Lesson 3
Learn the best tips, tricks and Pole Walking basics to guarantee that you get the best results possible.
Walk With Ease & Confidence
Video – Duration 1:11 min
‘Same-Legging’ is a term Keenfit has coined to name one of the most common mistakes done with Walking Poles where the user moves the same arm with the same leg instead of walking the more natural movement of opposite leg to hand.
Walking without Poles is something we already do naturally – we don’t even think about it - we simply take step-after-step & walk opposite leg to hand …. But something funny seems to happen when people put poles in their hands…they suddenly begin to over-think - making something quite instinctive & straightforward – feel complicated & even awkward.
To correct this – Stop & Start-over . . . Think about the leg you’d want to kick a soccer ball with & squeeze the opposite hand – as you step forward – be conscious of extending forward the opposite arm.
Do a quick double check & then – look straight ahead & don’t think – don’t think – don’t think – just walk!
Video – Duration 1:08 min
‘Praying Mantis’ is a term Keenfit created to name an incorrect method done by new Pole users – where the participant extends the foot of the Pole out in front of them.
For your Poles to engage your upper-body & help propel you forward while Hiking or Walking - It is important to Keep them Angled Back
To be sure they’re back - Stop – take hold of your Poles in a relaxed ‘handshake’ grip & lift your forearms up parallel to the ground – this will force your poles to naturally go back on an angle
Notice how your wrists have to cock & bend in order to move the foot of the Poles forward – this isn’t natural, comfortable or effective.
Not moving your wrists & Keeping them locked, in a comfortable ‘handshake’ position - will automatically keep your Poles angled-back helping you to effortlessly reach-forward & pull-back with each step - maximizing your follow-through & your benefits!
NOTE: The only time it may be a good idea or maybe even suggested that you move your Poles-Out-In-Front of you - is when you are going down a steep hill (where you may want to lessen the weight gravity is pushing on you - lightening your load - supporting your weight going down a steep grade) OR when hiking over loose/unpredictable ground (where you may want to poke & prod the surface to help gain a secure footing). However once you have returned to flat-level ground & determined the surface you are on is safe - revert back to the comfortable ‘handshake’ grip & get your Poles angled-back!
Video – Duration 1:08 min
‘Scuffling’ describes the ineffective use of Poles where the participant scuffs the foot of the Pole along the ground before actually planting firmly so they can - pull-back & push-off – wearing Pole feet out-prematurely (Pushing your Poles down HARD - doesn’t wear them out – but scuffing them against the ground does).
If you are wearing out your Pole feet quicker than 4 to 6 months then you are scuffling. Scuffling generally happens just before you plant & hold the Pole to the ground - scraping along anywhere from 1 to 12 inches.
Besides worn-out Pole Feet – you will know you are Scuffling when you listen - you can actually hear your Poles hitting into & rubbing against the ground.
To avoid this - it’s important to hold your Poles in the relaxed ‘handshake’ grip so your Poles are angled back - ready to plant-firmly & pull-back-on as soon as they hit the ground – without any scuffling!
If you can walk . . . you can Pole Walk!
It is important to be patient, relax, have fun & of course practice
WALK – ON . . .