- Time of past OR future Camino
- Partial Frances (2018)
Full Frances 2022 (May-Jun)
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It wasn't really a choice, it just happened.Personally, no.
In the same way that I’ve never understood how anyone can walk efficiently and evenly with one pole, I don’t understand why you would not choose to move your arms in the same cadence as your legs.
Both of the above might just indicate that I simply don’t understand; not that anyone’s personal preference isn’t OK. Each to their own.
Just more of a curiosity thing. I know I'm unique, just wondering how unique I am.So, are you just seeking reassurance or considering changing (possibly improving - I’m not a biomechanics expert, I was an economist) the way you use your poles?
I use two poles in a similar way, though with more arm movement, on flat terrain. Works great for me. The technique changes somewhat on ascents and descents. I also tend to keep more of a relaxed grip on the handles.I swing the pole out in front of me when placing it so that the pole is angled away from me when planted. I then walk past it and pick it up when it is behind me.
I use the straps the proper way and have a very relaxed grip on the handles, in fact I don't really grip the handles at all.
Does anyone else use the poles like this?
Join the club of "unique", where every club has only one member. We could get into knots of set theory.I know I'm unique, just wondering how unique I am.
I just found a video that shows what I mean.I've been using trekking poles for years but use them differently than recommended. I swing the pole out in front of me when placing it so that the pole is angled away from me when planted. I then walk past it and pick it up when it is behind me. This results in a number of differences from the standard technique.
It's not something I ever made a conscious decision to do. It's just how I started using the poles when I began 15 years ago. It wasn't until the advent of Youtube that I found out I was doing it wrong. When I try doing it the standard way, it just seems like way more work to me. My way seems much more relaxed to me. I use the straps the proper way and have a very relaxed grip on the handles, in fact I don't really grip the handles at all.
- I take 2 steps instead of one for every cycle of the pole.
- My arms are more at my side rather than out in front of me.
- Swinging the pole forward is more of a wrist movement rather than a whole arm movement.
- I use the poles at a shorter length so that they are at comfortable height in my hand as I walk past the pole.
- I don't really push on the pole to propel myself forward. It's more like I'm resting the weight of my arm on it which takes that weight off my legs.
Does anyone else use the poles like this?
That looks like the way that I use my Pacer Poles. I swing my arms naturally, and the poles are like an extension of my arms.I just found a video that shows what I mean.
I just found a video that shows what I mean.
I prefer to walk without poles. I did invest i poles in JPP since everybody told me how necessary they are. But I was lucky enough to forget them one day, and that improved my walking a lot. Later I bought a stick and that might be my choice again.I've been using trekking poles for years but use them differently than recommended. I swing the pole out in front of me when placing it so that the pole is angled away from me when planted. I then walk past it and pick it up when it is behind me. This results in a number of differences from the standard technique.
It's not something I ever made a conscious decision to do. It's just how I started using the poles when I began 15 years ago. It wasn't until the advent of Youtube that I found out I was doing it wrong. When I try doing it the standard way, it just seems like way more work to me. My way seems much more relaxed to me. I use the straps the proper way and have a very relaxed grip on the handles, in fact I don't really grip the handles at all.
- I take 2 steps instead of one for every cycle of the pole.
- My arms are more at my side rather than out in front of me.
- Swinging the pole forward is more of a wrist movement rather than a whole arm movement.
- I use the poles at a shorter length so that they are at comfortable height in my hand as I walk past the pole.
- I don't really push on the pole to propel myself forward. It's more like I'm resting the weight of my arm on it which takes that weight off my legs.
Does anyone else use the poles like this?
Balance. We use one pole only because we are only interested in having something when we may need a bit of help with balance.n the same way that I’ve never understood how anyone can walk efficiently and evenly with one pole, I don’t understand why you would not choose to move your arms in the same cadence as your legs.
My husband does.I've been using trekking poles for years but use them differently than recommended. I swing the pole out in front of me when placing it so that the pole is angled away from me when planted. I then walk past it and pick it up when it is behind me. This results in a number of differences from the standard technique.
