Urban poles are a simple way to get more out of walking as a fitness exercise; by employing the upper body, urban poles increase caloric output and engage the whole body.  The poles shown above were designed by fitness walking pioneer Tom Rultin and a panel of certified occupational therapists.

Health Benefits

Urban poling has a number of benefits over normal walking:

• • Increases heart rate by 5 – 17 BPM or about 13 % without the perception that you’re working any harder.
  • Provides an increase in calorie usage by as much as 46 % – an average hour of activity amounts to 400 cal compared to  260 cal.
  • 90 % of body muscles are engaged as compared to 65 % – the abdominal muscles in particular will surprise you!
  • Can help to release muscle tension and pain in the neck and shoulder regions – common problems with extended desk-work.
  • Reduces the load on the knees and joints by off-loading some of the stress to the upper body.  Orthopedic Surgeon J. Richard Steadman of Vail, Colorado says “Walking with poles can reduce the accumulated force by about 6 tons over the course of a mile […] helping to preseve healthy joints”.

Specifications
Price	$100
Pole	Alloy – Telescopic Adjustable
Height Range	4’2 – 6’2
Handles	Shock absorbing, hand contoured ERGOCORE Grips
Feet	Shock absorbing, traction rubber
Muscles Engaged	Forearm extensors and flexors rear deltoids pectorals broad back muscles

Sources

Cooper Institute (2002). Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport.