After the snowiest winter Virginia has seen in years and the weather becomes milder, I have a strong desire to be outdoors without the parka. Walking outdoors is not only therapeutic but it is also great exercise. As you find your way outside, consider adding a new piece of equipment to your exercise toolbox. Trekking poles. Often thought of for hiking, it is more common to see walkers using trekking poles. There are only benefits and there is no downside (well, perhaps the cost).

Using trekking poles while you walk decreases the stress on your joints: particularly your knees, hips and low back. It increases your heart rate as you are utilizing your arms and your whole body. Interestingly, it does not increase your perceived exertion (your perceived effort of the exercise). A study conducted at James Madison University found that when individuals walked with trekking poles, they expended 10% more calories (about 50 more calories an hour) without the feeling that they were working any harder. Thus, folks could walk longer or farther and perhaps more frequently with less joint pain and less feelings of fatique. It could also be helpful for those who are beginning an exercise program who may get tired easily.

Most trekking poles are adjustable making it easy to fit them for your height. They are also quite light in weight so it is not a burden to use them. It takes a bit of coordination when you first start using them, but with practice you eventually develop a rhythm as you walk. It is especially helpful when descending hills to assist with balance.

So, share the load and decrease stress and pain on your joints while increasing your caloric expenditure. Have fun with it! Most importantly, enjoy the outdoors!