Nordic Walkers To Make Big Impact – Vancouver Sun Run 2010
February 3, 2010
Press Release - VANCOUVER SUN RUN
A UNIQUE FITNESS TREND GAINING MOMENTUM LIKE A STEAM ENGINE.
Nordic walkers aim to make a big impact at 2010 Sun Run
YOUR COMMUNITY STORY
Move over Sun Run runners and walkers. You’ll need to make room for a throng of Nordic walkers this year!
SportMedBC in partnership with Urban Poling Inc. has seen a rapid expansion in this year’s Sun Run Nordic Walking InTraining clinics as popularity for this unique fitness trend grows rapidly across British Columbia. Growth from 3 clinics in 2007 to 25 Sun Run InTraining clinics offering Nordic Walking in 2010, reflect how this low intensity, high aerobic workout is appealing to spirited walkers and elite runners.
Nordic Walking is now truly on the move within the Sun Run InTraining Leadership Community, … I’ve known it was only a matter of time before it would be like an incredible steam engine that would gain momentum and never stop… for walkers and runners alike! – says Lynn Kanuka, Olympic bronze medalist runner and SportMedBC’s RunWalk Coach.
“We have seen an overwhelming response to Nordic Walking in our Sun Run InTraining program this year … The Sun Run was the first 10 kilometre event in Canada to accept participants with poles and now our InTraining programs offering Nordic Walking are expanding beyond our expectations”.
- says Lynda Cannell, President & CEO of SportMedBC
“The initial success of Nordic Walking stems from it’s accessibility; with guidance and proper training, everyone can get inspired and achieve great results.”
- says Mandy Shintani, occupational therapist & Director of Urban Poling Inc.
How Nordic Walking became a growing trend for the 2010 Sun Run InTraining Clinics
By opening your mind to different training modes like Nordic walking, you can keep your training fresh and enjoyable. – This is cross training at its best!
“As a personal trainer and marathoner, I’ve personally seen how the use of poles achieves excellent strength building and toning results without the heavy joint wear and tear,” says Leah Stasiuk, local Vancouver fitness trainer
“Nordic walking involves more muscles than regular walking, it burns substantially more calories.” And that’s good news for people who are interested in full body workout that results in weight loss” says Mandy Shintani, an occupational therapist and one of the leading Canadian experts on the health benefits of Urban Poling/Nordic Walking.
“The spark is alive and well at the Guildford Community centre in Surrey. – says Barrie Mills, Sun Run InTraining Clinic Coordinator.
Local Company Joins Forces with SportMedBC and its Sun Run InTraining Program
Started in Vancouver……
Urban Poling Inc. co-founders, Mandy Shintani and Graham Watts are thrilled to be the training centre for SportMedBC’s Sun Run InTraining program leading up to the 2010 Vancouver Sun Run. Mandy Shintani, is an occupational therapist in British Columbia who asserts that her company is dedicated to developing a state of the art Nordic walking training programs that she hopes will serve as an example to the rest of the country on how to use NW as a method for training and completing 10 kilometre and half marathon events.
RECENT MEDIA ON URBAN POLING INC.
“It’s fun and easy to learn and it’s a growing fitness trend that promises to improve posture, while giving you a workout“ – Dr. Rhonda Low, CTV NEWS Vancouver, Sept. 14, 2009.
“Nordic walking is a happy medium between walking and knee-grinding running” – Says Sheila Brady- Ottawa Citizen, May 22, 2008.
“Unlike that old universal gym languishing in the basement, nordic walking poles are an inexpensive and effective way to get the body moving and continuously improving” - Says Karen Gram – Vancouver Sun June 09, 2008
Rodger Knight says urban poling can become “almost addictive.” “Urban poling an intense workout improves cardio, muscle strength” – Says Kate Robertson – Toronto Star, Sept. 18, 2007.
ABOUT SPORTMEDBC
SportMedBC, a professional not-for-profit society comprised of sport medical and paramedical practitioners in British Columbia, promotes leadership, public awareness and education in the areas of sport medicine, sport science and sport training. For most active Canadians, SportMedBC comes to life through its Sport Training programs, including the SportMed RunWalk curriculum through the SunRun InTraining clinics offered throughout the Lower Mainland in and around Vancouver.
