Rave Reviews for Urban Poling!

“I loved, loved, loved the instruction we received from Barb Gormley. She ‘rocked the party that rocked the party!’
Friendly, fun, informative and dedicated to the sport of Urban poling. Oh happy day was all I thought as we ended the day (and as a Lupus Lady, my body was killing me from the walk – I still loved it though!!!).”

Jaye Kuntz, program facilitator – Waterloo, Ont.

“This healthy outdoor activity allows participants to burn more calories than regular walking without adding the extra stress on the body that may result from running.”

Libby Norris, fitness expert – Toronto
Canada AM, CEO of Inspired Energy, Reebok master trainer

“Urban poling delivers great results for burning more calories and toning your body. People of all ages and fitness levels benefit from this fun and social form of exercise. If you haven’t tried it yet, you absolutely should!”

Maureen Hagan, VP GoodLife Fitness Clubs – London, Ont.
IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year, physiotherapist

“I include Urban poling in my high school phys. ed. program as a fun and easier alternative to running. The kids commented they were lucky to have a phys. ed teacher who introduced them to new activities!”

Justine Gadouchis, secondary school teacher – Toronto

“I had been a certified fitness instructor for 10 years when, little by little, the active lifestyle I loved came to a standstill due to osteoarthritis. Then I discovered Urban poling. And to my amazement, I could walk for longer periods of time and with significantly less discomfort using the poles. This activity is fun and easy to learn, and I purchased the fitness poles on the spot. I started out with short walks, increasing my time and distance almost every weekend. I noticed a change in my posture and in the strength of my core muscles as well as the muscles of my arms and legs as I became more adapted to using the poles. In June 2009, I poled my way through a 10K fundraiser.”

Fran Betts, community relations coordinator – Sarnia, Ont.
VON SMART Exercise Programs

“Teaching Urban poling on various surfaces – asphalt, concrete, trails, sand and turf – has been enlightening and a great experience. I have lost weight and gained energy. It’s now beginning to feel unnatural not to have the poles in my hands when walking!”

Bev Burnham, Pilates instructor – Parry Sound, Ont.

“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

“We’ve never started a craze before, but that’s exactly what’s happening now. People stop me in the street to tell me how much they love Urban poling,”

Cheryl Phillips, wellness supervisor – Huron County, Ont.

“Urban poling can be almost addictive. This fitness activity is an intense workout that improves cardio and muscle strength.”

Rodger Knight, fitness instructor – Brampton Ont.

“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.”

Karen Gram, journalist – The Vancouver Sun

“At age 51, I had to accept the fact that I had Parkinson’s. Rigidity on my right side and balance issues forced me to give up running, a sport that I dearly enjoyed. I had tried to keep running, but after falling a few times it was no longer safe. A couple friends invited me to attend a Nordic walking demonstration and I reluctantly went.

One marathon and four half-marathons later I am truly grateful for this new sport. Nordic walking helps me with my balance and gives me a safe feeling from falling. But most important is the sense of freedom I experience. Over the last year I’ve added music to my training walks and that has helped greatly with my stride. I believe Urban poling has the best designed poles on the market.


In my running days, there was a great feeling I use to experience when I crossed the finish line. Thanks to Nordic walking, I’ve experience that feeling again.

I would encourage anyone with Parkinson’s or any other chronic illness to consult with their doctor to see if they could try Nordic Walking. If anyone with Parkinson’s or other illness would like to touch base with me, please give them my email address.”

Bill Trewin, marathoner – Moncton, NB

“We are overwhelmed with the response! The people who come out are from all walks of life: high tech geeks, girls hockey teams, young moms, grandmothers and ex-runners looking for a new, fun and safe challenge.”

Wendi Paterson, personal trainer – Ottawa
Nordic WalkFit

“I am getting fit with Urban poling, and I’m losing inches like crazy!”

Letty Kurucz, class participant – Toronto

“Nordic Walking is now truly on the move within the Sun Run InTraining Leadership Community, with Urban Poling Inc. as the official training centre. 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!”

Lynn Kanuka Olympic, Olympic bronze medalist and SportmedBC walk/run coach – Vancouver
SportMedBC and co-founder of Every WOMEN Events

“I have used lots of different Nordic walking poles on the market. I can honestly say there is no comparison to the Urban Poling brand poles in terms of performance, quality and safety.”

Leah Stasiuk, YMCA program manager – Vancouver