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Originally posted at: Kristin Cavallari’s Boys Lie Sweatshirt

I just returned from a three-week trip
to northern Spain and Portugal. Every day, every minute, I was living outside
my comfort zone. Granted, I was having a fabulous time, given that I was
encountering new people, places and things, learning about new cultures, food,
and different ways of living life.

Yet, it took me time to adjust and
modify behavior and thought from city to city. The most uncomfortable moments
came with food. I didn’t like the food (I am a plant-based eater), and I
dreaded dinners. But I coped and smiled as my fellow travelers gushed over the
local cuisine.

Travel isn’t easy. Every hotel room
was different. Bus rides from city to city were tiring. Simple movements
like walking and standing provided some discomfort. But we all moved past our
comfort zones and explored an exciting and inspiring part of the world.

If you have ever gone on a blind date,
you’ve been outside your comfort zone. If you’ve ever walked into a happy hour
where you don’t know a soul, you’ve been outside your comfort zone.

And if you’ve attended an academic class that was outside your learning experience (that would be a math class for me), you’ve been outside your comfort zone. Just think how stressful it is to learn new technology. Most of us are way out of our comfort zones in that arena.

We all have fears that stop us from
stepping into our potential, into a new and different level of personal
expectations. The comfort zone is a place where fear is minimized so that we
can function at an acceptable level in our daily lives.

However, acceptable can put us to sleep mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. We develop a level of reaction that can flatline and energy deprivation takes over. I’ve had introverted boyfriends that never adjusted to new and different social situations. It was painful and our relationship never grew.

Let’s take
a different view!

What You Give Up for the Sake of Comfort

You don’t always realize how much you
give up for the sake of comfort. In fact, dedicating your life to the comfort
zone is overrated. Instead of plunging into an exciting life experience, you
retreat, step back, or run from what can be a transformative moment. 

In an effort to minimize your greatest
fears, you can be sacrificing your heart’s deepest desires. In the name of
comfort, you sacrifice potential.

Most great motivational speakers talk
about confronting your deepest fears. Yet, this is precisely where life begins
to take on meaningful experiences as you start the process of transformation.

Easier said than done.

Moving through our fears takes
courage. It might include risk. You could encounter limitations, become intimidated,
and start to retreat, instead of embracing your human potential. 

Breaking Free of Fears

The following are 3 ways to manage
life outside your comfort zone.

Struggle Is Overrated

Most days are filled with stress as
you encounter a myriad of individual inconveniences. Some of these
inconveniences turn into struggles. They get more complicated with time and
negativity settles into your unconscious with a vengeance.

When I taught yoga, I would always give the following mantra to my students: Struggle is overrated. When you struggle, you encounter your ego, and that ego gets in the way of staying present, and being present helps you to feel comfortable in any environment.

Yesterday, I spent almost 18 hours
trying to download an operating system for my computer and failed. I was devastated.
It turned into a battle with myself. It should have worked. I did exactly what
was told me. And yet, the rules of the tech game failed me.

In my mind, I failed, too, because I
was operating under the delusion that I was using a Mac product, but because I was
out of my comfort zone and not present, I was actually using a PC product.
Obviously, I was far from present. Struggle had won the day.

But struggle is ubiquitous.

I took a walk today, concluding that
everything we encounter probably takes us out of our comfort zone in one way or
another.

The idea is that most struggle comes
from a limited belief system. You want to be expressive, but your mental
functions are limited. Your ego says: It’s risky or dangerous. You’ll be
rejected, or criticized, or you will fail.

The struggle is between an ego that
does not want to expand your mental boundaries and the unleashed desire for
potential. You can’t blame the ego. It’s the job of the ego to keep you safe
and that doesn’t correspond to reaching your full potential, which is
limitless.

Look for the Opportunity

One of my closest friends once said to
me, “Behind every door, there is an opportunity. But to get to the
opportunity, you must understand the possibilities.”

This is when imagination takes over
and change becomes a reality. This is when you begin to see beyond your comfort
zone. You can dare to be comfortable outside the familiar.

Imagine what your life would feel like
if you decided to exercise every morning no matter the weather. You will begin
to see changes that are pleasing. You will begin to see different, more
pleasant results from your actions. It is then you are making choices from
outside your comfort zone. 

You grow stale by making decisions inside your comfort zone. Sometimes you don’t like your choices. They are repetitive and uninspiring. In effect, you create a kind of been there, done that paradigm.

Different results require doing things
differently. That’s what makes life exciting, new, and inspiring. You begin to
realize that the comfort zone is a mental and emotional trap that perpetuates
limited thoughts and feelings daily, weekly, and monthly.

Take a risk and go outside
your comfort zone and discover beliefs and ideas that are new to your
consciousness. 

Be Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Anyone who has ever accomplished
anything great has done so with the element of risk – not necessarily physical or emotional
danger, but a risk that makes the ego concerned.

If the ego doesn’t know how to deal
with new situations based on new beliefs, then the prognosis for change and growth
is overtly negative. 

For some people, the idea of doing
something they haven’t done before can be daunting. They might lose control,
find themselves in a negative or compromising situation, have their feelings
hurt, or any number of uncomfortable reactions.

