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Urban Poling is the Best Medicine

(By Barb Gormley. Originally published in CARP magazine)

If you’re living with a chronic health condition—or simply want to feel more vibrant—Nordic walking, also known as urban poling, can be a powerful tonic. The rhythmic swinging of Nordic walking poles activates your arms and core muscles turning a humdrum stroll into a full-body workout.

The technique is relatively easy to master: lengthen your stride slightly, swing your arms from the shoulders (not the elbows), and press down and back on the base of the poles’ handles. Et voila! Feel every muscle instantly engaged, your body energized, and your spirits lifted.

“Our sales are spiking because people are looking for alternatives to exercising at fitness clubs, recreation centres and pools because of COVID-19,” says Mandy Shintani, co-director of Urban Poling Inc., a Vancouver walking pole manufacturer and distributor. “Nordic walking is an ideal exercise for the times because it’s an outdoor fitness activity that is low cost and really enjoyable.”

Don’t be fooled by flimsy imitations from big box stores or confuse Nordic walking poles with hiking poles, she adds. Only good quality Nordic walking poles will give you all the health benefits and be hard wearing.

Almost every day Urban Poling hears how its poles have changed their customers’ lives. Here are three of those stories:

Balance, Confidence, Stamina

The steady patter of her feet and Nordic walking poles hitting the ground are happy sounds for Toronto retiree Merrilee Wilson. Her outings with her poles at a local park have become what she calls a “bright light” in her day.

“The poles give me the balance assistance I need while improving my posture and upper body strength,” says Merrilee, who is managing multiple injuries from a catastrophic car accident and usually travels via scooter.

She got her Nordic walking start in a six-week beginners program taking her first tentative steps with the Urban Poling ACTIVATOR poles, which provide maximum stability. She graduated to Nordic walking poles once her strength and balance improved.

“My instructor was a wonderful motivator and extremely patient,” says Merrilee. “I now walk for 20 minutes with my poles, a monumental achievement. I hope to show my appreciation one day by paying it forward to another beginner.”

Weight Loss, Friendship, Joy

“In 1998 I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and then I lost my husband after a long struggle with cancer,” says Carol Smith, who lives in Saskatoon. “Before I knew it, I was 100 pounds overweight.”

When a physiotherapist friend suggested she try Nordic walking, she was afraid it would be too painful for her overburdened joints. Instead, she loved it immediately.

“The poles take a tremendous amount of pressure off my knees,” she says. “I started poling regularly, moving from 20-minute to 60-minute walks, and I joined a weight loss group. Instead of socializing over food, I scheduled Nordic walking sessions with my friends.”

Today Carol has shed the 100 pounds and her knees are pain-free. “But best of all, I experience regular post-workout endorphin highs that help manage my depression and carry me through my day.”

Posture, Strength, Endurance

If you have arthritis or the simple aches and pains that can come with age, keep your body moving, says Fran Betts, a retired healthcare worker and older adults fitness instructor who lives in Wallaceburg, Ontario.

“Twenty years ago I began dealing with the beginnings of arthritis in both of my feet,” says Fran. “Simple walking was becoming too painful until I tried Nordic walking.”

To her amazement she found that the poles allowed her to offload body weight into her upper body, and she could walk for longer periods with much less discomfort. She gradually increased her walking distance each week. Eventually she even felt good enough to Nordic walk in a 10 KM fundraiser.

“As I’ve become better at the technique, I’ve noticed improvements in my posture and in my entire body’s strength,” she says. “The best news is that I’ve been able to get back to walking the local trails with my husband and dog, something I thought I might never do again.”

For information on purchasing Urban Poling poles and products, including The Urban Poling Ultimate Guide to Nordic Walking, and to view video of Nordic walking in action, CLICK HERE.

New Year's Resolutions Worth Keeping

If you’re keen to start the New Year with a focus on self-improvement, here are some suggestions:

  • get stronger

  • improve your posture

  • spend more time in nature

  • learn and master a new skill

  • make new friends

  • explore your town or city

  • improve your balance

  • boost your self-esteem & confidence

Hey, have you heard about Nordic walking?

If you live in Toronto, please join my happy group of Nordic walkers by registering for a session of my Nordic walking classes.

What a year you could have—accomplishing this entire list of goals with just one good decision!

New Year's Resolutions…Powerful or Pointless?

I hope 2023 is off to an excellent start for you!

One thing on my mind this week is the relationship between resolutions, goals, and systems.

Resolutions — We all know that these generally don’t work. If the object of your resolve is so important, why wait until January first?

Goals — These are good, especially if they’re specific, actionable, and include a deadline. But it can be easy to lose focus along the way.

Systems — These are excellent and are the framework you put in place to move you toward your goal.

  • Systems remove the need to remember and to be organized.

  • Better yet, systems eliminate the stress associated with playing defense with willpower all day and/or the guilt that arises from not following through.

  • Systems don’t have to be complicated.

