Activator Poles Loan Scheme

Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership and Kerry Library have joined forces to provide you with a fresh and exciting physical activity opportunity.

​You can now borrow a set of activator poles from Ballybunion, Listowel and Tralee Library, with a view to rolling out to more libraries this year! 

What are Activator Poles?

• Activator Poles are an adaption of Nordic Walking poles and have been developed by Canadian Therapists to promote balance and improve mobility.
• A growing body of research suggests regular use of walking poles can improve posture and gait, 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) and enhance stability and reduce fear of falling.
• Activator poles are used in a forward position (unlike Nordic poles, which trail behind and are used to propel the walker forward). This gives stability, support and confidence to people worried about their balance or falling and enables them to get up and get going with purpose again.
• Activator poles are designed to be used on the flat rather than for hill or mountain hiking. 

Borrowing Activator Poles from Kerry Library

• Activator Poles can be borrowed from selected libraries by any adult member of Kerry Library. 
• If you are not already a member you can join, free of charge, by visiting your local library or signing up online. You will need to bring proof of address and identification with you to the library on your first visit. 
• Adult library members can borrow one set of Activator poles for a period of 35 days. 
• For group leaders who may wish to borrow additional sets please contact your local librarian and avail of our Community Group membership. 
• A full suite of support resources has been created to support you on how to use a borrowed set of activator poles. A simple explanation leaflet about using Activator poles is available in participating libraries and online. Below we  have a number of instructional videos on getting started with Activator poles for the first time user. 
• To help in learning how to use the poles and better your technique, you will also be able to avail of free programmes and workshops, delivered by Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership. For more information on these programmes please keep an eye on our library social media pages. 

Activator Pole Support Resources:

FitWalk Ireland: Activator Pole Technique:

FitWalk Ireland: Adjusting Your Activator Pole Height:

FitWalk Ireland: The benefits of Activator Poles: