By Barb Gormley, Urban Poling Master Trainer
In 2020, Cynthia Plemmons felt her life change suddenly.
A medication reaction affected her balance, leaving her unsteady and dependent on a walker to prevent falls. For someone who had always valued movement and enjoyed being active in nature, this was a difficult adjustment.
About a year later, a friend mentioned that his physical therapist had recommended walking poles to improve his balance and stability. He suggested she give them a try.
Willing to explore a new option, Cynthia purchased a pair of Urban Poling ACTIVATOR® poles. The difference was immediate.
“Once I traded my walker for the ACTIVATORS®, I felt myself standing taller right away. I could breathe more deeply, and I felt steadier on my feet,” says Cynthia, a 68-year-old retired nurse.
This improvement does not surprise Jennifer Trevino, an occupational therapist who provides home safety consultations in Tampa, Florida.
“Walkers and canes can sometimes cause people to round their spine forward and place too much pressure on their shoulders, elbows, and wrists,” Jennifer explains. “The ACTIVATOR® poles encourage a more upright posture, support better balance, and the ergonomic handle design reduces stress on the wrists and hands.”
Why Walking Poles Improve Balance and Mobility
With her nursing background, Cynthia wanted to understand why walking poles had made such a significant impact.
Her research revealed that Urban Poling’s ACTIVATOR® poles were created by an occupational therapist and feature patented strapless ergonomic handles. The thick grab-and-go handles are particularly helpful for individuals with weak grip strength people, like Cynthia, who have rheumatoid arthritis in their hands.
The poles are certified by the Arthritis Foundation as an “Ease of Use” tool that supports accessibility in daily life. They were also recently named Best Walking Poles for Stability, Recovery and Fitness in North America by Best of Best Reviews. The benefits of walking poles for stability and recovery are supported by more than 350 clinical studies, including 19 specific to Urban Poling’s designs.
One of the most compelling findings is that pole walking engages up to 90 percent of the body’s muscles. By pressing down on the wide ledges of the handles, walkers activate the arms and core while reducing load on the hips and knees.
“Since I started pole walking, I’ve noticed less hip and knee pain,” says Arlene Grosso, who had a knee replacement due to osteoarthritis and has spinal stenosis. She chairs the Florida Statewide Falls Prevention Coalition. “I also feel more confident walking, especially on uneven ground and sidewalks.”
Strength, Fitness, and Mental Health Benefits
Now more confident after understanding the science, Cynthia remained consistent with her pole walking program. Her balance improved. Her posture became more upright. Her upper body grew stronger. Longstanding neck and back discomfort gradually decreased. Over time, even her bone density scores improved.
She also experienced meaningful mental health benefits. Her regular walking routine provided a natural endorphin boost and a renewed sense of control.
“There was something deeply empowering about knowing that improving my health was literally in my own hands,” she says.
Eventually, Cynthia reached a major milestone. She no longer needed her walker.
While she emphasizes that this was her personal experience, she encourages anyone considering transitioning from a walker or cane to ACTIVATOR® poles to consult a physician or physical therapist. Safety and professional guidance should always come first.
From Recovery to Community Impact
Pole walking has done more than restore Cynthia’s balance and fitness. It has inspired a new chapter in her life.
Today, she teaches pole walking in Lakeland, Florida, offering what she believes is the only indoor pole walking program in the state. Participants join for many reasons, including improving mobility and balance, increasing cardiovascular fitness, or simply finding a safe and enjoyable way to stay active.
After building confidence indoors, participants move outdoors to learn Nordic walking, a faster paced technique. Often described as cross country skiing without the skis, Nordic walking increases cardiovascular benefits and burns more calories.
Seeing others gain strength, stability, and confidence has become one of the most rewarding parts of Cynthia’s journey.
A Simple Way to Stay Active
Pole walking is a practical and accessible way for almost anyone to build natural movement into everyday life. It supports balance training, posture improvement, muscle engagement, and overall mobility.
“For me, pole walking has been the simplest way to build consistent movement into my everyday life,” says Cynthia. “I often ask others, why walk when you can pole walk?”
Urban Poling walking poles are available at select CVS Pharmacy locations and online at https://www.cvs.com/shop/activator-poles-for-improved-mobility-rehab-fitness-prodid-731221.
Click the ad to go directly to the online listing on the CVS website.