It's not something I ever made a conscious decision to do. It's just how I started using the poles when I began 15 years ago. It wasn't until the advent of Youtube that I found out I was doing it wrong. When I try doing it the standard way, it just seems like way more work to me. My way seems much more relaxed to me. I use the straps the proper way and have a very relaxed grip on the handles, in fact I don't really grip the handles at all.
- I take 2 steps instead of one for every cycle of the pole.
- My arms are more at my side rather than out in front of me.
- Swinging the pole forward is more of a wrist movement rather than a whole arm movement.
- I use the poles at a shorter length so that they are at comfortable height in my hand as I walk past the pole.
- I don't really push on the pole to propel myself forward. It's more like I'm resting the weight of my arm on it which takes that weight off my legs.
Does anyone else use the poles like this?
I found that it's more effective to keep a pole behind me to push me up, and it requires less strength and energy to push than to pull.This does change a bit when going uphill, especially with a heavy pack. I may put both poles out in front to help pull me up the hill
It does depend on the steepness of the hill, too. And the weight of the backpack.I found that it's more effective to keep a pole behind me to push me up, and it requires less strength and energy to push than to pull.
Indeed, people have walked with a staff for ages and involvement of upper limbs have additional benefit of relieving the stress from the lower ones. Confirmed.Balance…. For those who use a proper traditional pilgrim staff.
I do this on rocky ground or when walking downhill, basically whenever I'm not taking full-length strides. Like you, it isn't intentional but what feels must comfortable in those situations. However, I find the 1:1 ratio more natural when cruising along on even ground or hauling myself uphill.I've been using trekking poles for years but use them differently than recommended. I swing the pole out in front of me when placing it so that the pole is angled away from me when planted. I then walk past it and pick it up when it is behind me. This results in a number of differences from the standard technique.
It's not something I ever made a conscious decision to do. It's just how I started using the poles when I began 15 years ago. It wasn't until the advent of Youtube that I found out I was doing it wrong. When I try doing it the standard way, it just seems like way more work to me. My way seems much more relaxed to me. I use the straps the proper way and have a very relaxed grip on the handles, in fact I don't really grip the handles at all.
- I take 2 steps instead of one for every cycle of the pole.
- My arms are more at my side rather than out in front of me.
- Swinging the pole forward is more of a wrist movement rather than a whole arm movement.
- I use the poles at a shorter length so that they are at comfortable height in my hand as I walk past the pole.
- I don't really push on the pole to propel myself forward. It's more like I'm resting the weight of my arm on it which takes that weight off my legs.
Does anyone else use the poles like this?
Another traditional method of walking with poles that keeps hands, poles and feet in sync:Now I don't often post links to YouTube but this one shows a technique I had not seen before. It requires a good physical condition and a bit of getting used to. I understand that it's not a modern thing but a revival of a traditional technique. Might be useful in a few (very few) areas of the CF. For those who use a proper traditional pilgrim staff.
I've been using trekking poles for years but use them differently than recommended. I swing the pole out in front of me when placing it so that the pole is angled away from me when planted. I then walk past it and pick it up when it is behind me. This results in a number of differences from the standard technique.
It's not something I ever made a conscious decision to do. It's just how I started using the poles when I began 15 years ago. It wasn't until the advent of Youtube that I found out I was doing it wrong. When I try doing it the standard way, it just seems like way more work to me. My way seems much more relaxed to me. I use the straps the proper way and have a very relaxed grip on the handles, in fact I don't really grip the handles at all.
- I take 2 steps instead of one for every cycle of the pole.
- My arms are more at my side rather than out in front of me.
- Swinging the pole forward is more of a wrist movement rather than a whole arm movement.
- I use the poles at a shorter length so that they are at comfortable height in my hand as I walk past the pole.
- I don't really push on the pole to propel myself forward. It's more like I'm resting the weight of my arm on it which takes that weight off my legs.
Does anyone else use the poles like this?
it is sort of like the nordic walking technique where the main gain is from when the poles are behind you. in nordic walking you dont even need to 'grip' the poles, just rest your hands there are the weight is more taken into the glovey things.I've been using trekking poles for years but use them differently than recommended. I swing the pole out in front of me when placing it so that the pole is angled away from me when planted. I then walk past it and pick it up when it is behind me. This results in a number of differences from the standard technique.
