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| Meet Our Master Trainers
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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:
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group exercise instructors | ![]() |
kinesiologists |
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personal trainers | ![]() |
aspiring business owners |
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teachers | ![]() |
walking/hiking enthusiasts |
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chiropractors | ![]() |
health care professionals |
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recreational therapists | ![]() |
workplace wellness coordinators |
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parks and recreation employees | ![]() |
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
- Introduction
- Research review (over 60 studies)
- Design features of the poles & adjustment
- Instructional techniques
- Assessment, precautions
- Troubleshooting common technique errors
- Sitting and standing exercises
- Structuring a 6-week program
- Individual evaluation
- 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:
- Kim, GoodLife Fitness, Kitchener
- Ann, Ottawa
- Carole, Barrie
- 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.

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:
60 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!
COURSE PREVIEW VIDEO – Introductory Module
- 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


