Nordic Pole Walking Instructor Certificat​ion Course Halifax, NS

Nordic Pole Walking Instructor Certification Course Saturday, July 28, 2012, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Location: Northwood Community Centre, 2615 Northwood Terrace, Halifax,Nova Scotia Bring Canada’s fastest growing outdoor fitness activity to your community. To register or for more information Email: info@MRCassociates.ca or phone 902-497-8073 Nordic Pole Walking is a low-impact exercise that shows the highest benefits for health, wellness and fitness for people of all ages. Nordic Pole Walking has been proven to be a catalyst in health and wellness, validated through many scientific and clinical studies. Nordic Walking Poles differ from hiking or ski poles. Using Nordic Walking Poles, they enable you to incorporate more than 90% of all your body muscles. Millions of Europeans use Nordic Pole walking for health, fitness 31ss and social enjoyment. Statistics show that Nordic Pole Walking is the fastest growing outdoor activity around the globe.

"Taking It All in Stride" by Melanie Furlong, QEII Foundation Magazine Spring 2012 "Living Healthy in Atlantic Canada"

Melanie has done a great job with her article. I'm sure this will encourage others to try Nordic Walking.A special thanks to Sharon for brining this item to my attention.

Scotiabank Toronto Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K Welcomes Nordic Walkers

Please see the note below.....this is extremly good news
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Hi Bill,

I wanted to send you a note to let you know that we have opened up the 2012 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k to Nordic Pole walkers!

If you are interested, here is the link to the registration page:

http://eventsonline.ca/events/crs_scotia/

Under the “Additional Participant Information” section please tick the box indicating you will be using Nordic Poles. We will then be in touch with all the Nordic Pole walkers to confirm your starting corral.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Thanks so much

Heather
Heather Morgan

October 30th 2011 is the first Nordic Walk for Cancer Survivorship

The following release came from "Ottawa Smart" from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. What a great way to raise funds. For any further info contact the organizers directly at the link provided.
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The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation is proud to present the Scotiabank-Telus Nordic Walk for Cancer Survivorship -- a unique event that combines the many health benefits of Nordic walking and a wonderful way to support the Cancer Foundation's transformational Cancer Survivorship Care.

Every step taken and every dollar raised helps the Foundation to bring impactful and proven programs and services to our community so that cancer survivors and their friends and family can get the help they need throughout the cancer journey.

Cancer Survivorship Care includes one on one cancer coaching and a variety of programs and services designed to empower participants to take control of their health and give them the resources and tools necessary to improve their quality of life.

The registration fee includes a pair of Nordic walk poles. We are also offering a number of free clinics for those who want to get the most out of the experience. Register now and start fundraising for Canada's first Cancer Survivorship Centre.

Visit www.ottawacancer.ca for more information and to register

Urban Poling (Nordic Walking) Instructor Certification, Moncton, New Brunswick, Saturday June 4th 2011

I am really pleased to tell you that Barb Gormley will be here in Moncton to instruct this course. I had the pleasure of meeting her at CanFitPro and was extremly impressed. Barb has a wealth of knowledge on Urban Poling (Nordic Walking. Here is the link to register just go down to the New Brunswick June 4th listing.

http://urbanpoling.com/shop/instructor-certification

For further information you can contact Barb at

bgormley@rogers.com

Also check out the Urban Poling site at the link below.

http://urbanpoling.com/

Urban Poling (Nordic Walking) and it's effect on Rheumatoid Arthritis/Fibromyalgia, a personal account

I have fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis which was causing me to lose my mobility and gain weight. Even though I was taking medications, I was only getting worse. I started at the YMCA doing water exercises and gained back some of my mobility but I was looking for a way to start walking again.

A friend recommended using the Urban walking poles and in 2007 I bought a set. My husband and I own a farm so I started by walking around our property and soon noticed that the poles gave me a better sense of security and helped with my balance. At first I could only use the poles for about ten minutes without becoming tired and sore but after a few weeks I was walking 20 minutes and then 30.

