Urban Poling – the “take anywhere” workout

Wondering how you’ll stay active and fit on vacation this summer? Just add poles!

Whether you’re discovering a bustling city, trekking through a national park, or hiking a coastal trail, exploring with a set of our poles in hand will extend your stamina and ensure you get a great workout along the way.

Urban poling, also known as Nordic walking, has been popular in Europe for decades, and is quickly gaining ground as a do-anywhere workout in North America. “It’s all about turning walking into a full-body workout,” says FITPRO Ambassador, Catherine Cameron, noting that it’s an ideal activity for people of all ages and fitness levels. Nordic walking works over 90% of the muscles in your body—think cross-country skiing without the snow.

Nordic walking offers innumerable health benefits that include:

• Heart health: Nordic walking provides a 25% increase in cardiovascular activity over regular walking. Your body has to work harder to pump blood and oxygen when using poles, and as a result, your heart and lungs get stronger and healthier.
• Burning more calories: With this full body workout, your muscle tone will increase, which will increase your resting metabolism. You can burn up to 46% more calories just by adding poles.
• Better posture: Take advantage of your vacation and the time away from your desk. Every mile you Nordic walk, your abdominal muscles contract approximately 1800 times, strengthening your core and promoting better posture.
• Increased walking speed: Nordic walking builds muscle and improves core strength and stability which can translate into a brisker pace. Click here for a terrific Nordic Walking program.
• Improve mood: Exercise enables your brain to produce more endorphins, enhancing your overall health and decreasing stress. Sport and exercise psychologist, J. Kip Matthews, Ph.D., explains, “The less active we become, the more challenged we are when dealing with stress.”
• Improve confidence: Those who exercise regularly typically report higher levels of self-esteem and confidence.

Challenge yourself and your traveling companions to workout with poles in as many destinations as possible – and be sure to share your pics with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!