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YORKTON - Urban Poling or better know as Nordic Walking has been gaining popularity as the best total body workout for most individuals with goals of maintaining good body function and weight management.  

Walking with poles reduces the impact on knees, hips, and ankle joints by off setting the weight to the poles through the hands. This also reduces the impact on the lower back while walking.  

Walking is often recommended to those recovering from hip and knee surgeries and is especially required for those facing back surgeries or rehabilitating their backs.  

Walking with poles not only aids in balance issues but also increases confidence in the comfort of taking a walk when these issues have been corrected.  

The Certified Urban Poling Instructors Anne Stupak and Karen Ransome are once again offering Urban Pole Walking Clinics at the Flexihall in the Gallagher Centre, starting Oct .5.  

Stupak and Ransome will give the opportunity for interested individuals the chance to give walking poles a try.  

“We offer two different types of poles and depending on the need of the individual we will recommend either the Activator Poles or the Series 300 Poles,” said Stupak. “Each type offers a different benefit to the walker and by having the chance to use both types, the walker can then decide which pole gives them the stability, balance, and confidence to regain their desire to walk for health and fitness.” 

Poling Clinics began in May 2022, as a result of the spring clinics walkers are now seen pole walking in the city and along the many walking paths within the city.  

The Urban Poling club meets regularly Tuesday and Friday mornings at the Botanical Garden Gate to walk the newly paved path on Logan Green.  

Urban Poling Clinics were also held at the Ebenezer Community Center where several of the town’s residents participated in the clinics.  

“The town wanted to get people out doing things within the community and we felt that hosting this type of fitness incentive would create interest among the ladies of the town,” said Stupak. “The ‘Old School’ gym and long hallway work well during inclement weather and provides the opportunity for the ladies to gather after pole walking.  

“It’s a win-win for the community for both the social aspect and the fitness benefit.” 

Clinics were also held at Madge Lake Recreation Hall during August, with both cabin owners and visitors taking in the clinics.  

“The trail system in and around the lake makes the ideal location for feeling the benefits poles give on uneven and hilly terrain, providing both stability and balance as well assisting in ascending and descending hills,” said Stupak. “The poles come with removable rubber tip boots that are used on all types of flooring or asphalt. The boots can be removed to reveal a carbide tip that is used in rough terrain like grass and sand.” 

Why Urban Poling? What Benefits?  

Just to name a few points of what a pole walker can expect, walking with poles uses up to 90 per cent of your muscles while walking without poles uses only 50 per cent. 

By working your upper body with poles, the arms, shoulders, upper chest, back, neck and core are engaged. Burning more calories and increasing your heart and cardiovascular rate by 20 per cent.  

It improves posture, poles naturally align your spine and strengthens your core which helps you to stand and sit taller. The poles help distribute weight and lessen the load with which we hit the ground, making a big difference for those with back, hip, knee, ankle, and feet problems.  

Walking with poles is effective, 30 minutes of pole walking equals 50 minutes of regular walking making it a perfect fit for busy lifestyles.  

“Many people know that walking is the most common recommendation made by dietitians and medical professionals,” said Stupak. “Walking for heart health, walking for post-surgical recovery, walking for weight management and mental wellness. Walking with poles simply adds the benefit of a full body workout in less time then walking regularly.  

“Many of the older clinic participants were experiencing balance issues, weakness while walking, or just not fully trusting the replacement joint. Many had arthritis and over all body pain preventing them from enjoying an active lifestyle.  

“After trying the poles, many felt an increase in stability and balance. The poles aided in better posture as well. Those needing joint replacements felt less pressure in the joint after several minutes of walking with poles.” 

The Urban Poling Instructors Stupak and Ransome would like to offer Urban Poling Clinics to other communities and groups in this area. 

“Walking with poles is not for just the elderly, many countries use poles with their cross-country athletes for off snow training,” said Stupak. 

“Some use poles to increase their stride and forward motion to quicken the speed in which they walk. No matter the reason for using poles, getting first-hand experience by trying each type can really bring home the benefits of urban poles.” 

Clinics begin Oct. 5, and run throughout the winter on the first Wednesday of the month.  

For more information on urban poling and the clinic calendar contact Anne Stupak at 306-621-8926 or email [email protected]  

The Urban Poling Clinics will be held the first Wednesday of the month, with class size limited to 10 participants. You can register through the City of Yorkton, 306-786-1740 or at [email protected] The clinic fee is $15.00 per person.