By Jayah Paley
Our neighboring Loma Prieta Chapter has received a special grant from Sierra Club Military Outdoors enabling the Sierra Club to offer Pole Hiking and Pole Walking training (otherwise fee-based) free for veterans and their families.
When pole walking or pole hiking, you feel invigorated, taller, and more confident! Veterans (and family members) select the type of training session that best suits their abilities and goals.
Three types of training are offered:
- Pole Walking for Balance & Maintaining Mobility (for people with gait or mobility challenges, deconditioned individuals)
- Pole Walking for Exercise (for walkers or people new to exercise)
- Pole Hiking (for all level hikers)
Registration is required in order to attend these free trainings. Find the schedule of upcoming trainings and much more information about this program online at www.sierraclub.org/loma-prieta/military-outdoors (more are added regularly). 2022 trainings are scheduled at the Oakland Vet Center, Point Reyes, Mount Tam, and more. Poles will be provided for your use at each training, or you may bring and use your own.
Here are some of the benefits of learning optimal use of poles:
- Improve power and endurance on uphill
- Support your joints on downhill – save your knees!
- Reduce risk of falling
- Achieve, maintain, even regain mobility
- Use your upper body muscles to improve strength and help preserve your joints
- Maintain and restore spine function
- Improve performance on a variety of terrain – expand your capabilities and horizons
- Enjoy the outdoors, connect with your buddies, and get great exercise!
The goal of Military Outdoors is to improve the lives of veterans and their families through connections with the outdoors and to inspire members of the military and veteran community to become outspoken champions for environmental conservation and justice.