the world because it’s a great way to get exercise without putting too much strain on your body.
It targets several areas of your body, including your arms, legs, buttocks, and core. Since the poles help to propel you forward, it also gives your heart a good workout. Nordic walking is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health and get in shape, particularly for seniors. You can modify the intensity of your workout by walking faster or slower.
Types of Walking Poles
There are several types of walking poles available on the market today, and each one has its own set of benefits. Here is a breakdown of the different types:
• Hiking Poles: Hiking poles are designed for use in rugged, outdoor environments. They are sturdier than other types of poles and can withstand tougher terrain. Hiking poles also have thicker grips and are adjustable, so they can be customized to fit your height and preferences.
• Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are similar to hiking poles, but they are typically lighter and less bulky. They are still designed for use in rugged environments, but they are not as sturdy as hiking poles.
• Walking Poles: Walking poles are the most versatile type of pole and can be used for a variety of activities, including walking, Nordic walking, running, and cycling. They are typically made from lightweight materials and have adjustable lengths to ensure a comfortable fit.
Benefits of Walking Poles for Seniors
There are many benefits of using walking poles for seniors, including the following:
Increased Mobility and Stability
One of the biggest benefits of using walking poles is that they increase your mobility and stability. The poles provide extra support and balance when you’re walking, which makes it easier for you to get around. This is particularly helpful if you have difficulty walking or if you’re prone to falling.
Reduced Impact on Joints
Walking poles also reduce the impact that walking has on your joints. This is because the poles help to distribute the weight of your body evenly, which reduces the stress on your knees, hips, and ankles. This is particularly beneficial if you have arthritis or other joint issues.
Walking Poles Help You Walk Faster and Farther
Walking poles also help you walk faster and farther. The poles provide extra propulsion, which makes it easier for you to move forward. This is helpful if you want to cover more ground or if you need to get somewhere quickly. It’s also helpful if you’re going up inclines or hills, as the poles will give you an extra boost.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
When it comes to cardiovascular health, walking with poles is a great way to improve your overall fitness and stamina. According to a study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, Nordic walking can provide the same level of aerobic exercises as cycling or jogging. The study also found that Nordic walking is an effective way to reduce waist circumference and body fat percentage.
This form of cardio exercise is great for seniors because it’s low impact and can be tailored to meet your individual needs. You can walk at a leisurely pace if you’re not in good shape or you can increase the intensity of your workout by walking faster.
They Improve Your Balance and Coordination
Walking poles also improve your balance and coordination. This is because the poles require you to use both your upper and lower body simultaneously. This helps to strengthen your muscles and improve your overall fitness level.
Many senior walkers and hikers experience imbalances and unsteadiness when they are out on the trails. This is often due to a lack of strength and coordination in the upper body. When using walking poles, you are constantly using these muscles, which helps to improve their function and stability.
They Improve Your Posture
Walking poles also help to improve your posture. This is because they encourage you to keep your back straight and your head up. When you’re walking without poles, it’s easy to slouch or hunch over, which can lead to poor posture.
Walking With Poles Helps You Stay Toned and Healthy
The use of walking poles also helps you stay toned and healthy. This is because when you walk with poles, your body has to work harder to move the poles forward. This results in a more efficient calorie burn and an improved overall fitness level.
The poles also make you raise your hands and arms higher, which helps to tone your upper body muscles and increase your heart rate.
Less Joint Pain
In addition to the benefits listed above, walking with poles can also help reduce joint pain. This is because when you use poles, you are not putting all of your weight on your joints. This helps to reduce the stress and strain that walking can cause on these areas.
They Can Help In An Emergency
If you find yourself in a dangerous or emergency situation, your walking poles can come in handy. The poles can be used as a tool for self-defence or to help you get out of a difficult situation. If you’ve injured a part of your body such as your leg, you can use poles to help you walk and displace the weight off of the injured area.
What Should I Look For in a Walking Pole?
It’s important to find the right walking pole for you. Not all poles are created equal and some may be better suited for your needs than others. When choosing a pole, you should consider the following factors:
Pole Weight
The weight of the pole is an important consideration. Heavier poles will be more difficult to use and can cause arm fatigue. Lighter poles are easier to use but may not be as durable, depending on the material they are made out of.
Pole Length
The length of the pole is also important. You want to find a pole that is the right height for you. If the pole is too short, you will not be able to use it effectively. If the pole is too tall, it will be difficult to control and could cause arm fatigue.