    For example, my goal last year was to floss my teeth more regularly. (Did you know that flossing can help prevent heart disease?)

    The system I put in place was to simply leave the dental floss on the bathroom counter by my toothbrush instead of hiding it away in a drawer.

    Now, just seeing the floss when I brush my teeth is a trigger.

    So ridiculously simple, yet so effective.

    Maybe your goal is to be more active. Maybe your system could be to join a weekly fitness class or group.

    Make it an activity you enjoy, and then open yourself up to new friendships within the group.

    After all, friends make friends accountable: “See you next time!” “We missed you last week!”

    Friends are also the best motivators and esteem builders: “You look great!” “Wow, your skills have really improved!”

21 Essential Things You Must Know Before Starting Nordic Walking

  1. It's not hiking!

  2. Nordic walking poles aren’t the same as hiking poles!

  3. You can use your Nordic walking poles for hiking (confusing, I know).

  4. It's easy to learn, but not that easy. It’s challenging enough to make it interesting, but not so tricky that it’s frustrating.

  5. It's not just for women.

  6. It's not just for seniors.

  7. You'll need a lesson (or two or three) if you want to reap all the benefits.

  8. The purpose of the poles is to super-charge standard walking not to provide assistance with balance.

  9. It will quickly become obvious if you are right- or left-handed. With a bit of time your non-dominant arm will catch up.

  10. You can do it in all seasons.

  11. You'll heat up, so don't overdress.

  12. You need to constantly keep your arms straight.

  13. Your hamstrings and upper body will need a good stretch afterward.

  14. Once you get moving and catch the rhythm, it can be hard to stop.

  15. There are Nordic walking poles with straps/gloves and also strapless poles (my preference), but it’s all Nordic walking and all good.

  16. You'll pick up the technique more quickly if you’re a cross-country skier or have marching-on-parade military experience.

  17. It's the perfect activity to continue with as you age.

  18. To modify the intensity, simply move faster or move slower.

  19. Shouting, "You forgot your skis!" to Nordic walkers isn't very original at all.

  20. When travelling by plane, your poles need to go in your checked luggage. Or you can walk through security using them as a walking device.

  21. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Quality Nordic walking poles cost $100+, last for a lifetime, and will do their part to help you reach your health and fitness goals.

Good News About Walking and Dementia

The Guardian reports in its September 2022 article, “Step on it! Walking is good for health but walking faster is even better,” that "how fast you walk could be just as important for your health as how many steps you take." 

A study with 78,500 UK adults found that by walking 10,000 steps a day "you could lower your risk of dementia by about 50 percent, and for cardiovascular disease and cancer, you’d be lowering it between 30 to 40 percent. Walking faster is even better for all outcomes - dementia, heart disease, cancer and death."

They also point out that "The first 5,000 steps does much more good than the next 5,000 steps and so on" - and if the first unit gives you one unit of good, the next unit is another half unit of good."

After you've hit the 10,000 step mark you may get fitter and feel even better but it won't guarantee better outcomes. The sweet spot is 10,000 steps.

Urban Poling on CBC Radio

The interest in Nordic walking continues to be high as more people discover its multiple benefits: full-body workout, low stress to hips and knees, upper body and core conditioning, and more.

CBC journalist Antonia Reed, runner-turned-Nordic-walker, speaks to me and University of Ottawa researchers in this comprehensive interview. You can listen here!

Nordic Walking Beats Other Workouts for Heart Health, Says Study

The latest flurry of interest in Nordic walking has arrived with the publication of new research from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

Its conclusion is that all exercise is good, and some is better than none, but the health benefits of Nordic walking are superior.

  • The researchers found that Nordic walking is “statistically and clinically superior” to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training (MICT) in increasing functional capacity in patients with coronary artery disease enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation.

    (Functional capacity refers to a person’s ability to perform physical tasks and is an important predictor of future cardiovascular events.)

  • When compared directly, HIIT, MICT and Nordic walking have similar prolonged effects on disease-specific and general quality of life and depression symptoms. Yet, for increasing functional capacity, the prolonged effects of Nordic walking superior.

So grab your poles (and maybe a friend), use your very best Nordic walking technique, and get out there and enjoy this beautiful day!

Sea, Sand & Soul Retreat a Fabulous Success! (slideshow)

A message from Barb & Nina:

We’re just back from the Sea, Sand & Soul Nordic Walking Retreat in PEI that we offered September 12-16.

That’s most of our happy gang in the image above at our first-night meet-and-greet party!

The group was a fun mix of ages and Nordic walking experience. We weren’t surprised that everyone arrived with the friendly personality that Nordic walkers are known for!

A big warm down-east thank you to all of the Islanders who helped to make our event a success: Robbie Shaw, Jeannie, Chef Darius, and all the Shaw’s Hotel staff; cycling guide Ian; Charlottetown Nordic walking instructor Margie; Parks Canada’s Ethain; Tourism PEI’s Ruth; and Bryson, author of The Island Walk. You each helped to make our event a truly rich experience for everyone. And another big thank you to Nina’s Fred and Patrick who created the slide show (below)!

