Recommended trekking pole workout: Locate a mountain trail or incline (use freeway overpasses in flat terrain). For example, before moving to Colorado I used Old Rag as a training trail. Strap on your heart rate monitor, load your backpack with enough weight to add the appropriate level of difficulty for your training objective and fitness level. Press the incline until your heart rate monitor indicates you are at your lactate acid thresholds (LT). If you do not own a heart rate monitor, you can use the "talk test" in which you are performing at the level you do not feel comfortable talking with your training partner. After you top out, descend and repeat depending on training goals and length of ascent.
- Nordic walking or using trekking poles for fitness provides an exercise alternative for the winter months when traction may not be optimal.
- Using trekking poles and pack provide and excellent recovery alternative after a long run.
- See Trekking Poles use tips side bar.
- Burn up to 40 % more calories during your walk
- Increase your cardio-respiratory system stress by increasing oxygen consumption up to 25%
- Reduce stress to your lower joints and knees
- Reduce heel strike by 25% (great for recovery training)
Bottom Line: Using trekking poles increases the cardio-respiratory intensity, conditions your upper body muscle groups and is excellent preparation for longer adventure races.
Trekking Poles Tips: Pole length and hand position
 Black Diamond Alpine CF Trekking Poles - 1 Pair Black Diamond used carbon fiber material to reduce the Alpine CF Trekking Poles weight to a ridiculously low 17 ounces. |  Black Diamond Enduro CF Trekking Poles - 1 Pair Whether youre doing another alpine approach or going winter backpacking, count on the Black Diamond Enduro CF Trekking Poles for excellent cold-weather performance. |  Black Diamond Spire Trekking Poles - 1 Pair Oval-shaped Elliptic shafts give the Black Diamond Spire Trekking Poles increased stability and durability to take on all the abuses dished out by long days on the trail. |
 Black Diamond Syncline Trekking Poles - 1 Pair The two-section Black Diamond Syncline Trekking Poles are ideal for hikers and backpackers who dont often have their poles strapped to their packs. |  Black Diamond Terra CF Trekking Poles - 1 pair The Black Diamond Terra CF trekking pole is so good itll make you toss all your old poles in the dumpster. |  LEKI Super Micro Walking Stick Fear neither ice, snow, nor any sketchy, slippery surface when you take off with the supportive, and extremely compact Leki Super Micro Walking Stick. |
 LEKI Tour Trekking Pole - 1 pair Give yourself a little extra support and strength on your next backpacking trip with the help of the Leki Tour Trekking Poles. These lightweight poles easily adjust to whatever length you may need ... more info. |  LEKI Ultralite Ti Luau Trekking Poles - 1 pair If only Hawaii was closer. Youd have no problem climbing Kilauea with the adjustable, lightweight Leki Ti Luau Trekking Poles. |  MSR Overland Carbon Trekking Pole Thanks to a full carbon-fiber construction, the MSR Overland Carbon Trekking Poles are lightweight and strong for your weeklong expeditions or day treks. |
 Tracks Sherlock Travel Staff The Tracks Sherlock Travel Staff unscrews into two sections for compact storage and includes features to help you travel across any terrain. |
Trekking Pole Tip #1: You will want to shorten your trekking poles as you head into steeper terrain so that you have valid support in front of you and the opposite when you are descending.
Other gear and gear recommendation for adventure racing and backcountry travel: