Gourmet Health & Hiking Poles Weekend Retreat at Point Reyes

The Point Reyes website is limited in space so I’m posting info here for anyone who is interested in this weekend event, which is only offered once per year. Location:  Clem Miller Environmental Education Center – we are SO lucky to have access to this amazing facility.  If you read the description of our location, […]

New LEKI Poles – Improved Comfort

2014 – There’s been a re-design of our favorite trekking pole.  We love the comfort of the foam grip….it’s SO worth an extra $20 over the composite or rubber grips.  Also, the long foam grip is wonderful for frequently changing or rocky terrain – when you’re not using the straps. The redesigned strap is sleeker […]

Rubber Tips for Trekking Poles: Why & What Kind to Consider

Rubber tips are sold as optional accessories for trekking poles.  They’re NOT optional.   The travel tips that come with many poles (clear, orange or black plastic) are garbage – toss them out (or recycle them).   In many of this blog’s updates we describe how rubber tips improve performance, prevent joint strain, increase safety and enhance […]

Pole Walking Classes all over the Bay Area

Determining which poles best suit a person’s issues and goals is an important part of the learning process.  We use all 3 types of poles, helping participants figure out what works best for their structure (fit), their issues and their goals. Take a look at this Article in the Pacifica Tribune this morning.  We offer […]

Trail Tips for PoleHikers: Mountain Lions and Ticks

Here’s a great article on what to do if you are ?lucky enough? to sight a mountain lion.   Article is from the University of CA Police Dept. We try to sprinkle all kinds of pole & trail tips into our seminars.  We ALWAYS miss something and recommend that you either subscribe (just click on the […]

Danger on the Trail – Dogs, Horses, Poles and Etiquette

Yesterday a friend and I were horse-back riding in a popular riding area.  We saw a dog off leash (an absolute no-no in this area), then around the bend saw the owner walking with poles.  We called immediately to ask her to leash her dog.  Her dog came towards us growling and the horses spooked.     […]

Trekking Poles FAQ: Are Hiking Poles for Everyone?

No, but… Using poles provides many benefits for people who like to walk or hike.  Optimal use of poles encourages better posture, endurance, confidence and gait.  Using the upper body muscles helps to preserve joints all over the body. In the literally thousands of people I’ve encountered over the last 15 years, I’ve met a […]

Trekking Poles Tip: Improve Power and Performance on Uphill

Once you’ve learned optimal form and muscle recruitment for going uphill, we have another tip that will significantly improve your performance. In just one word – Cadence!  Bikers know about cycling cadence.   With proper gear shifting, pedal stroke is rhythmic and gears are not ground. It’s the same on the trail.  As you change terrain, […]

Trekking Poles Tip: How to turn up your POWER

HIKERS:  Try snugging up your straps. Yes, it’s that simple.  If you use the straps correctly and your body optimally, the poles are an extension of your arms.   It’s easier to feel the PUSH of the poles on flat and uphill if you’re using them in a pushing action.  This sounds simplistic, but try tightening […]

Save your Knees: Benefits of using poles for hiking and walking

With OPTIMAL USE, you can achieve ALL these BENEFITS of using Poles for Hiking, Walking, Exercise, Balance & Mobility! Win-Win-Win ~ Be in nature, connecting with your friends and family while getting a great workout using your whole body. Improve Power, Balance, Control & Confidence ~ Confidence is the #1 benefit for many pole users.  […]

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