In response to some inquiries I’ve had, I’d like to explain my advice to “drag your poles” behind you.
The point is to keep the poles behind you and NOT grab them and pull them forward. You want to get a good push into the surface – have them propel you forward. If you are walking on sidewalks with your rubber tips, they will be silent as they drag along.
OK, so you want to go on trails. They will be pretty noisy with the steel tips scraping the gravel. So, here’s what you do. Since you shouldn’t be gripping the poles…since the strap holds them and moves them along …do this: As the pole is ready to go back, gently lift up the tip using just your little finger. They should only rise by about 2 inches…only the tip.
As the pole goes forward, release it and then get your good push when it goes back. Do not lift higher or you will begin grabbing the poles and they will migrate forward and more vertical. This makes it hard to get good triceps involvement.
Lift the pole NOW
Your other three fingers stay loose. The poles are about 8 ounces, so just your little finger is enough to get them up. All the noise goes away. So you are no longer “dragging” them per se…..but you still are – but they are a tad above the gravel when they are going forward.
In classes, I want students to drag – really drag. We’ll have the rubber tips and they need to feel the push. Once you pick them up you will end up walking like a geriatric geezer and not gaining the benefits of upper body dynamics and consequent heart rate rise.
Got it? Send a comment if this is not clear. Practice.
Carpe Diem.