It's not something I ever made a conscious decision to do. It's just how I started using the poles when I began 15 years ago. It wasn't until the advent of Youtube that I found out I was doing it wrong. When I try doing it the standard way, it just seems like way more work to me. My way seems much more relaxed to me. I use the straps the proper way and have a very relaxed grip on the handles, in fact I don't really grip the handles at all.
- I take 2 steps instead of one for every cycle of the pole.
- My arms are more at my side rather than out in front of me.
- Swinging the pole forward is more of a wrist movement rather than a whole arm movement.
- I use the poles at a shorter length so that they are at comfortable height in my hand as I walk past the pole.
- I don't really push on the pole to propel myself forward. It's more like I'm resting the weight of my arm on it which takes that weight off my legs.
Does anyone else use the poles like this?
Yes. It is what is most comfortable for me.I've been using trekking poles for years but use them differently than recommended. I swing the pole out in front of me when placing it so that the pole is angled away from me when planted. I then walk past it and pick it up when it is behind me. This results in a number of differences from the standard technique.
Does anyone else use the poles like this?
- I take 2 steps instead of one for every cycle of the pole.
- My arms are more at my side rather than out in front of me.
- Swinging the pole forward is more of a wrist movement rather than a whole arm movement.
- I use the poles at a shorter length so that they are at comfortable height in my hand as I walk past the pole.
- I don't really push on the pole to propel myself forward. It's more like I'm resting the weight of my arm on it which takes that weight off my legs.
Yes, I always walk like this, exactly the way you describe it. Gives a lovely rhythm to my walking and one is inclined to take longer steps. Nice to open the chest muscles as well with the swing to the back. I vary the length of my poles often, depending on whether I go up- or downhill. Shorter for up, longer for down. On steep inclines I would put both poles in front at the same time and use my arms to help pull me up. Really saves the legs a lot.I've been using trekking poles for years but use them differently than recommended. I swing the pole out in front of me when placing it so that the pole is angled away from me when planted. I then walk past it and pick it up when it is behind me. This results in a number of differences from the standard technique.
It's not something I ever made a conscious decision to do. It's just how I started using the poles when I began 15 years ago. It wasn't until the advent of Youtube that I found out I was doing it wrong. When I try doing it the standard way, it just seems like way more work to me. My way seems much more relaxed to me. I use the straps the proper way and have a very relaxed grip on the handles, in fact I don't really grip the handles at all.
- I take 2 steps instead of one for every cycle of the pole.
- My arms are more at my side rather than out in front of me.
- Swinging the pole forward is more of a wrist movement rather than a whole arm movement.
- I use the poles at a shorter length so that they are at comfortable height in my hand as I walk past the pole.
- I don't really push on the pole to propel myself forward. It's more like I'm resting the weight of my arm on it which takes that weight off my legs.
Does anyone else use the poles like this?
Does anyone else use the poles like this?
I know I'm unique, just wondering how unique I am.
I find that rhythm more efficient, too.
And the wrist action with a relaxed grip
But I do push, sometimes.
It's just what works for me (and there's less annoying taktaktak).
I do this as well, when the surface is flat but not when I feel fatigued.I find that rhythm more efficient, too.
And the wrist action with a relaxed grip
But I do push, sometimes.
It's just what works for me (and there's less annoying taktaktak).
I don't perceive it as braking at all. After placing the tip of the pole ahead of me, I allow the handle to rotate forward past vertical where I can then push backwards if I wish.Now comes the but: Projection of force is not that difficult to understand. If i want to brake, i push something away. If i want to accelerate, i push me away from something.
Now if i place my poles in front of me, that leads to me pushing something away, which means breaking. Period. Then i make a "swing", till the pole is behind me, and push me away. So bottom line, you are wasting energy, which is something scarce when walking a camino.
Some poles (including mine) cannot be shortened and lengthened. For these, one must grip a little lower or high (as shown on that video) , while going uphill or downhill. I am very happy with this technique.there is no ’instruction’ to shorten and lengthen poles according to the terrain.