During our time together, we Nordic walked and cycled along the Atlantic in PEI National Park, practised yoga in the dappled shade of huge swaying trees, kayaked in lovely Brackley Bay, went out to a lobster supper, swam in the sea, saw Tall Tale Harbour at the Confederation Centre, learned from fascinating local guest speakers, and so much more!

We were a diverse group from as far west as Vancouver and Edmonton and as far east as Ottawa.

The week was a blast according to the feedback we received from the group:

  • “5 stars out of 5 across the board!”

  • “I came for the fitness.; I had no idea I’d make so many friends!”

  • “Had a fantastic time. Absolutely amazing. Great job Barb & Nina!”

  • “Thank you for a wonderful and unforgettable week!”

  • “Fantastic event, extremely well-organized, excellent choice of locale and accommodation.”

Though the focus of the retreat was being active in the beauty of PEI, we also learned plenty about the province from our wonderful speakers and daily explorations. Here are some of those interesting PEI facts:

  1. The endangered piping plover nests on PEI beaches camouflaged by the shells and rocks. They are so difficult to see that dogs and other animals often unknowingly step on them.

  2. PEI's beautiful sand dunes are protected areas that are critical to ecosystem health. Dune grass, which holds dunes in place, is sensitive to trampling.

  3. Rip tides can be a hazard on PEI beaches. If one pulls you out away from the shore, swim parallel to the beach and then into shore.

  4. There was a shark citing in PEI this summer! Or was it a porpoise...

  5. The Island Walk is a 700 km walking trail that loops around PEI. It takes approximately 32 days to complete if you walk 20-25 kilometres per day.

  6. Whiskey maple syrup makes a delicious glaze on Atlantic salmon.

  7. Prince Edward Island National Park is the only national park in PEI. The 75-acre Shaw's Hotel, established in 1860, sits right in the middle of it.

  8. Shaw's Hotel is Canada's oldest, continually family-operated inn and a Canadian National Historic Site.

  9. It is possible, awkward but possible, to canoe with a kayak paddle.

  10. Always be sure you are on firm footing if you step off your bike beside a PEI ditch.

  11. Charlottetown is the birthplace of Confederation. PEI hosted the Charlottetown Conference in 1864 which led to Confederation in 1867.

  12. An ongoing $17 million renovation to the Confederation Centre of the Arts has upgraded its lighting, seating and sound and added a second isle on the main floor. Tell Tale Harbour, starring Great Big Sea's Allan Doyle, is a must-see if you visit.

  13. There are excellent shopping opportunities, thanks to local artisans and shopkeepers, even on a small island!

  14. Eating delicious homemade pie every day at lunch seems odd at first but quite quickly becomes the norm.

  15. The record-breaking Anne of Green Gables—The Musical has been playing for over after 55 years at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

  16. The Confederation Bridge is Canada’s longest bridge and the world's longest bridge over ice-covered water. The 12.9km bridge was built in 1997 and connects PEI to New Brunswick.

  17. Potatoes are the primary cash crop on the island, and it is worth over a billion dollars per year.

  18. The official PEI pronunciation of the word potatoes is pa-tae-tas.

Interested in learning about future retreats? Drop Barb a quick note here!

UPDATE, September 28:

Shortly after we all arrived back home, hurricane Fiona touched down in PEI with a vengeance. The North Shore, where we enjoyed our event, was particularly battered. We are relieved that no one at Shaw’s Hotel was injured, but the damage has been extensive. In response to an email we sent, front desk person Jeannie replied with this message:

Hi Nina & Barb:

Thank you for your nice e-mail. Shaw's Hotel survived Fiona with major damage to PEI, trees, beaches, power, homes, farms, etc.

The hotel lost the big barn as it collapsed in the storm, part of the hotel roof, lots and lots of trees everywhere. Trees around the hotel, the entrance lane, the deluxe cottages down the lane and lots on the path to the beach. The last deluxe cottage flooded with the storm surge and the boathouse floated away. A very scary night for all who were on the Island.

Everyone is safe and Robbie has lots of friends, family, staff, equipment etc. helping out and supporting him. They are all doing a fantastic job on the cleanup.

We still have no power other than generators, no telephone, no email, etc. I am answering you on my laptop from home. They are saying it could be another 4 or 5 days yet for power. Charlottetown has a lot of trees, power lines and poles down. So they are concentrating on that are first and the crews are on the outskirts taking care of the trees on the lines.

Shaw’s will look quite different for the next few years, but it did survive.

Take care.

Robbie, Jeannie and the Staff of Shaw's Hotel

UPDATE, October 7:

From Ian, our cycling guide: …George and I met at Shaw's and collected the bikes. Robbie, Darius and the rest of the team looked exhausted with all the work following the storm and power arriving just in the last couple of days on Day 12.

To read more and see images of the after effects of Hurricane Fiona, click on the links below: