“Watch This Nordic Walking Class Video: Mount Pleasant Cemetery to The Brickworks, Toronto”

Is Nordic Walking Only for Seniors?

Physiotherapist and Urban Poling Master Trainer Susan Yungblut enjoys a workout with her Urban Poling 4LIFE Nordic walking poles in Ottawa (https://ottawanordicwalks.ca/)

Is Nordic Walking Just for Seniors?

If you’ve ever seen people walking briskly with poles, you might have wondered, “Is Nordic walking just for seniors?”

While the activity is especially popular among seniors, it actually attracts adults of all ages who enjoy being active outdoors.

Nordic Walking Is for Everyone

Nordic walking is ideal for a wide range of fitness levels, and both men and women enjoy it. Many seniors, especially women, find it particularly rewarding—they love being outdoors, moving with friends, and learning a technique that’s easy to start but offers a fun challenge to master.

Cross-country skiers of all ages also enjoy Nordic walking because the poling technique closely mimics skiing, helping them stay in shape during the off-season. This is especially true in Finland, and other Nordic countries, where Nordic walking originated.

An Easy-on-the-Joints Workout

Using Nordic walking poles turns a regular walk into a full-body workout. Instead of working just your legs and glutes, you engage your arms, shoulders, and core.

The poles also make walking easier on the joints—perfect for anyone with arthritis, mild balance issues, or previous injuries. They add stability and confidence, so you can move with ease.

Come Join Us!

Nordic walking isn’t just for seniors. It’s for anyone who wants to feel stronger, move better, and enjoy the outdoors.

With poles in hand and a supportive group and instructor by your side, you’ll discover a fitness activity that fits your pace, your goals, and your lifestyle.

Inerested in getting started? Check out my Quick-Start Clinics, Group Classes, and Private Classes here.

The “Disadvantages” of Nordic Walking & Why They're Mostly Myths

If you’ve ever searched “disadvantages of Nordic walking” on Google, you may have seen warnings about the high cost of equipment, risk of tripping, or steep learning curve..

As a longtime certified Nordic walking master trainer and instructor in Toronto, I can confidently tell you that none of these are true.

In fact, Nordic walking is one of the few exercise activities that truly has no barriers at all (well, maybe one, but more about that below).

Nordic Walking: A No-Excuses, All-Benefits Activity

You don’t need to change into fancy workout clothes, book a court, jump in a pool, shower afterward, or keep updating your equipment every few years. It’s simple, convenient, and accessible. All you need are comfortable clothes and shoes, Nordic walking poles, and a place to walk.

The top quality Urban Poling Nordic walking poles that I use and sell cost just $110 and will last you a lifetime.

A Safe, Fun, and Effective Full-Body Workout

Nordic walking is a safe, enjoyable, and effective full-body workout that just about anyone can do. Using Nordic walking poles transforms an ordinary walk into a low-impact exercise that strengthens your arms, shoulders, core, and legs while improving posture and balance and protecting your joints.

Beyond the physical benefits, Nordic walkers often notice a lift in mood thanks to the release of “happy hormones,” a boost in cardiovascular fitness, and the simple pleasure of spending time outdoors.

The Only “Disadvantage”? Feeling Self-Conscious (At First)

If there’s one thing that sometimes holds people back, it’s feeling a bit self-conscious when walking alone with their poles. Many Torontonians still aren’t familiar with Nordic walking, so it can attract a few curious looks.

The easy fix? Join a Nordic walking group!

Why Group Nordic Walking in Toronto Is the Perfect Solution

Taking Nordic walking classes in Toronto lets you learn the proper technique and walk with others who understand and enjoy the activity. You’ll feel supported, gain confidence, and make new friends while getting a great workout.

Each class offers something different. Some are fast-paced and fitness-focused, while others move at a more relaxed, social pace.

Nordic Walking: Easy-ish to Learn,

Nordic walking isn’t complicated, expensive, or uncomfortable. It’s an accessible outdoor fitness activity that’s ideal for both beginners and experienced walkers.

It does take a bit of practise to get the technique just right, and that’s actually one of its hidden benefits. Learning the rhythm of the poles keeps your brain engaged (a key to managing stress), helps the time pass quickly, and provides a great sense of accomplishment once it all comes together.