Some poles (including mine) cannot be shortened and lengthened.
I also take two step with each pole plant except for steep pitches. Don’t see how or why people plant a pole with each step. The rest of your techniques, no.I've been using trekking poles for years but use them differently than recommended. I swing the pole out in front of me when placing it so that the pole is angled away from me when planted. I then walk past it and pick it up when it is behind me. This results in a number of differences from the standard technique.
It's not something I ever made a conscious decision to do. It's just how I started using the poles when I began 15 years ago. It wasn't until the advent of Youtube that I found out I was doing it wrong. When I try doing it the standard way, it just seems like way more work to me. My way seems much more relaxed to me. I use the straps the proper way and have a very relaxed grip on the handles, in fact I don't really grip the handles at all.
- I take 2 steps instead of one for every cycle of the pole.
- My arms are more at my side rather than out in front of me.
- Swinging the pole forward is more of a wrist movement rather than a whole arm movement.
- I use the poles at a shorter length so that they are at comfortable height in my hand as I walk past the pole.
- I don't really push on the pole to propel myself forward. It's more like I'm resting the weight of my arm on it which takes that weight off my legs.
Does anyone else use the poles like this?
Yes. You buy them in the appropriate length - they come in different lengths in 5 cm (2inch) increments, for example here.I seriously had no idea there were poles that were non-adjustable in length!!
Yes. You buy them in the appropriate length - they come in different lengths in 5 cm (2inch) increments, for example here.
When going up or down slopes, or on uneven terrain, the feet (and hands on the poles, and in fact the whole body) need to make many automatic adjustments for height and placement, so I don't think further precision in pole length is needed. I also like the relief/variety I get from varying my hand position on the poles - just like varying the arm rhythm.
That is a very wise habit to cultivate!Also, if I want to look at scenery I stop walking.
I don't disagree there. I normally let them dangle from my wrists when taking a picture, but they can be annoying when I do that.I'm a one pole kind'a gal. I like stopping to take lots of pictures and using two poles gets in my way and is more of a nuisence rather than a help. I'm not walking lopsided yet, so I guess "all is well."
Without breaking out the poles I don’t know about the 2 steps but I definitely swing them forward, mostly from the wrist with some natural arm movement, arms at the side, and some minor push off. I find it allows an easy rhythm, minimizes side-to-side movement, and moves some of the load from my legs to my upper body. It works for me.I've been using trekking poles for years but use them differently than recommended. I swing the pole out in front of me when placing it so that the pole is angled away from me when planted. I then walk past it and pick it up when it is behind me. This results in a number of differences from the standard technique.
It's not something I ever made a conscious decision to do. It's just how I started using the poles when I began 15 years ago. It wasn't until the advent of Youtube that I found out I was doing it wrong. When I try doing it the standard way, it just seems like way more work to me. My way seems much more relaxed to me. I use the straps the proper way and have a very relaxed grip on the handles, in fact I don't really grip the handles at all.
- I take 2 steps instead of one for every cycle of the pole.
- My arms are more at my side rather than out in front of me.
- Swinging the pole forward is more of a wrist movement rather than a whole arm movement.
- I use the poles at a shorter length so that they are at comfortable height in my hand as I walk past the pole.
- I don't really push on the pole to propel myself forward. It's more like I'm resting the weight of my arm on it which takes that weight off my legs.
Does anyone else use the poles like this?
just seen your answer. Yeah, the second video just features using poles on flat ground. I agree that it can be a help to adjust length regarding to the terrain. For me personally, i just do it now when there is a certain continuity and for shorter ascents or descents i just change my grip.@Anhalter
That second video bothers me, in that there is no ’instruction’ to shorten and lengthen poles according to the terrain.
I would also get sore/tired hands if I “gripped” my poles. I use a very relaxed grip.
To be honest, I haven’t viewed any of the other videos.
I’ve had my Lekis for more than 30 years and have always used them in the same way.
I get great propulsion, particularly uphill.
Does anyone else use the poles like this?
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