Sure, it is a risk. But the real risk
is to maintain the status quo, and that means no human growth. The results are
unhappiness or worse, depression. 

When life gets uncomfortable, smile,
laugh, find humor, express your truth, project your personality, and go for
it because what have you got to lose? Nothing.

Regroup your belief systems, re-stage
your life, re-orient your mind set. Travel, be curious, be bold. Search for
more exciting possibilities and let your new potential shine through.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What kind of techniques do you use to manage your emotions when you step outside your comfort zone? What is your least favorite “outside your comfort zone” experience? Please share your stories with the community!

Plus, they’re on sale for up to 20% off for only a few days.

It’s so lightweight!

Choosing the right hiking pole as a woman over 50 can make all the difference on the trail – whether you’re walking a forest path or tackling a steep incline. The best hiking poles offer balance, reduce stress on your joints, and give you extra support when you need it. 

In this guide, we’ve rounded up ten of the best options available today, with a special focus on comfort, adjustability, and ease of use for mature women hikers.

Top 5 Hiking Poles for Women Over 50:

1. Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles – Lightweight, compact, and equipped with shock absorption designed specifically for women.
2. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles – Built with rugged carbon fiber and all-season tips, ideal for more experienced hikers.
3. Trekology Trek-Z Collapsible Hiking Poles – Budget-friendly aluminum poles that collapse to fit into any travel bag.
4. TrailBuddy Adjustable Trekking Poles – Easy to adjust and comfortable to hold, great for casual to intermediate hikers.
5. Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles – Durable and lightweight with telescoping length, made for stability and ease of use.

Continue reading to discover more hiking poles for every budget and lifestyle. 

Read more: Soft Adventures for Women Over 50 – Hiking, Kayaking, and More!

Why Are Hiking Poles Beneficial for Women Over 50?

As we age, maintaining balance, protecting our joints, and reducing fatigue during outdoor activities become increasingly important. Hiking poles can help us walk and hike more confidently and comfortably. 

• Reduces joint stress: Poles help distribute body weight more evenly, especially on downhill sections.
• Improves stability and posture: They offer support on uneven surfaces and help maintain a more upright walking position.
• Builds upper body strength: Walking with poles activates arms and shoulders, giving you a light upper-body workout.
• Boosts endurance: You’ll conserve more energy by spreading the effort between your upper and lower body.

What Should I Look for in Hiking Poles?

Before buying, consider the following features to ensure the poles suit your body and the kind of hiking you plan to do:

• Weight – Lighter poles reduce fatigue, especially on longer treks.
• Grip Material – Cork handles absorb sweat and conform to your hands, while foam is soft and water-resistant.
• Adjustability – Look for poles that allow you to fine-tune the length quickly.
• Shock Absorption – A must-have feature for women with knee or hip issues.
• Compactness – Poles that fold or collapse are easier to pack for travel or storage.

Read more: Exploring the Great Outdoors: 10 Best Hiking Apps.

Reviews of the Top 10 Hiking Poles for Women Over 50

Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles

For lightweight performance and shock absorption, these folding poles are ideal for serious hikers who want comfort and portability.

Made specifically with women in mind, the Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS poles combine a high-end carbon shaft with a lightweight aluminum section to balance strength and weight. They collapse into three parts and pack down to just 15.7 inches, making them a great travel companion. 

The Dynamic Suspension System absorbs harsh impacts on joints, making these poles a smart choice for hikers with knee sensitivity or arthritis. The Aergon Air grips are shaped to match the contours of a woman’s hand, and the straps adjust for a snug fit.

Pros:

• Premium anti-shock system
• Lightweight and travel-friendly
• Designed to fit women’s hands

Cons:

• Expensive
• Less range in height adjustment compared to some other models

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

Strong and stable carbon fiber poles with natural cork grips for all-weather hiking.

These are serious trekking poles for women who plan to hike year-round. Made with 100% carbon fiber, they are both lightweight and incredibly tough. The natural cork grips reduce sweating and improve comfort during long hikes. 

The FlickLock Pro system lets you quickly adjust pole height without needing tools. The Black Diamond Alpine poles come with interchangeable tips and baskets, so you can easily switch from rocky terrain to snowy trails.

Pros:

• Cork handles that mold to your grip
• All-season capability
• Reliable locking mechanism

Cons:

• High price
• Not as compact when folded

Trekology Trek-Z Collapsible Hiking & Trekking Poles

Affordable and compact, perfect for travel and light-to-moderate trails.

Ideal for those who want an affordable but dependable option, Trekology Trek-Z poles are made from aircraft-grade aluminum. They feature a three-part collapsible design, folding down to just 15 inches. The EVA foam grips offer all-day comfort, while the adjustable wrist straps help reduce fatigue on longer hikes. 

These poles come with interchangeable tips for different surfaces and include a rubber base, mud baskets, and snow baskets.

Pros:

• Affordable and lightweight
• Folds small enough to fit in luggage
• Interchangeable tips included

Cons:

• Not as strong as carbon fiber
• Foam grips wear faster over time

TrailBuddy Adjustable Trekking Poles

Reliable and easy to adjust with cork handles for added comfort.

