#11 POLES

USING POLES

RORYD SEZ: There are at least 25 good reasons that I like to use “poles” when I run, hike, rollerblade or skate:

1. Poles involve more muscles than simple running, walking or hiking;
2. My hands, arms and shoulders and back become involved;
3. Circulation and strength through my arms and hands is improved;
4. Hands, shoulders and back become stronger and look better;
5. Oxygen consumption is improved;
6. Using upper-body muscles burns as many as 40% more calories than simply using legs alone;
7. Time in aerobic zone is increased;
8. Cross-training of all muscles is encouraged;
9. Balance is improved;
10. Safety is improved;
11. Exercise through my core is encouraged;
12. Body weight becomes distributed through my arms as well as my legs, reducing pounding on legs and knees;
13. Unweighting knees and legs with poles is kind to sciatic nerve problems;
    Speed is improved;
14. Unweighting with the arms takes a load off the back;
15. Poles help me vault and fly over obstacles in the path;
16. I really gain traction on hills, both up and down;
17. Coming down steep hills, they prevent slipping;
18. They help keep rhythm;
19. When I’m on the flat I can carry one in each hand, horizontally, and use them as pistons to power along;
20. They’re great when crossing streams or a slippery log;
21. They provide a stretch through the entire upper body;
22. They’re smart;
23. They help prevent injury and strain;
24. They provide me with a superior feeling as I clip past all those who aren’t taking advantage of all their benefits;
25. They’re hip;
26. They're powerful;
27. They’re fun.

email donaldson.rory@gmail.com