Urban Poling: An 'amped up way of using all your muscles'

Morning North6:42Wellness Column - urban poling

In this week's Wellness Column... the benefits to your mind and body from urban poling. The CBC's Jan Lakes spoke with urban poling instructor France Durocher as she was teaching a few new polers what to do.Despite initial appearances, that happy group striding about town with poles aren't skiing out of season.

They are 'urban polers,' part of a growing trend of exercise enthusiasts who combine the pleasure of the outdoors with the benefits of a good cardiovascular workout.

Poling is thought to have started in Scandinavia and has worked its way to urban centres in North America. It appeals to those who enjoy cross-country skiing, but don't necessarily like the wear and tear on the knees and wrists. Or the cold.

An amped-up way of using all muscleswhile working

Sudbury YMCA instructor France Durocher describes urban poling as "an amped-up way of using all your muscles while working."

"Because we are propelling [with poles,] we walk faster, our cardio gets increased, our breathing is better, our posture is better," said Durocher.

The improvement Durochernotices most in polers is the development of theircore strength and stability.

"As we get older, we go to our tippy toes when we walk," Durocher said, "the core engagement becomes very much important, and [with urban poling] our thighs, our glutes, the biggest muscles get involved."

The overall effect improves posture and balance by strengthening the back and core.

A fast-growing exercise

Durocher brought her poling program to the Sudbury YMCA in March and has seen the activity grow in just a short time.

"Poling is popular in Scandinavia, Vancouver, and some of Canada's bigger cities," Durocher said, "it's got such a social aspect, it's becoming bigger and better."

Durocher credits Rainbow Routes for introducing her to Sudbury's natural beauty, and motivating her to spend more time in the outdoors. Finding other outdoor enthusiasts was not difficult for her.

The social aspect of the exercise makes it easy to attract polers, as well.

"Smiles, that is the rule," Durocher said, "[we want] our smile to be that much brighter. So people think 'I should be doing that.'"