Instructor Log In »

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 occupational
therapists
check teachers check physiotherapists
check chiropractors check rehabilitation
assistants
check recreational
therapists
check workplace
wellness coordinators
check parks
and recreation employees
check activity
coordinators
check walking/hiking
enthusiasts
check aspiring
business owners

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.

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 58 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, so we’ll provide downloadable access to posters, press releases and other marketing materials to help you attract new client 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, getting your students the maximum safety and health benefits.

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:

  • Course (Live or Online)  and 50+ page manual
  • One pair of Urban Poling walking poles
  • Urban Poling Instructors shirt
  • 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  and are Ready to Get Started with urban poling classes/clinics, see our special programs below to order Urban poles at wholesale prices for your centre!

Click here for more information

Courses at a Glance
Live Certification Courses
Toronto, ON
Master Trainer: Barb Gormley
Feb 26, 2012
March 25, 2012
May 6, 2012
June 10, 2012
Sept 9, 2012
Oct, 14, 2012Tel: 416-461-4872
More Information


Gravenhurst, ON
Master Trainer: Barb Gormley
Apr 14, 2012 (12 – 4pm)

Tel: 416-461-4872
More Information


Hunstville, ON
Master Trainer: Barb Gormley
April 14, 2012 (9am – 1pm)

Tel: 416-461-4872
More Information


Sudbury,ON
Master Trainers: Nancy Angus & Nancy Engstrom
April 24, 2012 (12 – 4:30pm)
May 26, 2012 (12 – 4:30pm)
June 23, 2012 (12 – 4:30pm 

Tel: 705-521-0283
Email Louise
More Information


Ottawa
Master Trainer: Wendi Paterson
April 28, 2012 (1 – 4:30pm)
May 9, 2012 (6-9:30pm)
May 26, 2012 (1-4:30pm)
June 20, 2012 (6-9:30pm)
August 15, 2012 (6-9:30pm)
September 22, 2012 (1-4:30pm)
October 13, 2012 (1-4:30pm) 

Tel: 613-832-4407
More Information


London
Master Trainer:  Sarah Merkel
April 22, 2012 (1-5:15pm)
info@urbanpoling.com


Thunder Bay
Master Trainer: Louise Hickey
April 21, 2012
Email Nancy Angus
Email Nancy Engstrom


Saskatoon
Master Trainer: Kimberly Willison
Spring Date: TBA

Tel: 306-492-2550
info@urbanpoling.com


Winnipeg
Master Trainer: Sharon Couldwell
March 24, 2012 (1-6pm)
Register Online
Email Sharon


North Vancouver
Master Trainer:  Donna Hutchinson
April 22, 2012 (9am-1pm)
info@urbanpoling.com


New Brunwick
Master Trainer:  Barb Gormley
Spring Date: TBA
info@urbanpoling.com


Huntsville, ON
Master Trainer:  Barb Gormley
Spring Date: TBA
info@urbanpoling.com

Note:
Cost of training may vary by region
1 pair of Urban Poling poles included (instructor certification only)


NEW Audiocourse & Resources

Profiting from Urban Poling Course:

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

Trainer Barb Gormley
Tel: 416-461-4872
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 and an instructor shirt 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

Sample video – Online Intro