Nordic pole walking could help you quit smoking, says PEI Tobacco Reduction Alliance

A free program will train smokers and former smokers in Nordic pole walking to see if the fitness activity can play a role in helping people kick the habit.

"[We want] to see if a substitution activity such as Nordic pole walking does motivate a person to maybe not so much quit smoking but maybe consider some of the options that are available,"PEI Tobacco Reduction Alliance (PETRA) co-ordinator Tammy Gallanttold Mainstreet P.E.I. host Karen Mair.

As the name suggests, the sport uses poles that look like ski poles, but are specifically designed for walking.

If you can only go 10 feet one day, you go 10 feet, but you slowly increase on that and you can build up your stamina. It will help your breathing, hopefully. MaureenBlack, COPDcoordinator with Health PEI

"Nordic pole walking is definitely more effective than regular walking it incorporates about 90 per cent of your body muscles. Just with regular walking it's about 40 per cent of your muscles from your waist down," said Gallant.

Pole walking is also well-suited to those with chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, arthritis andChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

"You can go at your own pace that's the good thing about it," saidMaureenBlack, theCOPDcoordinator with Health PEI.

"If you can only go 10 feet one day, you go 10 feet, but you slowly increase on that and you can build up your stamina. It will help your breathing, hopefully."

• Can't see the video? Click here to see Tammy Gallant demonstrate Nordic pole walking.

The program is being put on by PETRA and is made free throughfunding it receives from the P.E.I. Department of Health and Wellness, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Gallant said it will be a "non-judgemental environment," but will connect people who want to quit smoking with cessation resources.

While the program will focus on smokers and former smokers, anyone can join.

If the program is a success, Gallant said, PETRA will look at expanding it to other communities in P.E.I.

The program runs eight weeks starting Jan. 8, 2016. It takes place every Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. atWestisle Composite High School in Elmsdale.

Mainstreet P.E.I. runs weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. on CBC Radio One.

Listen to the audio to hear the full interview with Tammy Gallant and Maureen Black.