Urban Poling In Sharbot Lake

Jul 11, 2013

As another way of promoting health and fitness in the community, staff at the Sharbot Lake Family Health Team (SLFHT) held an urban pole-walking workshop on June 27 at Oso beach. Ten people participated and learned the art of urban pole walking. Staff at the Family Health Team are hoping to see more people take up the activity.

Nicole Bobbette, occupational therapist with the SLFHT, said the health benefits of urban poling are many and that it is an exercise for all ages and all fitness levels. She also said it is a "great option that is easy, affordable and fun for those with mobility issues."

The activity was developed by an occupational therapist in Vancouver and it involves walking with two poles, one in each hand. The poles offer additional health benefits to an otherwise ordinary walk by integrating core upper body strength. The exercise is good for everyone but especially those who have issues with balance and or pain, who may have arthritis, or for those recovering from a stroke or hip or knee replacement surgery since the poles add extra stability. It is also an option for those in overall good health and who might want to up their daily workout but for whom running is not an option. The workshop was headed up by Nancy Hayes of Motion Specialties, a health care vendor, and long time master trainer of urban pole walking, Kari Galasso, who runs her Fit to the Core business in Kingston. Galasso, who has been teaching the exercise in the Kingston area for six years, began the workshop first by demonstrating how to adjust, hold and use the poles, which are not just ordinary ski poles but ones that have been specially designed for walking. The poles have a carbon tip and an optional rubber booty attachment that give the walker added stability. The handles of the poles are contoured for a comfortable grip and neutralize all of the joints in the hand, making the grip comfortable for those who may have arthritis. They are marked with a unique measuring system so that they can be adjusted according to the walker's height.

“The poles address so many health and mobility issues and I can't begin to tell you how many people have told me how they have changed their lives,” Kari explained. For those just looking for a new way to exercise the whole body, urban pole walking is a great option. It activates 90% of all the muscles in the body compared to regular walking, which only activates 50%. As a result it promotes core strengthening The exercise also promotes upright posture training and is a great cardio-vascular workout.

Following her talk Galasso invited the group outside onto the grassy lawn, where she demonstrated the activity and answered questions before setting out on a walk down the trail.

Staff at the SLFHT were pleased with the turnout for the workshop and are hoping to hold a second one in the near future. Nicole will have a set of urban poles available at the medical centre for anyone interested in having a try at the exercise. The poles, which cost $100, can be purchased by those interested in making the activity a regular part of their daily or weekly fitness program. For more information contact Nicole Bobbette at the SLFHT, 613-279-2100