Walking with Sticks
Participants will walk into nature using sticks, these can be special for hiking or Nordic walking, or improvised with strong poles of wood, bamboo or broomsticks.
- Special canes for hiking, if there are none, you can use strong wooden poles, broomsticks or bamboo, which act as a cane; two will be needed for each person
- A bag per person to store their belongings, and thus have their hands free to use the poles
- Are you ready? Take your sticks, one in each hand.
- Stand in a U shape so you can see the demo
- The poles are placed so that the height leaves the forearm parallel to the ground.
- When walking, do so by moving one foot and the opposite arm forward so that it is a natural movement.
- Every step you take has to start with the heel (preferably)
- The arms should be stretched whenever possible, in a way that resembles a march.
- Practice, this is the time to rehearse, just a few minutes will be enough for you to coordinate the movement of your body and the cane
- Because the forearms and pectorals are exercised, this exercise is very complete if done correctly. It is also a great help to climb mountains and steps without losing stability.
The walk will lead you to a natural area, where you can explore. As the activity’s facilitator, you must complete the tour beforehand in order to estimate the level of effort required of your participants.
- Each participant must have their two
- Arrange the group in a U shape so that everyone can understand what is being said.
- Explain to them the technique of using the poles, they need to listen to your instructions
- Model the way you walk, they need to see
- Before you go on the hike, have everyone practice with their poles; with a few minutes of practice, they’ll get the hang of it.
Benefits
Walking with poles will allow you to walk twice as far, get only half as tired, go further, improve your stability, reduce the impact on your knees, ankles, and the risk of dislocations. (Nelson backpacker, 2015) (Corrales Baz Ester, 2013)
How to hold the cane, keep it perpendicular to the ground and how to walk naturally.