In the fall of 2008 I managed to walk 5km. which I had not done in ten years. I walked in several more events during the spring and summer of 2009 and started to train for my first 10 km race which I competed in October. I am not fast but I enjoy being able to walk in the races and hike with my husband. My weight has come down even more and I am off most of my medications. The poles have given me renewed mobility to enjoy walking again...Dianna Edgett, Shediac Cape, New Brunswick, Canada.

Yennah Hurley now Master Trainer with the INWA and the NWNA

Congratulations to Yennah who is now the representative for all of Atlantic Canada. The tentative dates for the first Nordic Walking Instructor Sessions are on July. 11th and 12th

This is a 2 day course and will be held in Saint John. The cost per is CA$350 which will give you certification to be a Nordic Walking Instructor with Nordic Walk North America, the sister to INWA in California.

For further info contact her at;

Daytripping @ Rockwood Park
Cell:506-647-6431
email:yennahhurley@hotmail.com
website:www.daytrippingnb.com

Race day tips for Nordic Walkers

If an event has a separate category for walkers/NW please don't do a mixture of run/walk. If you want to run/walk that's fine but please register as a runner.

Don't eat or drink anything out of the ordinary. This is not the time to experiment.

Wear comfortable clothing that breathes (Quick dry material)

Don’t wear new sneakers on race day….they should be broken in beforehand

I find putting HYPAFIX on my feet before the event works best to prevent blisters.

Bring water with you on the NW

Arrive early get registered and get off your feet for a while before the race, then warm up slowly before the race starts.

Don’t start off to fast ease into your race day pace but make sure it’s your race pace, don’t get caught up in the hype

If this is a run category event make your way to the back of the starting pack as you don't want to get caught up with the runners.

Take a bathroom break at least 15 minutes before the start, don’t leave it till the last minute

Never walk more than two abreast

Don’t make a sudden lane change without checking behind you

The runners will go around you but stay in your lane until you’re clear to change

Wear sun block

Wear a hat with a visor

Be courteous to other participants

Always smile and say “thank you” to the volunteers at the water stops

Have some piece of ID on you during the race that has the name of person to be contacted in case of injury

If you had a great time tell the race organizers

Have fun….and laugh a lot…..you’ve worked very hard to get here .

After the event is over make sure you drink plenty of fluids and have something to eat. There is usually bananas and bagels available after the event, but check to make sure.

Ten Good Reason to Nordic Walk

The following has been provided by Nordic Walk Now.
http://www.nordicwalknow.com/
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1.
Back health: Either you or you know of someone who could use postural strength and movement awareness for a healthy spine and back.
2.
Stability: Either you or someone you know could use poles to enhance and improve upright stability and mobility (instead of using a cane or walker?)
3.
Heart health: Nordic walking is the perfect cardiovascular activity for any person of any fitness level from never-ever exercised to seasoned athlete.
4.
Weight loss: Besides wanting to improve our looks, many of us are trying to improve our health and fight against the pull of gravity to your already stressed bones and joints.
5.
Bone density: You spend a lot of time in the water for fitness and know you must compliment your buoyancy workouts with land-based (natural to the natural pull of gravity) activity. Nordic walking strengthens bones..
6.
Moving meditation: Both Nordic walking and meditation rely on the user’s awareness of rhythm; for instance, heart rate/beat, the breath and physical coordination of symmetrical gait. Nordic walkers claim to “lose track of time.”
7.
Walker’s high: Nordic walking poles activate all the joints in the body including spine rotation (instead of just lower body joints), which causes the body to buzz with endorphins. Many Nordic walkers liken this feeling to the classic runner’s high.
8.
You get outside: This is what’s missing in your workouts (although lots of people are walking on indoor tracks and in malls).
9.
Nordic walk and talk! This is perhaps one of the most social fitness experiences on the planet!
10.
You recently returned from a trip where friends or family introduced you to using poles for fitness, and you’re eager to learn more!

