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Courses at a Glance
Live Certification Courses
Meet Our Master Trainers


Toronto, ON
Master Trainer: Barb Gormley
June 10, 2012 (9am – 1pm)


Mississauga, ON
Master Trainer: Barb Gormley
Fall 2012 – TBA


Calgary, AB
Master Trainer: Carrie Erickson
Sat May 26, 2012 (9:30 – 1pm)


Edmonton, AB
Master Trainer: Kimberly Willison
Sat June 2, 2012 (9am – 1pm)


Kingston, ON
Master Trainer: Kari Galasso
Fall 2012 – TBA


Sudbury, ON
Master Trainer: Louise Hickey
May 26, 2012 (12 – 4:30pm)
June 23, 2012 (12 – 4:30pm)


Ottawa, ON
Master Trainer: Wendi Paterson
May 26, 2012 (1-4:30pm)
June 20, 2012 (6-9:30pm)


Stratford/London, ON
Master Trainer: Sarah Merkel
Fall 2012 – TBA

London, ON
Master Trainer: Barb Gormley
Fall 2012 – TBA

Thunder Bay, ON
Master Trainer: Nancy Angus & Nancy Engstrom
Jun 2, 2012 (9am – 1:00pm)


Saskatoon, SK
Master Trainer: Kimberly Willison
Sat, Jun 16, 2012 (9am – 1pm)


Regina, SK
Master Trainer: Kimberly Willison
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 (9am – 1pm)


Winnipeg, MB
Master Trainer: Sharon Couldwell
Fall 2012 – TBA


North Vancouver, BC
Master Trainer: Donna Hutchinson
Fall 2012 – TBA

New Brunswick
Master Trainer: Barb Gormley
Fall 2012 – TBA


Note: Cost of training may vary by region. 1 pair of Urban Poling poles included (instructor certification only)
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LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATION
Master Trainer: Barb Gormley
Toronto, ON – Sept 23, 2012
New Brunswick – TBA 


NEW Audiocourse & Resources
Secrets of SuccessHow to Design and Market Your Urban Poling Program

How to design, market and lead money-making urban poling programs 1.25 hour audio-download, transcript & materials available

Master Trainer Barb Gormley

Welcome!

You probably already know that Urban Poling (also known as Nordic walking) is a fun, low-impact activity that works 90% of your muscles and burns 20 – 46% more calories than regular walking.

But did you know that Urban Poling is one of Canada’s fastest-growing fitness activities?

Everywhere you look, folks are taking their poles on walks, runs, snowshoe excursions and hikes into the woods or mountains.

Because of this rapid increase in awareness and interest, Urban Poling Inc. is now looking for more dedicated instructors to teach this fun activity right across Canada!

Would You Make A Good Urban Poling Instructor?

If you’re passionate about health and wellness, love the outdoors and enjoy teaching people new skills, then this is a perfect opportunity for you!

Becoming a Certified Urban Poling Instructor is ideal for:

check group exercise instructors check kinesiologists
check personal trainers check aspiring business owners
check teachers check walking/hiking enthusiasts
check chiropractors check  health care professionals
check recreational therapists check workplace wellness coordinators
check parks and recreation employees check activity coordinators

 

Urban Poling has been recognized by numerous Canadian health & fitness institutions as the leader of quality Nordic walking poles and instruction in Canada.

We offer an outstanding national instructor certification courses and a national network of Urban Poling instructors.  Our certification course is approved for CECs by 10 fitness and health associations across Canada.

Join our 1,500+ certified Urban Poling instructors worldwide!  The course is available live in Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta and New Brunswick.  It is also available as an online webinar program for people outside of those areas.   For rehabilitation professionals & care centre recreation staff, please check out the Urban Poling Course for Rehab & Wellness Professionals.

Urban Poling Instructor Certification, Level 1

What You’ll Learn

The process for learning Urban Poling/Nordic walking is not complicated.

In order to develop confidence and leadership you simply need to learn the bio-mechanics, clinical research and program development in order to achieve maximum community-based teaching benefits.

Our unique and comprehensive instructor certification courses give you all the materials, tools and support you need to quickly and effectively start your own Urban Poling programs in your local community.

Completing our Instructor course will qualify you to instruct others in all aspects of Urban Poling/Nordic Walking.

This course teaches the Rutlin technique developed 22 years ago by Tom Rutlin, the original pioneer of Nordic walking in North America.

The technique has been extensively researched and is highly effective in strengthening the core muscles and upper body.

Course Syllabus

  1. Introduction
  2. Research review (over 60 studies)
  3. Design features of the poles & adjustment
  4. Instructional techniques
  5. Assessment, precautions
  6. Troubleshooting common technique errors
  7. Sitting and standing exercises
  8. Structuring a 6-week program
  9. Individual evaluation
  10. Quiz and practicum section

By the end of the certification program, you’ll not only feel comfortable walking with your own poles in all outdoor environments, but you’ll also be able to instruct and correct others in the best technique for safe and effective results.

