Activator Poles

Westmeath Libraries is excited to team up with Westmeath Sports Partnership to encourage our community to get walking and stay active. We have added Activator Poles to our Library of Things that you can now borrow from your local library. Using activator poles is an excellent way to enhance your fitness, improve mobility, and boost strength and balance.

To borrow activator poles, you must be over 18 and a member of Westmeath Libraries. Membership is free! If you’re not a member yet, visit your local library and sign up today.

ACTIVATOR poles have been designed by Canadian therapists to accommodate the needs of people with stability concerns and/or mobility issues. The poles were introduced to Ireland by FitWALKireland as part of ongoing work in the promotion of fitness walking.

Benefits of Activator Poles

A growing body of research suggests that regular use of walking poles can:

• enhance self-esteem and overall sense of well-being
• improve posture
• enhance stability
• reduce joint impact (especially ankles, knees, and hips)
• develop range of motion of the shoulders and spine
• increase muscle strength in the upper body
  (especially arms and core)
• improve coordination
• raise intensity and burn more calories
• promote better walking gait and speed
• build confidence and reduce fear of falling
• increase walking tolerance and distance
• increase opportunities for social interaction

For more information related to the promotion of Activator Poles in County Westmeath please contact Westmeath Sports Partnership on 044 9390208 or email info@westmeathsports.ie

The following videos might help you "get to grips" with Activator Poles

For more tips and information on Activator Poles please read the Activator Poles leaflet.
We also have an Activator Poles booklet that includes exercises and weekly diary to help you get the best out of the poles.

This initiative is facilitated by Westmeath Sports Partnership and Westmeath Libraries, with funding provided by Healthy Westmeath.