Improving efficiency of walking
 

Tests have sound it to be 30% more efficient in getting shape and it does increase walking speed over 10% but still makes walking feel easier.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJY6_DLJ2Kg

Ok, it does look stupid, but I don't think it is a problem for us, I have been doing that for some 10 years now and I really can't walk without them now, it is so much better, does same for walking as aeromodding does for a car, imo.

My technique differs a bit from what is seen from video, I don't squeeze at all and I brake with legs and push with arms to get more training to my stomach area and upper torso.

When I walk from hotel to work location it is usually only few minutes, but whole day feels lot better when I start it with that, so worth a try.

I would need to loose 30kg, that is a lot of lbs, so I can recommend it for those not so sporty too, had over year of break from this and gained some 20kg, shame on me, so now working to loose that extra again and it does feel great.

1km is as good as 1.3km of standard walking, so it is easy to get lot of training in small amount of time.

Is that 30% hypermiling by walking then?

I've been using hiking sticks in the mountains for years - I can't imagine hiking with a 20-30kg backpack without them. They reduce the weight on my knees, especially when going down.
I also used them this winter when I had to walk because the roads were too disgusting to bike (alternating layers of ice and salt).

I bought a set for my Mom and after the first day her chest muscles hurt so bad she though that her heart was giving up. After that passed she was (and still is) thrilled at the ease and speed of walking.

Have a set, and love them. Takes a lot of pressure off my back.

...close your eyes and 'imagine' skiing as you trudge through the sand (AZ Pole walking)