Plus, you’ll receive the following Continuing Education Credits (CECs):

  • canfitpro (2 for course + 4 for practicum *)
  • CCAA, OFA (4)
  • BCRPA (4)
  • SPRA (4)
  • MFC (3)
  • AFLCA (3)
  • OKA (4)

(CESP & YMCA/YWCA upon request.)

Augment or Start Your Own Business!

If you currently own your own business, or have ever dreamed of starting one, becoming an Urban Poling Certified Instructor could be the perfect opportunity!

As a Certified Instructor, in addition to receiving the training you need to teach others, you’ll also receive:

  • Access to the Urban Poling Certified Instructor private website ~ Here you can connect with other Urban Poling instructors to share ideas, best practices and other information while giving and receiving support to your fellow instructors.
  • Discounted Pricing On Urban Poles ~ As an instructor, you can add an instant revenue stream to your business. Buy Urban Poles and accessories from us at a discount and sell them at retail price to all your students. Ask us how to maximize your profits.
  • Marketing Support ~ We don’t expect you to do this all on your own! We provide downloadable access to posters, press releases and other marketing materials to help you attract new clients and start making money right away.
  • Technical Support ~ Ongoing support via phone or email.
  • Media and Advertising Support ~ Take advantage of our national advertising and media awareness efforts and advertise your classes at no charge on urbanpoling.com. We will also help you promote your program to your local media.

The 4.5 hour Urban Poling Course prepares you to instruct Nordic Walking according to our unique and proven methods, maximizing safety and health benefits for your students.

Our objective is to provide you with a high standard of knowledge and the tools, support and access to equipment to launch your own program in your community.

Here’s what our past graduates had to say:

“The course instructor’s energy was fantastic. She presented the material in a timely manner without losing our attention or our ability to understand! I can’t wait to get our members poling…they will love this workout.”

- Kim, GoodLife Fitness, Kitchener

“Thank you so much for coming such a long way to teach us Nordic walking. I enjoyed it so much. The energy and the muscles that you use are incredible. What a workout!”
- Ann, Ottawa

“Thanks for running such a great certification course on Saturday. I came away totally pumped. The more I walk the more excited I get!”
- Carole, Barrie

“My fitness business has exploded since taking this course.  I have 12 classes running per week for urban poling and over 100 people registered for my combined urban poling with snowshoeing/hiking this winter!”
- Wendy, Ottawa

Here’s What’s Included:

  • Certification Course (Live or Online)  and 50+ page manual
  • One pair of Urban Poling walking poles
  • Secrets to Success: How to Design & Market Your Urban Poling Program eCourse
  • Access to Urban Poling certified instructor private website + marketing tools
  • Discounted pricing on all Urban Poling products
  • Professional credits – canfitpro (2 for course + 4 for practicum), CCAA, OFA (4), BCRPA (4),  SPRA (4), MFC (3), AFLCA (3) and  OKA (4).  CESP & YMCA/YWCA upon request.

Supporting Community Programs: Are you inquiring from a community/recreational centre, municipality, workplace wellness program, rehab clinic, First Nation group, hospital, fitness club or  your own fitness business? Are you Ready to Get Started with Urban Poling classes/clinics. See our special programs below and order Urban poles at wholesale prices for your centre!

Click here for more information

Two Certification Options to Suit Your Needs

Live Certification Courses – Currently offered in several cities across Canada, the live certification course length is 3 to 4.5 hours (depending on group size) and is led by an Urban Poling Master Trainer.

Live Urban Poling Training

During the live certification program you will get “hands on” with the poles, learning directly from a working Instructor.

This is a powerful way to learn and get real-time examples of how to offer “teaching points” throughout your classes.

Find a Live Certification Class Near You!

Not able to attend a live program due to location or timing issues?  No problem!

Online Certification Course – You can get instant access to our online certification program and take the course at your own pace, and at whatever time of the day (or night) works for your schedule!

Best of all, because of the digital nature of the online program, we’re able to include a free pair of Urban Poles with your certification program.

Use them yourself or sell them to your first client at the retail price of $99.99!

With the online training you get:

  • Urban Poling / Nordic Walking Online Training60 minutes of professional video teaching
  • The same professional CEC credits mentioned above
  • 50-page training manual
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Private website for instructors only
  • Wholesale pricing on pole orders

You get all this for the low, one-time investment of $229.99!

Enroll now

COURSE PREVIEW VIDEO – Introductory Module

Explanation of CanFitPro CECs

  • Urban Poling Nordic Walking Instructor Certification Level 1 – 2 PTS, FIS, NWS, OAS, PFS
  • Urban Poling Nordic Walking Instructor Certification Level 1 – Online – 1 PTS, FIS, NED, OAS PFS
  • Urban Poling Nordic Walking Instructor Certification – Practicum – 4 PTS, FIS, NED, OAS PFS