It is the downhill ski racing competition of the winter Olympics. You watch a ski racer zoom down the slope manoeuvring through the ski gates. However, you notice that something is missing. The skier has on skis, boots, and a giant slalom skin tight racing suit. You realize what's missing when their arms flail about causing them to lose their balance on a patch of ice. They are missing their ski poles.
It is the cross country skiing competition of the winter Olympics. You cheer from the crowd as the skiers fly down the trail. Each skier pushes hard with their ski poles. However, one skier is left far behind the pack because he does not have any ski poles. His graceful cross country rhythm has been interrupted due to a lack of balance.
In both cases, the skiers lost the race because they were missing their ski poles. Ski poles are vital because they help maintain balance, provide support, and relieve some of the pressure off your body. If the use of a ski pole is so crucial, then why is it that many hikers do not use a hiking pole during their hikes?
You might not think of a hiking or trekking pole as a necessity until you compare hiking to cross country skiing. In hiking you traverse across a terrain of varying degrees and obstacles. There is constant stress and strain on your muscles and joints as you navigate through rocks, sandy areas, and elevated terrain. Your knees and lower back are constantly adjusting to the pressure placed on them. This can lead to soreness and pain. This is comparable to the demands of cross country skiing.
Hiking pain can be reduced by investing in a hiking or trekking pole. Hiking poles have a wide range of benefits including: improved balance, endurance, and ward off knee injuries. Hiking poles can enable you to successfully cross streams and work through steeper terrain. A mental side effect is that they can boost your confidence allowing you tackle the hiking trail with vigor.
There are different types of hiking and trekking poles available. There are long wooden poles, shorter aluminum poles, snow poles, and ice axes. Want to beef up your regular hiking pole? Hiking poles have various accessories to choose from including: hand grips, shock absorbers, and camera mounts. If you are going on a winter hike you can add a basket to your pole. Another important aspect of your hiking pole is its tip. The common tip is made of carbide. However, rubber tips are also available. Each tip has pros and cons which should be considered when purchasing a pole. Consult a hiking professional to assess which pole is best for you.
If you want more stability and less stress on your body consider investing in a hiking or trekking pole. The ability to navigate through difficult terrain will become a reality. Hiking poles can cost money, but they are worth every penny.
Monica Marty is a hiking fan and the webmaster of http://hikingtrailfinder.com/ where you will find a directory and information on Hiking
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..Camping is a delightful and adventurous way to spend your... Read More
Normally when you think Safari you think Big 5. The... Read More
The thing with enjoying the great outdoors is seeing aspects... Read More
Western Australia Driving Adventure Great Australian Road Trip Large... Read More
Campgrounds are a perfect Pigeon Forge lodging option for visitors... Read More
San Diego offers a bevy of interesting hikes. With the... Read More
I've had backpacking trips that included rain, snow, lightning, rockslides,... Read More
Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II ship are major attractions... Read More
On Lake Michigan, at the end of the Stonington Peninsula,... Read More
Costa Rica is a small country - just 75 mi/120... Read More
Boondocking is fun! Boondockers go anywhere they want, at any... Read More
Do you think the only thing to do in Las... Read More
Thousands of golfers flock to the Carolinas each spring and... Read More
Perhaps you have wondered about taking an RV vacation. It... Read More
For some 30 years I practiced law in Mesa, Arizona.... Read More
The beautiful Salmon River stretches through over 400 miles of... Read More
Hello Again,Today we will be talking about meal planning. Meals... Read More
A camping gear checklist is an important tool to help... Read More
As the weather cools in late summer and the days... Read More
A canoe trip is a great way to appreciate Nature!A... Read More
The great state of Washington offers some of the best... Read More
There were four of us on that first Tom Sawyer... Read More
Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NHThe highest... Read More
For the fortunate few, life isn't complete without a backpacking... Read More
Okay, it wasn't quite a sleeping bag. However, it was... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..You CAN grab something to eat, enjoy every bite, AND... Read More
Inflatable boats are made from flexible material, usually rubber, canvas,... Read More
White-water rafting can be one of the most exhilarating experiences... Read More
(NC)-With approximately 42,000 mosquitoes for every person in Ontario, most... Read More
Phillip Island is a small island and nature reserve off... Read More
Recently we stayed at a state campground in Michigan near... Read More
Contrary to what many think, ultralight backpacking is not just... Read More
Any vacations in Africa will not be complete without going... Read More
The Cairns Fishing Adventure A Great Australia Road TripYou love... Read More
Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner.... Read More
Why should you use hiking poles is perhaps the first... Read More
There is something about a town tucked between the mountains... Read More
In The city of Arcadia California, right next door to... Read More
Drive along one of South Africa's scenic strips and you... Read More
Table Mountain sheltered the original Cape explorers in the 16th... Read More
Santa Cruz Church, the church of the holy cross, was... Read More
Every year around 40 million visitors come to Florida for... Read More
TENT CAREYou should seal all floor seams and those seams... Read More
An inflatable boat trailer is needed if the user has... Read More
Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More
The Royal Barge Procession in Bangkok, conducted on very rare... Read More
Visitors to Hawaii frequently see dolphins from shore or on... Read More
The state of Goa on the West coast of India,... Read More
Backpacking is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More
If you are on a tight budget and can't afford... Read More
Outdoors |