SportMedBC’s Sun Run InTraining clinics start the week of Feb 6, 2010 and run for 13 weeks. There will be a total of 65 Sun Run InTraining clinics offered throughout the province with 25 of these clinics offering Nordic Walking options. All Sun Run InTraining clinics, including those offering Nordic Walking are listed on www.sportmedbc.com.The SportMedBC Intraining clinics start on Feb 6, 2010 and run for 13 weeks. All 25 clinics are listed on www.sportmedbc.com or by calling Tel: (604) 903-3886
ABOUT URBAN POLING INC.
Urban Poling Inc. is a Canadian company based in Vancouver. The co-owners are Mandy Shintani and Graham Watts. Mandy Shintani, an occupational therapist is considered one of the leading experts on the health and fitness benefits of Nordic walking in Canada. Urban Poling Inc. is manufacturer of the Urban Poling poles and also operates one of Canada’s largest certification centres. Urban Poling runs the only Nordic walking training centre in Canada that is recognized by these six fitness education organizations including:
- Can Fit Pro
- British Columbia Parks and Recreation
- Ontario Kinesiology Association
- Manitoba Fitness Council
- Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association
- Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association
Contact Information:
Lynda Cannell
SportMedBC President & CEO
Tel: (604) 903-3885
lyndac@sportmedbc.com
Lynn Kanuka
Bronze Olympian, SportMedBC’s RunWalk Coach &
Co-founder every WOMAN events
Cell: (778) 891-7870
lynnk@sportmedbc.co
Mandy Shintani
Founder and Director
Urban Poling Inc.
Tel. (604) 990.7711
www.urbanpoling.com
Website. www.urbanpoling.com
Urban Poling – Changing The Way We Walk
December 12, 2009
Urban Poling – Changing The Way We Walk
Did you see a mysterious ski-less cross-country skier on your way to work this morning?
Don’t be fooled, this person knew exactly what she was doing. Urban poling – also called Nordic Walking or Poling, is a hot fitness trend quickly spreading throughout Canada.
If you like walking, you’ll love the fun and health benefits of urban poling! Increasing numbers of people are enjoying this user-friendly sport that combines the aerobic and strength building benefits of cross-country skiing with the convenience of walking. It has been popular in Scandinavia for over 20 years (maybe this is the true secret why the Swedes look and feel so good!).
For years, health care professionals have stressed the benefits of walking for personal fitness and well-being. Urban poling takes walking to the next level. Poling with specially designed urban poles provides a surprisingly impressive workout, engaging as much as 90% of the body’s muscles while improving posture, balance, and stability.
By using more muscles, more calories are burned — the Cooper Institute claims using poles can increase calorie expenditure by as much as 46 percent over regular walking. Using poles can increase cardio output by up to 25 percent over regular walking, so it’s an excellent fitness program to increase cardio-vascular fitness.
The growing trend of urban poling can be seen across Canada and throughout the Kitchener / Waterloo area and its popularity is attributed to the incredible workout that it provides. Certified urban poling instructor, Helga Theissen who leads the Urban Poling Club for the City of Waterloo says. “You develop your own rhythm or groove and, as you become confident, you can work as hard as you would like to.” She says that people of all ages and fitness levels will benefit from this fun and social form of exercise.
Urban poling was introduced in Canada approximately four years ago by Vancouver-based occupational therapist, Mandy Shintani.
“The problem with just walking, even the athletic type of walking that I teach, is that even though you’re going extremely fast your upper body doesn’t get a workout,” Shintani says. “Your arms do virtually nothing. When you add the urban poles they give you this amazing upper body and core strengthening workout.
“What it means is when you finish your walk you don’t have to hit the weight room. You don’t have to get down and do ab crunches. You’ve got it all done in one nice package. With everyone so time crunched these days that’s really appealing.”
Many people ask well can I just use my ski poles and just start swinging them?
Like any sport, the true benefit to urban poling is based upon proper equipment and technique.
Shintani says “when we originally introduced the poles people would ask: ‘Why do I need specialized equipment?” The urban poles provide stability, minimize vibration and noise. If you’re an avid poler you get it why these things are important. It’s the same concept jogging — you wouldn’t do jogging in your dress shoes.”
