Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are big with hikers in Europe, and they are becoming more common in the United States. Ive never used them myself but on occasion I hike with a single staff. Recently, George Boedecker wrote me about trekking poles he uses on hikes up the steep hills near his home. The hikes are a ritual he enjoys with his eight rescue dogs. Its also a cardio workout. Hes done some research that suggests that a person burns 30-40 more calories when hiking with trekking poles. They also engage your arms and core so that hiking becomes more full-body exercise, rather than lower body alone. Moreover, they make going uphill more efficient and make things easier on your knees going downhill. And, of course, poles add to your stability when traveling over rugged, unstable terrain. Those are all good reasons to give trekking poles a try. George knows a thing or two about working-out. Today, he is an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and Specialist in Fitness for Older Adults. When he was competing in lifting, he was dead lifting well over 600 lbs. at under 200 lbs bodyweight.