Yes from the bottom. As far as more effort I would say it probably is, with me for sure, but your splitting the energy with upper and lower strength rather then it all on your legs. I use my poles very heavily. Almost always strapped on and I take pictures/eat and do anything pretty much with them dangling there. If It's something real steep and/or a heavy rock scramble then I'll use them without the straps so I could switch to middle/bottom of the pole or put them down quick to use hands or whatever.