The Urban Poles are effective due to the unique design of our poles – the patented ergonomic strapless handle and boot-like tip is what set us above other cross-country styled poles that have a hand strap. – says Shintani
Our ergonomic strapless handle on urban poles was carefully designed to most effectively exercise all the body’s major muscles and develop “core fitness” as you are poling! The grip and technique have a focus on core muscles strengthening described in detail in our instructional DVD.
Essentially, each time you swing your arm forward, you must plant your pole into the ground and as you walk through your stride you push off or ‘propel’ yourself forward. It is this motion that activates your core muscles. Consider this, if you walk one mile with the poles you will achieve 1800 abdominal muscles contractions.
Whether you are looking for motivation to get off the couch, a way to optimize your current walking routine or for an effective cross-training alternative to yoga or pilates – urban poling may be for you!
Key facts about urban poling:
- 28% increased cardio workout
- Burn up to 46% more calories compared to ‘regular’ walking
- Core muscle strengthening
- Reduces stress on hips, knees & ankles
- Provides stability & balance
- Improves posture
- Resistance training
Easy to learn and suitable for people of all ages & fitness levels!
Learn about our complete line of Nordic walking poles and Nordic walking accessories. Or find a retail store new you!
Did you see a mysterious ‘ski-less’ cross-country skier on your way to work this morning?
Don’t be fooled, this person knew exactly what she was doing. Urban poling – also called Nordic Walking or Poling, is a hot fitness trend quickly spreading throughout Canada. If you like walking, you’ll love the fun and health benefits of urban poling! Increasing numbers of people are enjoying this user-friendly sport that combines the aerobic and strength building benefits of cross-country skiing with the convenience of walking. It has been popular in Scandinavia for over 20 years (maybe this is the true secret why the Swedes look and feel so good!).
For years, health care professionals have stressed the benefits of walking for personal fitness and well-being. Urban poling takes walking to the next level. Poling with specially designed urban poles provides a surprisingly impressive workout, engaging as much as 90% of the body’s muscles while improving posture, balance, and stability.
By using more muscles, more calories are burned — the Cooper Institute claims using poles can increase calorie expenditure by as much as 46 percent over regular walking. Using poles can increase cardio output by up to 25 percent over regular walking, so it’s an excellent fitness program to increase cardio-vascular fitness.
The growing trend of urban poling can be seen across Canada and throughout the Kitchener / Waterloo area and its popularity is attributed to the incredible workout that it provides. Certified urban poling instructor, Helga Theissen who leads the Urban Poling Club for the City of Waterloo says. “You develop your own rhythm or groove and, as you become confident, you can work as hard as you would like to.” She says that people of all ages and fitness levels will benefit from this fun and social form of exercise.
Urban poling was introduced in Canada approximately four years ago by Vancouver-based occupational therapist, Mandy Shintani.
“The problem with just walking, even the athletic type of walking that I teach, is that even though you’re going extremely fast your upper body doesn’t get a workout,” Shintani says. “Your arms do virtually nothing. When you add the urban poles they give you this amazing upper body and core strengthening workout.
“What it means is when you finish your walk you don’t have to hit the weight room. You don’t have to get down and do ab crunches. You’ve got it all done in one nice package. With everyone so time crunched these days that’s really appealing.”
Many people ask well can I just use my ski poles and just start swinging them?
Like any sport, the true benefit to urban poling is based upon proper equipment and technique.
Shintani says “when we originally introduced the poles people would ask: ‘Why do I need specialized equipment?” The urban poles provide stability, minimize vibration and noise. If you’re an avid poler you get it why these things are important. It’s the same concept jogging — you wouldn’t do jogging in your dress shoes.”
The Urban Poles are effective due to the unique design of our poles – the patented ergonomic strapless handle and boot-like tip is what set us above other cross-country styled poles that have a hand strap. – says Shintani
Our ergonomic strapless handle on urban poles was carefully designed to most effectively exercise all the body’s major muscles and develop “core fitness” as you are poling! The grip and technique have a focus on core muscles strengthening described in detail in our instructional DVD.
Essentially, each time you swing your arm forward, you must plant your pole into the ground and as you walk through your stride you push off or ‘propel’ yourself forward. It is this motion that activates your core muscles. Consider this, if you walk one mile with the poles you will achieve 1800 abdominal muscles contractions.
Whether you are looking for motivation to get off the couch, a way to optimize your current walking routine or for an effective cross-training alternative to yoga or pilates – urban poling may be for you!
