How It All Began
As a pole walking enthusiast and certified Nordic walking and ACTIVATOR® pole instructor, I get lots of questions. Are ACTIVATOR® poles for rehabilitation, improved stability, fitness, or hiking? The truth is they can be used for all of these. In my case, using ACTIVATOR® poles has even led to a meaningful second career after retirement.
My journey began in 2020 after a medication reaction seriously affected my balance. I suddenly felt unsteady on my feet and began relying on a walker to prevent falls. After about a year, a friend mentioned that his physical therapist had recommended walking poles and let me try his. I felt a difference immediately—I could stand up straighter, breathe more deeply, and felt steadier on my feet.
After purchasing my own pair, I started walking with poles everywhere—shopping, running errands, and enjoying walks in nature.
Having worked as a practical nurse, I wanted to make sure I was using well-designed equipment and understand why the poles made me feel so much better. My research led me to Urban Poling, a company designing and distributing poles since 2008. Their poles were created by an occupational therapist, and their strapless, grab-and-go patented handles make them easy to use especially for people like me with rheumatoid arthritis in their hands. Their ACTIVATOR® poles have also received certification from the Arthritis Foundation as an “Ease of Use” tool that improves accessibility in daily life. I was encouraged to learn that multiple clinical studies, including 19 specific to Urban Poling’s designs, support the benefits of walking poles.
With research complete, I enrolled in the Urban Poling instructor training program, which included a set of ACTIVATOR® poles. That decision truly changed everything for me.
Discovering the Science Behind the ACTIVATOR® Poles
During the training, I learned that adding ACTIVATOR® poles to walking can engage up to 90 percent of the body’s muscles because the upper body and core are actively involved. Pressing down on the ledges of the ACTIVATOR® pole handles contracts your arms and core, helps you stand upright, and gently propels you forward.
By comparison, regular walking engages only about 40 percent of the body’s muscles because the upper body and core are relatively passive. Understanding the mechanics behind the improvements gave me the confidence to trust the process and stay consistent.
Strength, Balance, and Unexpected Benefits
As I continued using the poles, I noticed steady improvements. I felt stronger and more energetic. Even my bone density numbers improved because I now had the confidence and motivation to walk longer and more often. My upper body became stronger, and the neck and back discomfort I used to feel gradually disappeared.
Just as important, my mental health improved. Walking regularly, often at a faster pace, gave me a welcome endorphin boost. There was also something deeply empowering about knowing that improving my health was literally in my own hands.
Eventually, my strength, coordination, and confidence reached a point where I no longer needed my walker. That was a major milestone. Of course, this has been my personal experience. I always encourage others to consult with their doctor or physical therapist before moving from a walker or cane to walking poles.
Sharing It with Others
After experiencing these benefits, I felt called to share what I had learned. Today, I offer what I believe is the only indoor pole walking program in Florida. I teach in Lakeland, where participants come for different reasons. Some want to improve mobility and balance; others are simply looking for a new and enjoyable way to stay active.
Once participants feel confident indoors, we move outdoors to one of Lakeland’s beautiful parks to learn Nordic walking. Nordic walking is a faster-paced technique that burns more calories and increases cardiovascular benefits. Often described as cross-country skiing without skis, it offers a more athletic approach to walking.
Seeing others gain confidence and strength has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey for me.
Looking Ahead
My long-term goals are to partner with hospitals and gyms to start community pole walking programs and to host the first pole walking 5K in Florida. I am inspired by FitFarmers Ireland, which runs a nationwide initiative that includes ACTIVATOR® pole walking as part of community fitness programming.
I often think of the song “Why Walk When You Can Fly” by Mary Chapin Carpenter. Pole walking has allowed me to create my own outdoor gym and move through life with greater confidence, even in busy places like airports.
For me, pole walking has been the simplest way to build that kind of consistent movement into my everyday life.
So I often ask others: Why walk when you can ACTIVATOR® pole walk?
Urban Poling walking poles are available at select CVS Pharmacy stores and on the Urban Poling website: https://urbanpoling.com/.
For information about ACTIVATOR® pole walking classes with Cynthia Plemmons, send an email to POLEWALKFL@gmail.com
