Have any of you had any experience with the Urban Poling Activator?

[blogger_7]

The poles are very similar to Nordic Walking Poles, but the techniques taught for using them are a bit different. The hand shake goes to a more bent elbow and the poles don't go behind you. urbanpoling.com/getting-sta...

I purchased The companion combo, which was a bargain. Now my sweetheart can go poling with me. They arrived yesterday. We watched the videos provided and adjusted our new poles to the correct height for a 45 degree angle at the elbow, and tried to practice the pole placement coordinated with arm swing and foot placement. Today we went out to walk on the pavement in front of our house. by the end of our little session, my husband was able to do it. Due to Mr. PD, my coordination isn't so cooperative, so I will take longer... but I'm not a quitter.

[Mapleshade58]

Yes! My husband with PD uses them. I got the lifestyle poles where you keep your arms straight.

He probably wouldn't go walking without them anymore. They help him stay balanced. He isn't as straight up as he should be but I'm just glad he's out walking. He really likes his.

Most days he lifts weights so he doesn't get out walking as much as I'd like him to. But the elliptical and stationary bike are part of his regimen.

[NRyan]

I watched the video for the activator poles. As an OT, I do love the thought of using them as a replacement for a cane or walker when walking to help with balance issues. I think if a person starts using them at the beginning of balance issues, they can become quite good at using them and can perhaps forgo the use of a walker for many years, if ever. That would be great, as a walker simply promotes a terrible posture. There is a standing upright walker that is a great idea, but is quite cumbersome to have in daily life. I have a friend (also with PD, which is very advanced) that struggles with significant balance issues. I am going to work with him and see if we can get him going with these. I'll take video and post his progress. I personally love my nordic walking poles, as they promote more rotation than these poles and strengthen the back of the shoulder, but provide less stability for a person with balance issues. Thanks for posting!

[justhavefun2]

Greetings! I have been looking at purchasing Activatior poles for a couple of years, but I have been hesitant to invest in them not knowing if they would work for me and/or if I would really use them. While taking the BIG class this last month, I was introduced to walking poles and they were a game changer! I have spinal stenosis, spondylitis and PD. Most days I can’t walk very far before the pain sets in. Using the poles I was pain free, my gait was nearly normal and my speed was better than with a cane or without any aids. I ordered the Activator poles this morning and I am super anxious for them to arrive. Maybe NOW I can do John Pepper’s fast walking protocol... I hope! Are you folks still using your poles? Any thoughts or suggestions outside of the website? For anyone reading this post this weekend they are offering 10% off. The code is UP10.