“If I’m going for a walk, I’d much rather take the poles because I’m burning more calories and I’m using all my back muscles and my core rather than just from the hips down. …So every step I take is like doing a mini-crunch for the abs. It really adds up.” – Adapted from http://urbanpoling.com

Want to try a fun, no-sweat way to get in shape during your workday? Are you interested in burning up to 46% more calories than walking alone?
Come join us on Wednesday, April 1 at the VGH Commuter Centre for a free Urban Poling demonstration at our next Weekly Walk. Twenty participants will be led by a certified Occupational Therapist to explain the benefits and walk with us to make sure we do it right!

Join us

When: Wednesday, April 1

12:10 p.m.: 20 registrants get acquainted with loaner poles

12:15 p.m.: 30 minute walk around our neighbourhood

Where: VGH Commuter Centre (JPP 1st floor –‐ behind Info Desk);

Nine reasons to love urban poling

1. It whittles your waist—Your abs tighten each time you push off with your poles. That’s the equivalent of 1,000 abdominal crunches every kilometre.
2. Your knees and hips will thank you—The poles let you offload weight from your hips and knees into your upper body. You can walk further, faster and pain-free.
3. It revs up the calorie burning—Research proves that urban poling burns up to 46 per cent more calories than standard walking.
4. It sculpts your arms and shoulders—Urban poling uses 90 per cent of your muscles—especially those underused upper body muscles. Short sleeves anyone??
5. It helps balance your blood sugar—The full-body urban poling workout helps keep blood sugars in a healthy range.
6. You’ll straighten up and feel more confident—Your upper back muscles (the ones that pull your shoulders back) tighten each time you plant your poles and press down on the ergonomic handles.
7. It’s an amazing stress buster—The smooth rhythmic action provides a distraction from everyday concerns and lifts your mood.
8. You can adjust the intensity—Urban poling is an energizing activity that can be enjoyed by people of any age and athletic ability. Just press on the ergonomic handles with more or less intensity to modify your pace.
9. It’s a great running alternative—Hit the trails or your neighbourhood sidewalks on your own or with a gang of friends. Urban poling offers the same year-round fresh-air experience as running—but without jarring and jostling your joints.

Register

Limited to the first 20 participants: To register, please email arthur.orsini@vch.ca