How to Use Hiking Poles Safely After 70
Hiking poles give seniors added balance and stability, even on loose terrain, which can aid in mobility and minimize joint pain. The issue is that you need to know how to use hiking poles safely to get the most out of them. If you don't know how to choose the right poles, when to adjust the poles, or what a reciprocal gait is, you're putting yourself at a disadvantage during your hike.
With walking trails and gentle hiking being a great way to become more active as a senior in Harrisburg, NC (home of the National Civil War Museum), hiking poles should be a senior's best friend.
Here at TerraBella Harrisburg, we're here to help show you why hiking poles are so beneficial and how to incorporate these poles into your hiking routine.
Do Hiking Poles Really Make a Difference?
If you're looking for balance support tools for older adults, look no further than a high-quality set of hiking poles. These poles can make hiking a safe activity for people over 70 by providing benefits such as:
- Increasing stability and balance
- Reducing impact on joints
- Improving overall muscle workout
- Preventing risk of falls
- Improving endurance
- Providing walking confidence
Tips on How to Use Hiking Poles Effectively
The key to getting all of these benefits from your hiking poles is to know how to use them. With a few adjustments to your technique, your hiking poles will feel like a natural extension of your body.
Choose the Right Pole Set
When picking out your pole set, make sure to find ones with adjustability. Poles that can't extend or shorten will limit your hiking ability.
It should be made of a durable material that isn't too heavy. If you don't feel safe using it, then it's not the right fit.
Get a set that lets you change out the tips of the poles to suit the terrain. A thin rubber tip is good for gripping hard ground, but a larger basket tip will give even more stability in mud or snow.
Use a Reciprocal Gait
When walking, make sure to alternate your opposite arms and legs to ensure you create a stable foundation: right arm and left leg, then left arm and right leg. Doing the same side at the same time won't give you nearly as much benefit in safety, stability, and balance.
Remain Relaxed
It's common for beginners to grip the handles of hiking poles tightly. Until you gain experience using them, it can feel like a firm grip provides better results.
However, this can be an exhausting way to use these tools for any length of time. It also leaves you too stiff in your joints as you hike, leading to potential aches and pains.
Make sure to keep your body fluid and relaxed during your hike for the best results.
Adjust Pole Length for Terrain
Don't be afraid to adjust the length of your poles whenever necessary. Typically, your elbows should be at a 90° angle when using the poles, but there are times when you'll need to change to suit the path in front of you.
Going uphill, for example, will require you to shorten the poles to give you better leverage to climb the incline. Going downhill needs longer poles so you can reach and find stability on the lower slope without losing your balance.
Test First, Then Step
Even with accessible hiking guidance in North Carolina, always approach a trail with caution until you get a feel for its unique properties. Hiking poles are the perfect tool for this.
Use the poles to test any uncertain areas for hidden mud or loose gravel before moving forward. By having a good idea of what the next stretch will be like, you'll be able to adjust your approach to match.
Practice to Build Confidence
Practice is the easiest way to get better at anything, which is why we recommend practicing with your hiking poles before you hit the trails.
All you need to do is practice all of the above low-impact trail preparation tips in the safety and comfort of your senior apartments. Then, when it's time to go for a true hike, it won't feel awkward or detract from the pleasure of being in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Better to Hike With or Without Poles?
When it comes to Cabarrus County outdoor safety for retirees, hiking poles should be used every time you go on a trail. Even an easy trail you've done hundreds of times with your assisted living community can benefit from having the extra support and added confidence in every step.
A small misstep isn't as risky when you have two solid hiking poles to help maintain your balance.
Is It Okay to Use Just One Hiking Pole?
One pole is better than none, but this practice can offset your sense of balance if you're not used to compensating for it. It's common to lean too much on the side with the pole, leading to overexertion more quickly.
Instead, stick to using two poles whenever possible.
Can Walking Poles Help With Knee Pain?
Since you'll offload some of your weight onto your arms and provide more stability to your knee joints, you save your knees from excessive stress throughout your time on your favorite Harrisburg, NC, senior walking trails.
Achieve an Active Retirement With TerraBella Harrisburg
Wanting to increase your physical activity is always a worthy goal, and learning how to use hiking poles is a good first step. The trick to maintaining activity is finding a senior community that'll support you with passion and possibility.
TerraBella Harrisburg can play a pivotal role in your goal to be more active as a senior. Our activities and events calendar is stacked full, so you can always find something interesting to join every day, including senior-specific wellness classes. We also work with residents to ensure that their care routine gives them the right balance of support and freedom in retirement.
If you're ready to figure out your next step toward Harrisburg assisted living, contact us today to learn more about our pet-friendly community!