Share your success story with US National Nordic Walking Coach Annette Tannander Bank

"I would love to have testimonials from others who are dealing with issues, and have noticed how Nordic Walking is helping their cause."

CONTACT
Annette Tannander Bank NSCA-CSCS-NASM-PES-CMT of Boulder Colorado.
Phone : 720-220-2937email : abank38346@aol.com

or visit Nordic Walking North America at
http://nordicwalkingna.com/index.html

Nordic Walking (NW) and its effect on Parkinson’s....a personal experience

NW came into my life about five years ago because of two wonderful friends who urged me to attend a workshop. I stopped running when I felt it was no longer safe for me. It wasn’t easy to give it up, however after that first workshop I realized that there was an alternative activity for me that could be just as rewarding. With fifteen ½ marathons (13 miles or 21K) and one full marathon completed, I know it is a wonderful and satisfying sport.

NW involves walking with poles similar to cross country ski poles but different in style and design. The most noticeable feature is that they have removable small boot- like rubber tips to use when walking on pavement or other hard surfaces. There are various figures on how much overall better workout you get from NW as compared to regular walking. I’ve heard as high as 40% and as low as 20%. I’ll leave that to the experts but my experience is you get out what you put in.

The technique is different as well. It should be taught by someone qualified and who also understands we are not all built the same. Some people require flexibility for a variety of reasons. For example a person with arthritis may have an issue with range of motion in their arms; a person with MS might have difficulty with their legs. This does not mean that they should not NW.......as long as their doctor says it’s alright and they have the desire, the benefits can be positive.

Nordic Walking has done the following for me;
· It gets me outdoors into the fresh air.
· A hobby of mine is taking waterfalls pictures and the NW poles make it happen.
· Improves my posture, most notably my head and shoulders are close to upright.
· It allows my weak side (right) to become more engaged by improving my leg stride and more arm movement.
· Music plays a critical role in the intensity of the walk. I choose songs at approximately 138 beats per minute for training walks and the day of the event. At times during extended/intense walks my right arm will swing better.
· As I cross the finish line I get that runners high I used to experience.
· For a period of time after an event the tremors and rigidity are improved.

There are many sites on the internet about NW. My blog is just one small bit of information that’s out there. http://nordicwalkingmaritimecanada.blogspot.com/

Bill Trewin, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 49 now 55
"I have Parkinson's...........it doesn't have me"
April 19th 2009

ParticipACTION Newsletter April 2009

The following is shortened clip from ParticipACTION Canada http://www.participaction.com/ featuring Graham Watts of Urban Poling http://www.urbanpoling.com/.
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By Graham Watts
Did you see a mysterious "ski-less" cross-country skier on your way to work this morning?

Don't be fooled - this person knows exactly what he or she is doing. Urban poling (aka Nordic walking) is a new fitness trend that is quickly spreading across Canada. Increasing numbers of people are enjoying this user-friendly activity that combines the aerobic and strength-building benefits of cross-country skiing with the convenience of walking. It is very popular in Germany, Switzerland and Scandinavia. (Perhaps this is the secret to the Finns' and Swedes' wonderful health!)

For years, healthcare professionals have pushed the benefits of walking for fitness and well-being. Urban poling takes walking to the next level. Poling with specially designed walking poles provides a surprisingly dynamic workout, engaging almost 90% of the body's muscles, including the core and upper body. Research (some done at the famed Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas) shows that walking with poles also improves posture, balance and stability

Nordic Walking and effects on Parkinson's being studied

December 2008

ASU study aims to fight symptoms of Parkinson's

Scott Huscherasuwebdevil - Although many wouldn’t think ski poles could fight the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a new Arizona State University study is trying to prove just that.“Exercise training in Parkinson’s disease: Neural and functional benefits” aims to see if exercise is a key component in decreasing the symptoms of PD. The study will utilize “polestriding,” which is walking with the aid of ski-like poles. Also known as Nordic walking, the poles will help with balance, which many people with PD have trouble with.

