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About the conversation:

Why Walking with Poles will change your life!

Myths about walking with poles

That a pole is a pole is a pole………… they need to be the right height for you

That they are for old people to help them feel stable – that is a walking stick!

They make walking easier – wrong!

That it is easy and that you are as co-ordinated as you think you are – you have to learn to walk correctly with poles

Why walk with poles?

Walking is naturally one of the best ways to exercise and easier to fit into daily life.

The benefits of being active daily are well known and there is increasing evidence that being outdoors in fresh air and engaging in nature is a powerful way to improve general wellbeing.

Using poles you engage the core muscles with every step which will improve posture, stand taller, improve gait and balance which enables other muscles to work effectively and will help relieve back stiffness.

You will feel lighter on your feet and take the weight off your knees and hips.

You will tone the arms and shoulders.

You will improve your walking pace and power.

You will increase calories burned with each step to aid weight loss.

You will improve your cardiovascular fitness, tone your legs and buttocks

and turn every walk into an effective workout.

Being outdoors will help improve mood, breathe fresh air and get your dose of Vitamin D.

The statistics and facts

Walking without poles uses 50% of major muscle groups compared to 90% of major muscles with poles.

With poles you burn 20 – 46% more calories at the same pace compared to without poles. It is more metabolically demanding.

Joint load and impact is redistributed through the arms reducing low body joint stress making walks more comfortable, especially on longer or hilly routes.

Research suggests faster walking times and longer stride with poles in some settings.

The poles help propel you forward, increasing pace and efficiency.
Poles can improve walking efficiency and pace without extra perceived effort!

Walking creates space to think strategically, not just reactively so is ideal for small business owners. Walking increases the blood flow to the brain, supporting focus, problem-solving and creative thinking. Stepping away from the screen reduces cognitive overload and mental fatigue as well. It lowers cortisol levels and helps regulate the nervous system. Regular walking reduces the risk of long-term health issues that can disrupt business continuity, essential for small business owners.

Walking boosts circulation and oxygen delivery, improving natural energy. It can reduce afternoon fatigue without relying on caffeine. Regular movement helps regulate sleep patterns, improving recovery.

Walking encourages reflective thinking and perspective. It’s an ideal time to consider goals, priorities, and next steps. Many leaders use walking to plan, review performance, or rehearse difficult conversations.

Walking meetings can feel more relaxed and open than sitting across a table. Side-by-side movement can improve communication and trust. Walking with peers reduces isolation common among business owners. Walking supports connection as well as productivity.