In 2007, the City of Ottawa offered their first Urban Poling/ Nordic Walking National Instructor's Certification Course. They invited me along with several other instructor's to take part. The course was led by Urban Polings Director of Education - Barb Gormley. All the instructors were amazed at how great the workout was. I was so impressed that I began making plans to begin teaching the following spring. I named my little company Nordic WalkFit and in spring of 2008, Urban Poling/Nordic Walking classes debuted in Ottawa.

In winter of 2009, Nordic WalkFit also began teaching snowshoe classes. Snowshoeing had been increasing in popularity largely due to the new slimmer, lighter snowshoes. These classes also use the nordic walking/ urban poles to help aid with balance, speed, ascents and descents while snowshoeing.

Nordic WalkFit is dedicated to providing professional nordic walking/urban poling services. Private lessons, small group (2 people +)  and group classes are available.

Click here to see list of classes offered.

Lessons include:

      Certified Urban Poling Instructor,
      1 hour instructions on proper form and technique,
      Free use of Urban poles, 
      Poles also available for purchase,
      10% discount rate applies for any combo pole/ lesson purchases.

Please feel free to email or call for rates on these services.

Also available:

Classes venture out on walking paths and trails - through parks, forests and ponds in Ottawa, Kanata & Stittsville. The occasional walk also takes us into the beauty of the Gatineau Hills or the wintery splendor of Fitzroy Harbour.

Nordic walking, also called Urban Poling has grown in popularity. It has become  Canada's newest fitness craze - and for obvious reasons. It's fun, safe and easy to learn. It's suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, from the occasional walker who enjoys a walk in the outdoors, to the elite athlete performing cross training.

The aerobic and strength building benefits of nordic walking/urban poling are well documented. Participants receive a full body workout. During execution many major muscles are used ie chest, arms, back, shoulders, abdominals, legs and glutes.
Health benefits include, improved circulation, coordination, balance, agility, improved posture, and weight loss.
Did you know that nordic walking burns from 20% - 46% more calories than walking without poles!

Check out our detailed list of benefits.

People of all ages and fitness levels can benefit greatly from nordic walking. It is an activity that is rewarding on many levels. In addition to the wonderful health benefits, nordic walking also promotes a healthy social atmosphere and provides an opportunity to walk with friends and meet new ones - all this while walking in the great outdoors, hiking new trails/paths and getting fit. What could be better!

Isn't it exciting to know that something so simple can be so effective.