Activator Walking Poles: Watch them in action and see the benefits

This quick before/after video shows how dramatically Activator poles can improve gait quality and walking confidence.

• WITHOUT Activator poles: Slow gait speed, variable gait (steps not all the same), small tentative steps, flat foot landing, arms static.

• WITH Activator poles: faster gait speed, less gait variability, longer steps, more-confident steps, noticeable heel strikes, arms active. Hurrah!

Benefits of Activator poles

1. Improved balance and stability
   Walking with Activator poles provides a consistent two points of contact (one foot and one pole) with the floor. The poles’ unique ergonomic handles make it easy and comfortable to add them to standard walking.

2. Improved posture
   The forward and backward action of the arms activates the muscles between the shoulder blades, helping to pull the shoulders back into proper alignment. Pressing down on the ledges of the handles encourages a more-upright posture.

3. Reduced joint impact
   Offloading weight into the poles helps absorb some of the force created as the heels land with each step. This makes them helpful for individuals with joint pain and arthritis.

4. Full-Body Workout

   Activator walking poles engage muscles in the arms, shoulders, legs and core muscles creating a workout for both the upper and lower body.

Did you know?

• Activator poles and Nordic walking poles are different
  Activators are classified as walking poles or an ambulatory device. They have large bell-shaped rubber tips and a very secure button lock system (that keeps the telescoping poles locked at the correct height).

  Alternatively, Nordic walking poles have boot-shaped tips, and the locking system is a flip lock or twist lock.

• Activator walking technique and Nordic walking technique are very different
  Activator users keep their elbows at a constant 90 degree angle, swing their arms forward and back in a “choo choo train” fashion and keep their poles vertical and in front of their bodies.

  
  Alternatively, Nordic walkers keep their poles angled back at a constant 45 degree angle. Their arms are straight and swing from the shoulders like long pendulums. They also tend to walk more vigorously than Activator walkers.

• Get some training
  It’s ideal to have at least one lesson from a fitness professional or physiotherapist who has Activator training. Check this link to find someone in your area.

• “Activator” is a brand name of Vancouver walking pole company Urban Poling Inc.