Ready to Try Nordic Walking in Toronto?

Your first step is to register for one of my Nordic Walking Quick-Start Clinics in Toronto . Then you’ll be ready to join one of my multi-week group classes.

You’ll quickly see why so many people love this fun, full-body workout with poles!

Why I Became a Nordic Walking Instructor in Toronto & Why I Think It’s the Best Way to Stay Active After 50

Me & my great friend & colleague Judi Haig-Tullio circa 1989. Judi seems to have forgotten her leg warmers—but we still nailed the routine!

When I graduated from university with a degree in health and physical education, my first job was teaching at a trendy Yorkville aerobics studio — Body Design by Gilda (maybe you remember it?).

The music was loud, the leotards were high-cut, sweatbands and leg warmers were essential, and I taught from a stage like I was leading a Broadway show. There were hoots and hollers. Classes ended with loud rounds of applause. It was energetic, theatrical, and so much fun.

Fast forward a few decades, and while my fitness career is still going strong, it has taken a completely different path.

Though I still love a good, sweaty, high-intensity workout, I’ve come to recognize that many people in the 50, 60, and 70-plus age group—especially women, but also some men—are looking for something different.

What Women 50+ (and Some Men Too) Are Really Looking For

Today’s active seniors are looking for something smarter and more sustainable. They want:

• movement that’s easy on the joints

• a non-competitive, supportive environment

• a way to improve balance, posture, and mobility

• a chance to be outdoors and connect with others

• exercise that will help them age well and stay independent

That’s exactly what led me to discover Urban Poling Inc. and Nordic walking in the early 2000s and why I haven’t looked back since.

Bringing Nordic Walking to Toronto

At the time, no one in Toronto had really heard of Nordic walking. I may have even been the first to start offering classes here. (It was brand new, and I had to repeatedly explain that it was not hiking.) But once people gave it a try, they were immediately hooked.

One early participant told me, “It’s addictive, but in a good way!”

I started with just four or five people in a class. But gradually over time, these groups have grown to 20+ participants walking together regularly, and many have stuck with it (and me) for years.

The momentum built naturally because Nordic walking just works, and people love how they feel during and after a class.

Why People Love Nordic Walking

There are many reasons that Nordic walking has become my passion and why it’s such a hit with Toronto seniors:

• It’s a full-body workout that strengthens arms, legs, core, and back

• It’s low-impact and joint-friendly

• It improves balance, posture, and coordination

• It helps maintain bone density and overall strength

• It’s social, fun, and done outdoors in nature

Plus, no two of my classes are ever the same—there’s always something new:

• various routes

• new people to walk and chat with

• short strength and flexibility intervals

• a fresh challenge each time

One of our favourite places to Nordic walk is Mount Pleasant Cemetery. It’s peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly full of life. It’s one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets for outdoor fitness.

A Better Way to Age Actively

For me, becoming a Nordic walking instructor wasn’t just a career shift—it was a natural evolution. It has allowed me to blend my decades of fitness experience with a style of movement that truly supports aging well.

I get to work with lovely people every day who want to stay strong, independent, and connected with like-minded others. Nordic walking gives them this and so much more.

Want to Try Nordic Walking?

If you're curious about trying Nordic walking in Toronto, I’d love to welcome you to a class. It might just be the perfect fit—not too easy, not too hard, and always something to look forward to.

Check out my Classes, Quick-Start Clinics, and Private Classes , or get in touch by phone!

Reflections on Sea, Sand, & Soul: Our 4th Annual Fitness Retreat on Beautiful Prince Edward Island

I’ve just returned from the 4th annual Sea, Sand & Soul fitness retreat in stunning Prince Edward Island, and I’m still buzzing with memories from six wonderful days. Each year brings its own magic, and this year was no exception.

My colleague Nina LePage and I spend months planning every detail—sourcing speakers, shaping the schedule, and connecting with participants.

This year’s group came mostly from Toronto and Ottawa, though in past years we’ve welcomed people from Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Northern Ontario.

Each group is different, but it’s always the participants’ energy that makes our retreats so special.

In previous years, we’ve explored tiny seaside villages, taken walking tours of Charlottetown, and enjoyed theatre productions such as Alan Doyle’s Tell Tale Harbour at the Confederation Centre.

