Urban Poling Announces HSA and FSA Eligibility
Fitness professionals and enthusiasts alike can now invest in health and wellness with pre-tax funds
Urban Poling Inc. has announced that its Urban and Activator® poles are now eligible for reimbursement through Health Spending Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). This approval provides people with a new option to support their health and mobility goals using pre-tax dollars.
The Activator® Poles are designed to improve balance, mobility and joint health. They can be useful for those managing pain, recovering from injuries, or seeking low-impact exercise options. Their patented design helps distribute the force of walking more evenly across the body, reducing strain on lower-body joints.
“Walking with poles engages up to 90% of muscles by involving the arms, shoulders, back, and core—compared to 50% to 70% with regular walking,” said Andrea Christoforou, a physical therapist at the Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Outpatient Center Cambridge, in a Harvard Health article. “Using poles can also encourage longer strides and improve gait, which may help reduce the risk of falls.”
Research indicates that walking with poles can burn more calories than walking alone, with increases ranging from 20% to 46% depending on walking speed. A study conducted by the Canadian Heart Institute also found that pole walking can improve functional capacity more effectively than other moderate to vigorous exercises.
The poles are designed to promote core activation, improve posture, and provide stability. These features make them a practical tool for a wide range of users, including older adults or individuals with mobility challenges.
Personal trainers and group fitness instructors can incorporate Urban and Activator® Poles into their programming to offer clients a versatile and effective way to improve strength, endurance and balance. The poles are particularly useful in rehabilitation settings or for clients seeking low-impact exercise options. Trainers can use them for outdoor walking sessions, mobility drills and core-strengthening exercises, providing an accessible way to diversify workout routines while addressing individual fitness needs.
The HSA and FSA eligibility of the poles makes them more financially accessible for individuals looking to incorporate them into their exercise routines. The reimbursement option may also encourage more people to explore walking with poles as a way to support their health.