Pole Materials
The materials that the pole is made out of are also important. Some poles are made from metal or carbon fibre, which makes them very durable but also heavier. Other poles are made from plastic or aluminium, which makes them lighter but less durable.
Pole Grips
The grip on the pole is also important. You want a grip that is comfortable and will not slip in your hand. Some grips are made from rubber or silicone, which provides a good grip. Other poles have a textured grip, which also helps to keep the pole in place.
Grip Style
The grip style is also important. Some poles have a pistol grip, which is good for people with smaller hands. Other poles have a T-bar grip, which is better for people with larger hands. Senior walkers will want to choose a grip that is the most ergonomically comfortable, especially if they experience wrist or hand pain and stiffness.
Different materials are used for pole grips as well. The two main types of materials are EVA foam and cork. EVA foam grips do a good job at absorbing the moisture off of your hands, so you experience less slipping and a stronger grip while walking or hiking.
Cork grips are made from the bark of a cork oak tree. The great thing about cork is that it’s a natural product. Cork is harvested every nine years without damaging or killing the tree, making it a sustainable resource. Cork grips do a good job at wicking away moisture and have antimicrobial properties to help keep your hands healthy while walking or hiking.
Baskets
A walking pole basket gives your pole extra surface area, which helps to prevent the pole from sinking into softer surfaces like mud, sand, or snow. Baskets also help to protect the pole tips from damage. Not all poles come with baskets, so be sure to check before you buy.
There are a few different types of walking baskets that are available. The most common type is the conical basket, which is good for general use. If you plan on using your poles in deep snow, you’ll want to get a set of baskets that are wider and have more surface area. These baskets are called “snow baskets.”
Shock Absorbers
Some poles come with shock absorbers, which help to absorb the shock of walking. This can be helpful if you have joint pain or experience arm fatigue when walking. Not all poles come with shock absorbers, so be sure to check before you buy.
These poles have air pistons inside of them which provide a small amount of spring back. This helps to absorb some of the shock that your body feels when you walk. They add a bit of weight to the pole overall, but they are helpful if you want a smoother experience on sore joints.
They are especially useful for coming downhill, where there is more impact on your knees and hips that the antishock properties can minimize.
You will feel the difference when using anti-shock poles. It will feel as if you’re walking on soft ground since all the shock is being absorbed by the pole. This will certainly take some time to get used to, and some senior hikers may prefer the firmer feeling of poles without the shock absorbers.
Tip Protectors
Tip protectors are a good idea if you plan on using your poles in rocky or icy terrain. They help to protect the tips of your poles from being damaged when you hit rocks or ice. Not all poles come with tip protectors, so be sure to check before you buy.
There are two types of tip protectors: rubber and metal. Rubber tip protectors are more common and provide good protection against most surfaces. Metal tip protectors provide the best protection against sharp objects, but can also be damaged if you hit them on a hard surface.
If you’re buying tip protectors separately, they should universally fit most or all poles. However, the protectors may slightly change the length of your pole overall.
Wrist Straps
Wrist straps are a helpful feature if you want to distribute the grip on the pole more evenly. This is especially helpful if you have weak hands or experience arm fatigue when walking. Not all poles come with wrist straps, so be sure to check before you buy.
There are two types of wrist straps: nylon and cloth. Nylon wrist straps are less stretchy and provide a firmer grip than cloth wrist straps. Cloth wrist straps are more stretchy and provide a softer grip.
When choosing a wrist strap, be sure to choose one that is comfortable for you. The strap should fit snugly around your wrist without being too tight or loose.
Telescoping, Folding, and Fixed-Length Poles
Telescoping poles are the most popular type of pole, as they can be easily adjusted to fit different heights. They are also lightweight and easy to carry around. Folding poles are similar to telescoping poles, but they fold up for easier storage. Fixed-length poles cannot be adjusted and must be chosen based on your height.
In order to choose which type of pole is best for you, consider how often you will be using it and where you will be using it. If you plan on traveling with your poles, telescoping or folding poles are the best option. If you plan on only using them occasionally or in a specific location, fixed-length poles may work better for you.
Cost
The price of the walking pole is also an important consideration. You want to find a pole that fits into your budget but is also made from quality materials. There are many affordable poles on the market that are made from durable materials.
