Paw Prints the Magazine

Walk This Way

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By Dale E. Smith

Once my cancer treatment was complete my doctors were on me to gain weight. I played a trick on my body in 2007 when I was diagnosed and I ate like a pig to put on weight. I knew that the surgery and treatment were going to take their toll on me so I packed away pints of ice cream daily and became a fast food junkie. In a couple of month’s time I put twenty extra pounds onto my normal 175, shooting my weight to 195. Going through the treatment I ended up losing a little over thirty pounds and at my lowest point was around 166 lbs. Needless to say the doctors were trying to get my weight back to my pre-cancer weight of 195.

Keegan and me

I made it back to 195 and then some – at my peak I was at 206. I asked them, since I was now 25 pounds heavier than I had ever been in my life, if I could stop eating and try and get back to my normal weight of 175. They finally agreed.

Well, as it turned out, pulling back on the eating didn’t quite cut it; I wasn’t making much headway. I had to add some extra activity to the mix, but what? I hate the gym and although running was one of my “things” in high school, I had no desire.

As a dog owner I knew I wouldn’t have to look far for an enthusiastic walking buddy (wives aren’t always in the mood). I started walking the dogs more and became more active. I started searching for things that would help me burn more calories while I was either on the trail with the dogs or walking them around the block. I know that many hikers and backpackers use trekking poles as a way to reduce the stress on their joints. I also know using trekking poles or hiking staffs is a great way to burn more calories because you put more muscles in motion. I found what I was looking for in the Brazos FitnessWalker™ sticks.

Here is what they say about them:

Try out our new our new FitnessWalker™—a perfect fit and feel for your

Brazos FitnessWalker

hands. The curve of the stick, where you hold it, fits smoothly in your hands. Use two walking sticks and get the whole body exercise you are looking for; get fit while experiencing the beauty of nature, with “The Feel of Nature™”. The weight is just right too.

It comes in distinctive Ash Wood and in three colors: Brown, Tan and Red

Here is what we say about them:

We love our Brazos FitnessWalker's!

These walking sticks are fantastic! Not only are they very light weight and comfortable to use, they look great. The wood is a much nicer feel than all the high tech aircraft aluminum and carbon fiber poles on the market. I have a leash that attaches around my belt so I was able to use two sticks giving my arms a great workout as well. If you have to use a handheld leash you can use one Fitnesswalker and still get the benefit of burning extra calories.

These are great for fitness, balance and stability. You can use these while walking the pooch around the block or take them along on your next off the road adventure. I will be using these when the dogs and I get off the beaten path. They will help with balance going across streams, up and down steep slopes and uneven terrain. They will also come in handy as a bit of extra protection, you never know what critters you may happen upon in the woods or even in the neighborhood.

The FitnessWalker™ sticks are a winner in our book!

To see more great products from Brazos Walking Sticks, visit www.brazos-walking-sticks.com

Tags: hiking staff, Trekking pole, walking staff, Walking Sticks