Trekking poles, hiking poles, walking sticks, Jetti Poles. Is there really a difference?
Yep. A big one. Actually, six.
Before we get into the key differences, it’s important to consider each pole’s intended purpose. For hiking or trekking poles, they are designed to aid you on long hikes, typically up and down steep trails. Patent-pending Jetti Poles, however, are an entirely new concept in fitness training that transform a walk into a full-body workout. Due to these these functional differences, the poles are not created equal. Now before you write a letter to your local congressperson, let us explain.
Difference #1. The Weight.
Jetti Poles provide the additional weight you need to ramp up resistance when you walk, help you build muscle, and increase the number of calories you burn. In fact, lab testing revealed an average 55.6% higher peak caloric output walking with Jetti Poles than walking without! Trekking poles are designed to be as light as possible to create minimum resistance as you scurry up steep, uneven terrain.
Difference #2. The Grip.
Jetti Poles have a sturdy, but soft, foam grip that enables you to build your grip strength as you walk. Why is grip strength important? Research has not only found that grip strength correlates to your overall strength, but also bone density, cognitive function, sleep, and depression. In comparison, trekking poles typically have a strap to loop around your wrist designed to allow you to hold them with as little effort as possible.
Difference #3. Even More Grips.
But wait, Jetti Poles don’t just have one grip, they have three grips! They are truly your multi-tool, without the sharp edges. Jetti Poles have been fashioned with patent-pending grips on each end as well as in the middle to give you the flexibility to perform a multitude of muscle-strengthening exercises. The upper and lower grips are positioned with equal balance so that you may use your poles as you would a lightweight barbell. Grab the middle grip and it turns into a dumbbell. Trekking poles? Nope.
Difference #4. Strong Feet.
Jetti Poles are designed to go where your fitness walks take you, including roads, sidewalks, paths and trails. Because we know you like to move about, we’ve constructed Jetti Feet of the same rubber used in the tires on your car. You’ll be able to travel many, many miles before you’ll see any wear—no quarterly rotation necessary! Trekking poles typically have pointed ends not suitable for roads or sidewalks, or little boots that cover the points which tend to wear out rapidly.
Difference #5. Shaped Feet.
The unique, patent-pending shape of Jetti Feet is deliberately designed to be multi-functional. Rounded on the sides, but with a slightly flatter bottom and great grip, they provide stability while simultaneously still allowing your Jetti Poles to pivot perfectly. That ability to pivot facilitates the performance of a tremendous variety of movements from squats and lunges to our signature “breaststroke” chest and back strengthener. The feet on trekking poles? Well, see above.
Difference #6. A Perfect Balance.
Equally balanced from top to bottom, Jetti Poles can be used as you would a light weight barbell—you can press it, curl it, or carry it—they will even support you while you’re at the barre—the pulsing, slow-burning, time-under-tension variety, that is. Trekking poles, well, they’ll give you added balance on a hike, but their function stops there.
Bottom line—Jetti Poles are not trekking poles. Sure, if you want to climb over rocks as you scale a mountain or wade through the river on your way to grandma’s house, traditional trekking poles might be the thing. But if you want to burn more calories, incorporate your whole body, and enhance your walking routine day after day, grab a pair of Jetti Poles. And keep them handy, because you’re gonna find yourself reaching for them more than the remote control.