The initial idea to use poles came from a personal experience. James Abbas, a co-investigator on the study and co-director of the Center for Adaptive Neural Systems at ASU, learned about how the use of poles can increase the intensity of walking exercise and observed how they helped his mother feel more secure while walking. Since previous research results suggested an important role for exercise and clinical experience pointed to the need for some assistance during walking, the team decided to go forward with the study. O’Donnell also said that the polestriding was chosen because it provides balance, helps work the upper body and targets core muscle. It’s also more aerobic than normal walking.

http://www.nwpf.org/News.aspx?Item=2607

These poles were made for walking

The following article was published Thursday January 29th, 2009 in the Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada newspaper and was written by Hanne Armstrong.

In Europe these days there are more Nordic walkers than hikers and joggers combined, according to the Canadian Nordic Walking Association website, and the activity is catching on in New Brunswick. You can find out about it and try it out in Riverside-Albert Feb. 21.

"Unlike many sports, where you need a lot of equipment, you only need a pair of poles for this," said enthusiast Sharon Wells of Hopewell Hill.
Poles for walking? It started in Finland more than 70 years ago as cross-country skiers used their poles to continue training in the summer months. Gradually, walking with poles became an activity for keeping in shape in and of itself.

Why would you want to encumber a good walk with a pair of poles? Lots of reasons: Two to three hundred more muscles are used in Nordic walking than in running or regular walking, so you're getting a broader workout. Over 100 more calories per hour are burned in Nordic walking than regular walking, though running still leads in this department at around 600. And it's very low-impact on leg joints.

"Because of the pushing movement you get with the poles," she explained, "a great deal of strain is taken off knees and ankles."
It's an activity anyone in any physical condition and of any age, can participate in and enjoy. And it's a great way to help yourself get into or stay in shape, so much so that Footloose, a program begun by the Albert County Health and Wellness Centre in 2007 to get people walking, encourages it.

Footloose is holding a Nordic walking event Feb. 21, beginning at the Riverside-Albert Recreation Centre with a demonstration of Nordic walking by Yennah Hurley of Saint John's Rockwood Park DayTripping. She'll have poles on hand for people to try out and some pairs for sale.
"Nordic walking is the perfect exercise to accompany a good nutrition plan," Hurley said.

Following the demonstration, those interested in Nordic walking are invited to go on a walk from the recreation centre to Crooked Creek Lookout to enjoy a great view before heading back. The walk should take about an hour. Everyone is welcome, whether they choose to try Nordic poles or not.

Footloose's Nordic walking event is intended to raise awareness of this increasingly popular fitness activity, which is recognized by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Department of Culture, Wellness and Sport.

Not only does Nordic walking help your health and conditioning, if you try it you'll find it's relaxing and exhilarating at the same time. If you're overweight and don't think you can manage an hour-long walk, you may be pleasantly surprised at how much the poles help you.

"I walk 40 to 60 minutes per day," said Wells, who credits Nordic walking plus a nutritional plan with being freed from blood pressure medication and insulin injections, and with her dramatic weight loss.

Whether you want to get into condition or improve your conditioning, Nordic walking may be what you're looking for. You can walk when you choose to, alone or with friends. It's a trend worth looking into.

Souris PEI women completes her 1st Nordic Walk 10K

I started Nordic Walking because my neighbour (Tracy Burke) took the teacher training & taught me how to do it, & loaned me her poles to try out.

I was looking for something more than walking for exercise as I can no longer run with knee problems. I liked it & bought my own poles.

Then I signed up for the 2008 PEI Marathon Event and completed the 10K Nordic Walk division.

I am hoping to meet some other Nordic Walkers during my stay in Florida this winter.

