4 Reasons to Run With Poles

While many runners may never find a need to use them, running poles, also known as trekking poles, can be an essential tool during off-road adventures. Trail running can lead runners to traverse challenging ground with extremely steep climbs, loose surfaces, and near-vertical descents. By helping to stabilise the runner and increase efficiency, running poles can assist those looking to cover long distances or tackle rough terrain where the consequences of falling can be high, such as in the backcountry or scaling rocky peaks. But even if you aren't planning an extreme trail run, there are many ways that running poles can improve your running performance. Here are our top four reasons to run with poles:

Running uphill requires a large amount of effort from the legs, and using a set of poles can alleviate some of the energy expenditure from the legs. By using running poles, some of the force is transferred into the arms, not only adding power but taking some of the load off the lower extremities. This staves off leg fatigue and will lead to better performance later in the race or run. Running poles aid with propulsion and power, channeling extra energy toward movement, which will result in running uphill faster than ever.

Running downhill is taxing to the legs and gets tricky when there are loose objects littering the ground. Running poles act as extensions of the body that provide extra points of contact with the ground. This increases stability while descending, helping to maintain balance and control speed. Poles help the runner avoid hazards and travel over obstacles that would otherwise cost a lot of energy to get around.

It is common for runners to hunch over when running uphill or during prolonged efforts. This is because fatigue leads to a weakening of the core muscles that support good running posture. Using running poles recruits muscles from the arms and back to stabilise posture and keep the upper body from caving in. Poles will train the body to utilise core muscles, learning better posture for general running and hiking. When descending, poles also keep the body from leaning too far back on steep descents. Running poles are a great training tool to develop proper running posture, keeping the body upright, lungs open, and hips forward.

Running with poles is a great way to increase the number of muscles used while running. Poles incorporate arm, back, and core muscles, building more muscular strength and burning more calories. Transferring some of the force from locomotion to the arms through poles increases the total workload the body experiences while running, providing a full-body workout that builds muscles that are not normally used while running. Next time you head out the door for your weekly runs, bring along some running poles to engage more of your body and build overall strength as you explore more and reach new heights.