“I’m confused. Which style of poles should I purchase?”

I get this question a lot.

Here’s a quick primer on choosing the Urban Poling walking poles that are right for you.

Choose ACTIVATOR walking poles if……

…your primary interest is improving your balance and stability while walking
…you want to walk with more confidence
…you (might) want to walk a little faster, but you don’t need to walk fast

• ACTIVATOR poles are an ambulatory device; they are not Nordic walking poles.

• Users of these poles are typically experiencing balance issues due to a chronic health condition, a recent surgery (e.g., hip or knee replacement), advanced age, a chronic health condition, or an unstable back, ankle, knee or hip.

• Walking with the ACTIVATORS creates four-on-the-floor stability.

• The large/fat handles are easy for weak/arthritic hands to hold.

• The ACTIVATORS strengthen the core, arms and upper back muscles as users press down on the Ledges of the handles.

• Users consistently rave that they can walk further, faster and/or longer with less or no pain. They enjoy the feeling of standing more upright. Their walking confidence soars.

• The ACTIVATOR poles are kept vertical and in front of the feet at all times while walking.

• The arms are bent at 90 degrees and swing back and forth in a choo-choo train fashion.

• ACTIVATOR rubber tips are bell shaped.

• Click here for quick YouTube tutorial about how to walk with the Activators. Some people find the technique relatively easy to learn. Most people benefit from a lesson to be sure they are using them correctly and safely.

Choose Nordic Walking poles (Series 300, Spirit, 4LIFE, UrbanX, etc.) if...

……you want to get more benefits from standard walking. Users of Nordic walking poles are typically people who enjoy walking outdoors, but they are also keen increase the intensity of standard walking, to strengthen their arms and core muscles, burn more calories, walk faster, improve their posture and engage their entire bodies while walking.

• Research shows repeatedly that Nordic walking involves almost every muscle in the body; standard walking (walking without Nordic walking poles) engages primarily just the muscles below the waist.

• While balance is generally not a prime concern for users, Nordic walking poles also improve balance and stability.

• Nordic walking poles are held so they are angled back at all times keeping the boot tips behind the feet at all times.

• The arms are kept straight throughout and swing like long pedulums.

• Nordic walking poles have rubber boot-shaped tips. The entire bottom surface of the tips connect to the ground when the poles are held on a backward angle.

• The Nordic walking technique involves 3 P’s: planting the poles on a backward angle, and pushing down and back on the Ledges (the wide base) of the handles. As a result, the upper body joins the lower body in propelling the body forward.