Has any one used walking poles to assist with balance,

[Kirk5w7]

my GP has told me I need to take brisk walks to improve my fitness and stamina but I find I only have one speed when out on my own, and although I would feel silly using them round the neighbourhood, if they help it'll be worth it

[Hidden]

Brilliant idea. I am having balance problems at the moment and have to hold on to everything otherwise I feel like I am going to fall over difficult when the Mr has gone to work.

Before my TBI I used walking poles on long distance walks and they are great for support, but also make your upper body work as well, just make sure when you buy them you set them at the right height otherwise they can hurt your back. I wouldn't worry about feeling silly, if it helps you get out more you would probably feel better anyway.

When I am not so wobbly, on my better days I wear a weighted vest when I walk to try and improve my stamina as I can't do very much. It does also help with my balance as I feel more routed to the ground. Check with your GP though to see if this is a good option for you or not. You also have to have good posture with it as well so again, you don't hurt your back. Just an idea to consider.

I hope that helps. There's brilliant people on here who are really helpful so I am sure they will have some suggestions to.

I really like your idea. Thank you.

Good luck.

[Kirk5w7 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I think I'll give them a go, I normally just use a stick when out on my own, but I do need something to steady me when I increase the pace ( forever optimistic!), I went swimming on my own last week for the first time, on the bus as well, milestones but a great sense of achievement. The weighted vest sounds great too thanks again

Best wishes Janet

[Alicedenham]

Hi, that is amazing advice for your Doctor, did you know that your Doctor can offer you the NHS Exercise Referral scheme to help you even more? This is a twelve week programme up to three 45min sessions a week which is free. Most gyms and swimming baths have instructors trained in exercise referral but the GP needs to refer you first. Also Nordic Walking UK (walking with poles) is part of the scheme too. I used the scheme to help me after my SAH & Stroke. The instructor help me with my balance and coordination doing activities in the gym environment then when stable took me out Nordic Walking which I love. Now I am one of three aneurysm survivors Nordic Walking 110 miles to raise funds for Addenbrooke's Hospital. You can read about our journey back to health on the blog:

walkthejourney2013.wordpres...

Walking is a brilliant activity, you can find Nordic Walking groups in your area on the Nordic Walking UK website but there are other NW organisations too. Good luck on your journey back to health. Alice xx

[Kirk5w7 in reply to Alicedenham]

Thanks for the info, guess my GP is going to get another visit from me soon Thanks again Janet x

[kjg001]

My balance pushed me into using a stick, thinking about walking made me think about it so much I mess it up, now I walk with a stick, I find it so much easier, I also try to concentrate on things around me other than me, it helps, but I get real tired and have to stop frequently.

Did that make sense or did I just waffle through it all.

[Kirk5w7 in reply to kjg001]

Hi, that made sense, I walk with a conventional stick when I'm on my own, if with someone my balance improves anyway! I just thought the walking poles may help me increase the pace without feeling too unsteady, I'll let you know how I get on when I get some, thanks for replying, Janet