Sherri Gallant

Winter can be bad for health: physiotherapists

To make walking in slippery conditions safer, Robertson recommends Nordic walking poles, which she said have the added benefit of making you look like an athlete and can be fitted with rubber tips for better grip.

"They're a fantastic idea, increasing your base of support," she said. "They take some load off your joints and they do increase your balance."

Jill Robertson, a Lower Sackville, N.S., physiotherapist from an article appearing in the Fredericton Daily Gleaner January 28th 2009.

The American Nordic Walking System

Bill's post about Nordic Walking is packed with proven facts and includes some of the many benefits of walking with Nordic Walking Poles.

True Nordic Walking really does burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking. Because ALL ages and ALL fitness levels can benefit from using Nordic Walking Poles we developed the American Nordic Walking System - because not everybody needs to be locked into a mandatory full arm extension and intense push-off.

The American Nordic Walking System developed three basic levels. All levels radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back.Level 1 burns 20% more calories than regular walking and makes walking doable again for individuals with balance issues, shins splints, knee, hip and back issues.

Level 1 Nordic Walking is similar to regular hiking. And because a full arm extension is not required or is putting extreme pressure into straps, individuals with arthritis, scoleosis, carpal tunnel, rotor cuff and other issues can successfully walk at Level 1. Even individuals with MS, Parkinson’s and Neuropathy find the 4-Wheel-Drive action of Level 1 Nordic Walking much more comfortable and effective than walking with a cane or walker.

Level 2 burns up to 30% more calories than regular walking and includes a full arm extension. This full arm extension automatically increases stride length and tempo – all at the same time re-enforcing improved walking posture (shoulders back and hips forward). When switching from Level 1 (casual Nordic Walking) to Level 2 it is like shifting gears in a car.Level 3 is true Nordic Walking and burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking. Most Americans find Level 3 a little intense, but it really does most simulate cross country skiing.

Level 3 includes the full arm extension, a firm pole plant and pressure into the cradle of the Nordic Walking straps (through the heel of the hand). As with Levels 1 and 2, Level 3 re-enforces good posture when done correctly.Effectively performing these three basic levels of Nordic Walking requires the perfect length Nordic Walking poles and poles that are equipped with real Nordic Walking straps. My favorite straps are patented by the Salomon Ski Company. There are many cheap imitation straps out on the market and many cheap twist-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. One-piece poles have proven to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking poles.For more info about the American Nordic Walking System contact: WWW.SKIWALKING.COM - all 14 lengths in-stock and ready to ship. Free Nordic Walking DVD included.

Pete

Walking for fitness more effective with Nordic Walking poles

Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada

Miramichi Leader
Walking for fitness more effective with poles
Published Monday January 12th, 2009
Scott Campbell of Incline Sports

GUEST COLUMN — We all know how important it is to stay mobile and active. If you look outside, you will notice that walking is a popular way to get some exercise. It is, however, difficult to reap large fitness rewards by walking. Today I want to talk about other walking activities that can easily boost your results and help you reach your goal.
What is nordic walking? It is walking with poles. Poles designed for nordic walking are best and the length is also key. The nordic walking technique will give you similar benefits to cross country skiing. There can be an increase in oxygen consumption and caloric expenditure of up to 40 per cent.
Regular walking only uses the legs, while the arms are used for balance. Vigorous arm action will help increase walking speed and drive your legs. Using Nordic Walking poles, you add resistance to the arm action. This engages the core, chest, back and arm muscles.
Many people suffer from back, hip, knee and ankle pain due to too much weight on the joints, loading misaligned joints, lack of spinal stability, and injury, etc. Hard paved surfaces contribute to impact-related injuries. The nordic walking poles simulate two extra legs, giving the body a beneficial weight distribution. This results in less stress on the joints.
Nordic walking increases muscular endurance in the upper body, which seems to have a positive effect on muscles involved in daily work tasks.
Nordic Walking requires torso rotation with each step. This increases the flexibility of the muscles in the thoracic area. A number of posterior and anterior upper body muscles originate on the thoracic spine and ribcage. These muscles increase in mobility as a result of the torso rotation.
Hikers and trekkers who walk on rough terrain and carry large loads have long used poles for added stability. Any individual who has a problem with balance can receive great benefits from the stability provided by the nordic walking poles. The poles can be beneficial to pregnant women as they experience a changing center of gravity. It is like walking with two extra legs.
People have given up running when they have learned that they can achieve the same heart rate from nordic walking as they can with running. This is due to the increase in muscle usage. The upper body is working in nordic walking. This causes a greater demand for oxygenated blood. As the walker becomes more conditioned, he can use more challenging terrain to reach a higher intensity workout.
Many nordic walkers say they have more fun nordic walking than regular walking because it gives them more variety and definitely more exercise!