Key facts about urban poling:
- 28% increased cardio workout
- Burn up to 46% more calories compared to ‘regular’ walking
- Core muscle strengthening
- Reduces stress on hips, knees & ankles
- Provides stability & balance
- Improves posture
- Resistance training
Easy to learn and suitable for people of all ages & fitness levels!
For more information visit www.urbanpoling.com or call toll free 1 877 499 7999.
Welcome Letter from Mandy Shintani
December 1, 2009
Walk Your Way to Better Health, Fitness & Vitality in Just 30 Minutes Per Day… Guaranteed!
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Now, for as little as $0.27 per day, you can walk your way to better health, while getting a productive toning and strengthening workout… all WITHOUT spending long hours in the gym, installing expensive home gyms or buying into some crazy “fad” that is here today and gone tomorrow!
Dear Friend,
Congratulations on making the commitment to your health and well-being!
Welcome to UrbanPoling.com, your source for information and resources on one of North America’s fastest growing fitness trends – urban poling.
Urban poling, also known as “Nordic walking”, “fitness walking”, “walking with poles”, “power poles”, “pole walking” and “exerstriding” is a low-impact, full body workout that can be done literally anywhere you can find space to walk.
It’s Like Going Cross Country Skiing…
Without The Skis!
Here at Urban Poling, we’re as committed to your health and well-being as you are. In fact, this website was specifically designed with YOU in mind!
We’ve done the research on the benefits of pole walking, specifically using the “Rutlin Technique” developed by pole walking pioneer Tom Rutlin in 1988.
Review the pole walking research data.
We’ve provided you with the basic instructions to use the Rutlin Technique so that you can achieve similar benefits for yourself, including increased energy, reduced joint pain and more!
When combined with our unique strapless handle Urban Pole design, this simple technique will allow your arms to transfer the majority of the work to the large muscles of your upper body and core.
And to make ordering your Urban Poles as easy as possible, you can choose to review our complete product line and order online today – or locate a retailer near you.
Please browse the UrbanPoling.com site to learn more about the powerful benefits Nordic walking can offer for you and your family. If you have any questions about getting started that are not answered, please contact us and we’ll be more than happy to get you the answers you need.
Go Where The Poles Take You!
Sincerely,
Mandy Shintani
Nordic Walking Pole Comparison
November 10, 2009
What makes Urban Poles so different (and so much more effective) than other brands of nordic walking poles currently on the market today?
Good question!
Quality: A proudly Canadian company, we make our Urban poles to the highest quality standards. Urban Poling poles have several features to reduce vibration and noise that can result from walking on hard surfaces like sidewalks. They are built to last and retain their strength for years. Be aware of cheap, low-quality poles that rattle and collapse while walking. Our telescoping poles are built with a high-quality locking system and are easy to adjust to the different heights of your family members or class participants. The height can be adjusted for using your poles for other activities such as hiking, rollerblading and snowshoeing. Our Urban poles meet all of your needs!
Safety: Urban Poling poles are the only poles that offer ergonomic, strapless handles. Research confirms that the most injuries during Nordic walking are related to the strap.
Performance: Urban Poling’s equipment and walking technique deliver results. Our one-of-a-kind ergonomic handle design targets the body’s core muscles increasing upper body strength, weight loss and cardiovascular fitness.
The Benefits of Nordic Walking For Weight Loss
November 10, 2009
Are you ready to take control of your weight loss, once and for all? If so, you can now harness the power of Urban Poling (also known as Nordic Walking and “pole walking”) to burn up to 20% more calories than just walking alone!
Urban poling can be done any time of year and is defined as fitness walking with specially designed poles. In fact, the patented Urban Pole strapless design maximizes this benefit for all users, regardless of your current fitness level.
Nordic walking is a great activity for anyone who is just starting out on the road to better fitness and vitality as well as those who may have lower joint pains from surgery, arthritis, osteoperosis or any number of other causes.
Using the Rutlin Technique, Urban Polers have up to 1800 abdominal contractions per mile walked, while toning their upper body through pole resistance at the same time!
Imagine turning your existing walk into a powerful daily exercise that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and looking forward to your next poling adventure!
Featured Product
Introducing the Limited Edition 4LIFE Nordic walking poles!
Help us fight cancer! 5% from every pink pole sold will be donated to cancer research.