Walking Pole Reviews
Before you purchase a walking pole, it’s important to read reviews from other buyers. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from the pole and help you decide if it is the right one for you.
This will also help you to specifically identify which poles work best for seniors. Amazon, as well as other major retailers, have a variety of customer reviews from people of different ages, sizes, and abilities.
How Do I Know What Size Walking Pole to Get?
When looking for a walking pole, you need to determine the size of the pole. This is based on your height and arm span. When the top of your arm is down and resting on the side of your body with your forearm reached out parallel to the ground, your pole should touch at the top of your palm.
This is to say that your pole should reach your hand when your arm is at a 90-degree angle. This may need to be adjusted slightly based on the length of your torso and legs.
You will want to adjust your pole length depending on the type of ground you’re walking on. Shorten your poles if you are walking uphill. Increase their length if you are going downhill.
If you’re contouring, you will want to keep one pole slightly longer while the other one will be slightly shorter.
By properly adjusting the height of your pole, you will be able to walk with less stress on your body. The correct height helps to take some of the load off your hips, knees, and ankles.
Is It Better to Hike With One Pole or Two?
It’s definitely better to have one pole over none, especially for senior walkers who are looking to improve their balance, stability, and posture. However, two poles are even better as they offer more support and can be especially helpful when going downhill.
When using two poles, you want to make sure that the distance between them is comfortable for you. You don’t want them too far apart or too close together. If they’re too far apart, it will be difficult to keep your balance. If they’re too close together, you’ll trip over them.
The key is finding the right distance between your poles and practicing with them so that you can perfect your technique.
Pole Tips for Seniors
There are a few things to keep in mind when using walking poles:
- When going uphill, use your poles to push yourself up. This will take some of the load off your body and make it easier to hike.
- When going downhill, use your poles to help you balance and slow down your descent.
- Use your poles when contouring in order to maintain your balance.
- Keep one pole slightly longer than the other when walking on uneven terrain.
- Make sure your poles are at the correct height for you. You don’t want them too short or too long.
- Practice with your poles before embarking on a hike. This will help you to feel more comfortable using them and get the most out of their benefits.
- Make sure to warm up before hiking by doing some light stretching.
- Don’t grip your poles too tightly. This will cause fatigue in your hands and wrists.
Best Places To Use Your Walking Poles
When you’re first starting out, it’s best to use your poles in easy terrain. This includes flat surfaces, gradual inclines, and well-manicured trails.
Once you’ve gotten used to using your poles and have improved your balance, you can start using them in more challenging terrain. This includes steep inclines, rocky paths, and uneven surfaces.
Remember to always use caution when hiking in difficult terrain. Poles can’t prevent every fall, so be aware of your surroundings and use common sense.
Can Walking Poles Aid In Weight Loss?
A recent study has confirmed that using walking poles can help with weight loss. When compared to hikers who didn’t use poles, those who used them lost more weight and body fat. They also saw an increase in muscle and bone mass, particularly in the upper body.
This is likely due to the fact that using poles requires more energy, which leads to a higher calorie burn. Additionally, using poles engages all of the body and prevents just relying on the lower body muscles or hunching over while walking, which can disengage the core.
Poles can be a great way to help with weight loss, especially for seniors who want to lose a few pounds in a safe and low-cardio manner. And of course, weight loss can help to relieve any joint pain or inflammation that you may be experiencing.
Start with using them in easy terrain and gradually increase the difficulty as you become more comfortable. Of course, your weight loss will depend on the type of terrain you are walking on, the length of your walks, and the frequency of your trips. Make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.
Final Thoughts
Walking poles are the perfect addition to any senior’s hiking gear. Not only do they make hiking easier and more comfortable, but they can also help with weight loss and improving balance and posture.
Make sure to practice with them before embarking on a hike and to use caution when hiking in difficult terrain. Be sure to also hydrate and take breaks as needed.
When choosing the best walking poles for seniors, it is important to take time and learn about the different types of poles and their features. There are three main types of poles: fixed-length, adjustable-length, and collapsible.
Once you decide which type of pole is best for you, you’ll need to decide on the weight and type of material. Carbon fibre poles are the lightest and most durable, while aluminium poles are a little heavier but more affordable.
When you’re ready to buy, be sure to read reviews and compare prices. The best walking poles for seniors can be found at a variety of retailers, both online and in-store.
Now that you know everything you need to about choosing the best walking poles for seniors, it’s time to get out there and get going!