R
Ros Ingleby
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You may spot people sporting something a little different in our parks soon, WALX strapless Velocity poles, and the debate on them is a lively one within the Nordic walking community. Are strapless poles an improvement on our tried-and-tested strapped Nordic walking poles?
Why Straps Have Always Been the Standard
Traditional Nordic walking poles come with straps for a reason – they allow you to push through the pole, release it fully, and swing forward again. It’s called the ‘release’ and can give an extra boost when Nordic walking.
Strapless poles don’t allow you to release, so some Nordic walkers argue this won’t give you the same level of workout.
However, I find the majority of Nordic walkers either don’t or can’t do the release correctly. It’s not an easy part of the technique to master, and ageing shoulders, coordination issues or muscle imbalances can make it even more difficult. And a lacklustre release can impact your front swing, which IS most important part of the technique.
So I was happy to buy a set of strapless poles to see what they were all about..
Testing The Poles
New strapless WALX poles in hand, I set off across the Downs using a similar style to NW. The larger hand-shaped grip took a little getting used to, but once I found the rhythm they felt comfortable and natural.
Could I feel my core and arm muscles working? Absolutely. The workout felt powerful and made me out of breath. Having the hands free felt nice, enjoyable in a different way. I liked them enough to sign up for further official training, and I want our walkers to be at the forefront of any pole ‘innovations’.
The training was fun and worthwhile, so I decided strapless poles could be a good alternative for us. I introduced them into the club through our instructor team, who’ve been giving me the concensus from our community ever since.
What Our Community Has Told Us So Far
Some like them, preferring the simplicity, grip, or feel they get a better workout. Others are on the fence and happy to stick with what they know. Some miss the straps and the ‘smooth ride’ of carbon poles – WALX Velocity poles are aluminium and have a little more vibration.
Given how much effort our walkers have put into refining their technique over the years, I was expecting a few ‘no thanks’, and a mixed response was expected.
The Pros and Cons Of Strapless Poles
Although I adore Nordic walking, I’m not a purist. Whether strapped or strapless, whichever type of pole you prefer is good – both have a myriad of benefits. But my opinion on strapless poles is:
If you can try both types and see which you prefer (using the correct technique of course). The best pole is the one that gets you moving, smiling, and enjoying yourself, whether that’s across the Downs, up the notorious Royal Victoria Park hill, or along your favourite coastal path. I’ll be switching between strapped and strapless for variety.
You can find WALX Velocity poles here, and if you buy through this link our club receives a small commission, which helps us keep building our community. You won’t pay any more. Enjoy!
Ros Ingleby, owner of Bristol & Bath Nordic Walking
The post Strapped Nordic Poles vs Non-Strapped: Which Give The Best Workout? appeared first on Bristol Nordic Walking.
Why Straps Have Always Been the Standard
Traditional Nordic walking poles come with straps for a reason – they allow you to push through the pole, release it fully, and swing forward again. It’s called the ‘release’ and can give an extra boost when Nordic walking.
Strapless poles don’t allow you to release, so some Nordic walkers argue this won’t give you the same level of workout.
However, I find the majority of Nordic walkers either don’t or can’t do the release correctly. It’s not an easy part of the technique to master, and ageing shoulders, coordination issues or muscle imbalances can make it even more difficult. And a lacklustre release can impact your front swing, which IS most important part of the technique.
So I was happy to buy a set of strapless poles to see what they were all about..
Testing The Poles
New strapless WALX poles in hand, I set off across the Downs using a similar style to NW. The larger hand-shaped grip took a little getting used to, but once I found the rhythm they felt comfortable and natural.
Could I feel my core and arm muscles working? Absolutely. The workout felt powerful and made me out of breath. Having the hands free felt nice, enjoyable in a different way. I liked them enough to sign up for further official training, and I want our walkers to be at the forefront of any pole ‘innovations’.
The training was fun and worthwhile, so I decided strapless poles could be a good alternative for us. I introduced them into the club through our instructor team, who’ve been giving me the concensus from our community ever since.
What Our Community Has Told Us So Far
Some like them, preferring the simplicity, grip, or feel they get a better workout. Others are on the fence and happy to stick with what they know. Some miss the straps and the ‘smooth ride’ of carbon poles – WALX Velocity poles are aluminium and have a little more vibration.
Given how much effort our walkers have put into refining their technique over the years, I was expecting a few ‘no thanks’, and a mixed response was expected.
The Pros and Cons Of Strapless Poles
Although I adore Nordic walking, I’m not a purist. Whether strapped or strapless, whichever type of pole you prefer is good – both have a myriad of benefits. But my opinion on strapless poles is:
- They don’t officially count as Nordic walking poles, but some people feel strapless give them a more powerful workout.
- Beginners may find WALX Velocity strapless poles easier to learn.
- They’re a great option for anyone with grip issues.
- At around £80 they’re reasonably-priced, but they may feel more vibratory or heavier than carbon poles.
If you can try both types and see which you prefer (using the correct technique of course). The best pole is the one that gets you moving, smiling, and enjoying yourself, whether that’s across the Downs, up the notorious Royal Victoria Park hill, or along your favourite coastal path. I’ll be switching between strapped and strapless for variety.
You can find WALX Velocity poles here, and if you buy through this link our club receives a small commission, which helps us keep building our community. You won’t pay any more. Enjoy!
Ros Ingleby, owner of Bristol & Bath Nordic Walking
The post Strapped Nordic Poles vs Non-Strapped: Which Give The Best Workout? appeared first on Bristol Nordic Walking.