Should I use one hiking pole or two?
When people use hiking poles to walk up hills or
walking sticks to move across a great deal of terrain, they have the option
of using just one stick, or using two sticks together with one in each hand.
There are various reasons that people choose to do one or the other, such
as:
·
Cost Two walking poles is generally
more expensive than one walking pole.
·
Comfort For some people, two walking
poles is much easier, because it provides less weight on both legs. For
others, the two sticks represents more of an inconvenience, because they
enjoy walking with one arm free.
·
Purpose Two poles may help you move
through higher hills, but if the pole is used more for clearing away things
in your path than help with your legs and back, you may not need two.
One walking pole is usually enough for most walkers
and trekkers. Its gives you a little more mobility, and when you do not
need a great deal of assistance for your legs, the single stick is simply a
helpful tool for travelling across long distances. However, there are some
reasons you might want to two poles. Some of these benefits include:
·
Better for the Back
When you have only one pole, you may find yourself
leaning on it in ways that twist your back, and can make it ache over the
course of the walk. When you are able to use the two hiking poles correctly
at the same time, you can keep yourself walking with your back up straight.
·
Uses More of Your Upper Body
Cross country techniques are known to be beneficial
for working the upper body while you walk, instead of simply putting all of
the pressure on the lower body. Those that are using two poles for fitness
may benefit from this additional muscle workout.
·
Supports More Weight
Walking poles are most beneficial for supporting
your weight and helping you reduce stress over longer distances. Two poles
increases that support considerably, and the ability to keep your back
straight further reduces pressure.
·
Greater
Two poles allow more of your body to be active, due
to the way that you need to stride with both poles. Those motions help
increase your heart speed while going at the same pace, giving you improved
health/body benefits without requiring too much extra work.
Using two poles should be mainly about your comfort
level. If you are not comfortable with the motions that you need to do with
two poles, or you prefer the freedom of only a single pole, there is no
reason to try using two poles for most of the benefits above. One pole will
still suffice for most users.
But if you are looking for any of the above
benefits and do not mind splurging on an extra walking pole, using two poles
has added benefits and may be more comfortable for you as well.
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