TrailBuddy poles are great for anyone looking for comfort, adjustability, and value. These poles are made of aluminum and have quick lever locks that allow you to adjust from 24.5 to 54 inches in seconds. 

The cork grips are soft and absorb moisture, and the foam extensions beneath them give you more hand placement options during uphill climbs. Each pair includes several tip types for use on gravel, snow, and pavement.

Pros:

• Easy height adjustment
• Comfortable cork grips
• Affordable for beginners

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than carbon poles
• Locking mechanism may need occasional tightening

Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles

Telescoping aluminum poles designed for strength and simplicity.

Montem’s Ultra Strong poles are designed to offer strength without the weight. They’re made from aircraft-grade aluminum and weigh just under 10 ounces per pole. 

The telescoping design adjusts from 24 to 53 inches, suitable for a wide range of users. The foam grips are padded and shaped for comfort, and the poles come with a tungsten carbide tip for tough terrain along with several rubber and snow attachments.

Pros:

• Durable yet lightweight
• Great value for the quality
• Adjustable for different heights

Cons:

• Foam grip instead of cork
• No built-in shock absorption

TheFitLife Nordic Walking Trekking Poles

Affordable and user-friendly poles with an anti-shock system, ideal for beginners and casual hikers.

TheFitLife Nordic Walking Trekking Poles are constructed from lightweight aluminum and feature a telescopic design, allowing for easy length adjustments to suit different terrains and user heights. 

The anti-shock mechanism reduces impact on joints, providing a comfortable hiking experience. The ergonomic EVA foam grips offer a secure hold, and the adjustable wrist straps enhance stability. 

These poles come with multiple tip options, including rubber tips and mud baskets, making them versatile for various hiking conditions. 

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Anti-shock system for joint protection
• Adjustable length
• Includes multiple tip options

Cons:

• Foam grips may not be as durable as cork
• Twist-lock mechanism may require occasional maintenance

Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles

Lightweight carbon fiber poles with quick-lock adjustability, suitable for hikers seeking a balance between performance and affordability.

Cascade Mountain Tech offers trekking poles made from carbon fiber, providing strength and durability while keeping the weight minimal. The quick-lock mechanism allows for easy and secure length adjustments, accommodating various terrains and user preferences. 

The cork grips conform to the user’s hands over time, offering comfort and moisture-wicking properties. These poles come with tungsten carbide tips and additional accessories like rubber caps, snow baskets, and mud baskets, enhancing their versatility. 

Pros:

• Lightweight carbon fiber construction
• Comfortable cork grips
• Quick-lock adjustability
• Includes multiple accessories

Cons:

• Carbon fiber may be less durable than aluminum in certain conditions
• Locking mechanism may require occasional tightening

York Nordic Motivator Walking Poles

Specially designed for seniors and individuals seeking balance and rehabilitation support.

The York Nordic Motivator Walking Poles feature patented stability grips that provide enhanced support and balance, making them ideal for seniors or those undergoing rehabilitation. 

These lightweight aluminum poles are adjustable and collapsible, with flip-locks for easy length adjustments. They come with detachable feet and a travel bag for convenience. 

Pros:

• Designed for balance and rehabilitation
• Adjustable and collapsible
• Includes detachable feet and travel bag

Cons:

• May not be suitable for rugged terrains
• Limited color options

Urban Poling ACTIVATOR® Nordic Walking Poles

The Urban Poling ACTIVATOR® Nordic Walking Poles are designed to provide increased stability and support for users, making them suitable for seniors or those with balance concerns. These lightweight aluminum poles are adjustable and feature ergonomic rubber grips for comfortable handling. They come with carbide metal tips and are collapsible for easy storage and transport. 

Pros:

• Enhanced stability and support
• Adjustable and collapsible
• Ergonomic grips

Cons:

• Higher price point
• May not be suitable for advanced hiking terrains

Aihoye Hiking Trekking Poles

Collapsible and lightweight poles with an anti-shock system, suitable for various hiking conditions.

The Aihoye Hiking Trekking Poles are made from durable aluminum and feature an anti-shock mechanism to reduce impact on joints. These adjustable poles can be collapsed for easy transport and storage. 

The ergonomic grips and adjustable wrist straps provide comfort and support during hikes. They come with multiple tip options, including rubber tips and mud baskets, for versatility across different terrains. 

Pros:

• Affordable
• Anti-shock system
• Adjustable and collapsible
• Includes multiple tip options

Cons:

• Foam grips may wear over time
• Twist-lock mechanism may require maintenance

Read more: 7 Hiking Trails in the USA for Women Over 50.

Selecting the right hiking poles involves considering factors such as weight, adjustability, grip material, and additional features like shock absorption. The options listed above cater to various preferences and needs, ensuring that you can find poles that enhance your hiking experience by providing stability, reducing joint strain, and increasing overall comfort on the trails.

Read more: Winter Hiking: Essential Tips for Active Adults Over 50.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you use hiking poles when you go hiking? What characteristics are most important for you when choosing hiking poles? Do you have a favorite brand? Tell us about it in the comments below.