Joining a “Movement”

Fizan Trekking Poles - bought from Kathmandu in Hamilton

New Skill Required

As Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear fame might say:

I did a thing!

I’ve invested in some trekking (or walking) poles, trusting that – if I use them correctly – they’ll enable me to do my stair climbing without groaning each step because of knee pain.

That’s the plan!

New Neural Pathways Required

I’ve been watching a few YouTube tutorials on correct technique of walking with poles. There’s more to it than just picking up the poles and walking.

Who would’ve thunked that?

Which means that before I start exploring new pathways out there, first I must forge some neural pathways in here! Which is also good for me. Learning new skills is what helps keep the brain elastic. #smilingontheinside

It’s also another jigsaw piece in the Resilience Puzzle. Why? How? Because when you’re learning new things you have to focus on that… which means you can’t focus on that other that, that is this… and it’s likely it’s this that’s stuck on repeat in your brain in an unhealthy way.

Walking Poles are a Movement

I didn’t realise until I started the research, how much of a movement (pun intended!) walking with poles is!

When I’ve been out walking myself, I’ve seen a few people walk with them. Two women who’re very special to me both have them. And both absolutely swear by them.

One told me that she was out walking years’ ago with hers, when an orthopaedic surgeon told her he wished more people would use walking poles when they were out as it would not only enhance their enjoyment, but would keep people off his operating table – or delay their entry.

There are many benefits of walking with trekking / walking poles. According to this Kathmandu article, they include:

increased stability
improved posture
reduced strain – that’s what I’m after
full body workout – bring it on!

#smilingontheinside

Baader–Meinhof Phenomenon

It’s going to be interesting to see whether I start seeing more people out and about with walking poles now that I have a set myself.

The Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon or frequency illusion is that thing that happens when our attention / focus widens to notice things we didn’t before we did. For example, when we buy one type of car, we suddenly start noticing just how many of those types of cars there already are on the roads.

I also wonder whether I’m going to have people tell me I’m not using them properly.

Bring it on!