Cross Country Ski Club uses Nordic Walking to Train in the Off Season

January 2009

Charlo New Brunswick based Cross Country Ski Club uses NW poles to train in the off seasons.

By Chastity Degroot

I am a cross country skier (at one time top 10 in Canada racer) and a physiotherapist. I like nordic pole walking because I can either go slow and enjoy nature or do "ski striding or bounding" with them and get to my max heart rate.

As part of cross country ski racing training we use Nordic Walking poles during dry land training in off-season. I have been part of our ski club's executive as director for 4 seasons with the goal of recruiting members. I started a nordic pole walking program 4 years ago.

This program is intended for all community members of varying ages and physical abilities. We go every Sunday Sept until snow on our ski trails. We divide into 2 groups based on ability and goals. We teach 3 different types of nordic pole walking. We have gone into hospitals during wellness week and taught 12 physios to teach the sport and taught to approx 120 people in one day.

On Sundays during our first year we got anywhere from 4 on rainy days to 50 participants on sunny days. This past year our max group size was 25. I have noticed a trend...people seem to come to learn how and then some do it on their own time after that. We always have a core group that continues to come over the past 4 years. We do one mountain/trail hike that is new to the group each year. My goal is to increase the level of physical activity among our community members thereby increasing it's health.

I didn't realize we had NPW racing in Atlantic Canada.

If you go the our ski club website, you will see a lot of info on NPW www.charloaventuriers.ca

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Nordic Walking a review of 2008

There are so many people to thank that I'll just refer to the event name so I don't miss anybody.

First I want to thank Run New Brunswick for their support by promoting Nordic Walking to race directors. Great job.

Jan 2008 was the start of the training season for the writer. I helped a friend of mine coach a group from the Moncton Running Room get ready for a Spring half marathon. It was a terrible winter to train because of all the snow. Everyone who completed the clinic went onto finish their event. A real neet thing about these clinics is that you meet such wonderful people and share some great stories.

The Grand Digue NB 15K in April was my first event of the season. Was I ever impressed with this one. The course was great and it seems that everyone from the community comes out to support it. The food was out of this world.

The Bluenose 1/2 marathon in Halifax was next up. Again my hats off to the organizers. VERY GOOD JOB

Johnny Miles 1/2 marathon in New Glasgow NS is my all time favorite. So much community spirit and organized so well. The fact that they recognized our military was a real class act.

Saint John NB is the biggest Nordic Walking event in Atlantic Canada if not the whole country. I did the 1/2 marathon with over 40 other NW. and it's growing all the time. A lot of the credit goes to Yennah Hurley and Daryl Steeves. I've had a PB on this course. Mark this as a MUST DO IN 2009.

This was my second year for the 1/2 marathon in Portland Maine. The event was well organized and the course is beautiful.

The PEI 1/2 marathon and 10k for the first time had Nordic Walking categories. I did the 1/2 and loved every minute of it. Put this one on your list.

Moncton's 1/2 marathon " Legs for Literacy" finished off the season for me. I had the privilege of helping out with a clinic from the City hospital. Great time Great people it doesn't get much better.