This year, however, we stayed closer to home immersing ourselves in the natural beauty surrounding our cottages at Shaw’s Hotel, located in the heart of Prince Edward Island National Park.

Shaw’s employees extraordinaire—Jeannie, Easton, and Yvan—provided the best and friendliest service ever. Yvan and his golf cart were especially helpful, coming to the rescue of Nordic walkers with blisters and sore joints after a long day on the walking trail.

Each morning we set out Nordic walking to a new and beautiful destination, and each afternoon we gathered for yoga on the lawn beneath swaying trees. Some participants began the day with a bracing swim in the sea, while others preferred to wait for the warmer afternoon sun.

We ate lobster, fresh fish, and seafood. (The vegetarians in the group had equally exquisite meals.)

Our Nordic walks along the coast were enriched by the knowledge and passion of our guest speakers and guides:

• Kate MacQuarrie, local biologist, naturalist, and author, introduced us to native trees, plants, and berries, and even showed us how to identify different types of scat.

• Parks Canada interpreters Aiden and Rilla shared their expertise on coastal grasses, dunes, the endangered piping plover, and the environmental impacts of Hurricane Fiona.

• Chef Darius inspired us with stories of his unconventional island upbringing with hippy parents, no running water or electricity, and his journey to becoming a chef.

• Robbie Shaw, owner of Shaw’s, brought the island to life with tales of the hotel’s history and his experiences as a fourth-generation Islander. (Did you know that Shaw’s is the oldest family-run business on Prince Edward Island and the oldest continually family-operated inn in Canada?)

But what truly made this year extraordinary was the participants themselves—a smart, fun, and easygoing group who immediately gelled. Their energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm made the retreat especially memorable.

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining fitness, nature, and new friendships in one unforgettable retreat, we’d love to welcome you next year.

Is Nordic Walking Better Than Walking?

Nordic walking uses specially designed poles to add upper-body exercise to standard walking.

It’s relatively easy to learn and suitable for all fitness levels, making it one of the best walking exercises you can do outdoors.

Here are a few ways it beats regular walking:

Utilizes More Muscles

Unlike regular walking, which involves just the legs and glutes, Nordic walking engages your arms, shoulders, and core, giving you a full-body workout.

Burns More Calories

By involving more muscles, research shows that Nordic walking burns up to 20–40% more calories than regular walking, depending on intensity and quality of technique.

Benefits for Posture

Using poles improves posture, as your shoulder blades squeeze toward your spine with each arm swing.

Easy on the Joints

Nordic walkers offload weight into the ledges of their poles’ handles, which reduces stress to your knees, hips, and back.

More Fun

Nordic walking in a class or group setting makes any walk more enjoyable. The combination of focus, rhythmic movement, and social interaction provide an uplifting boost of energy to your body and mind.

Toronto’s Mount Pleasant Cemetery Has a Hidden Navigation System — Nordic Walkers, Take Note

Nordic walking in Toronto’s Mount Pleasant Cemetery is spectacular in any season.

It’s peaceful, tree-filled, and full of blooming flowers, fountains, wildlife, historical plaques, art, and stunning sculpture. It’s one of the city’s best places to walk, whether you’re a Nordic walker, regular walker, or dog walker.

But here’s the catch: it’s easy to get lost. The winding, tree-lined roads twist in all directions. It spans almost 200 acres, and maps are few and far between.

I know some walkers who stick to the same familiar route every visit, while others avoid exploring more deeply for fear of not finding their way out. (If you do get lost, just ask any of the gardening staff for directions.)

In winter, the absence of leaves reveals nearby landmarks—tall buildings on Merton Street to the north and the backs of homes on Moore Avenue to the south—which can help with orientation if you’re familiar with the area.

But here’s a secret that many regulars to the cemetery don’t know about: The painted lane dividers—some are solid white, yellow or blue, while others are broken white—are also a navigation system.

If you follow any one of them, it will lead you to a cemetery building or an exit.

Knowing this trick can transform your exercise experience. You can wander and enjoy the tranquility of the setting without constantly worrying about exactly where you are. In spring and summer, when the lush canopy closes in and some of the roads feel almost like forest trails, this guidance system becomes even more useful.

So next time you’re in Mount Pleasant, try venturing a little farther. Enjoy the birdsong, admire the headstones and sculptures, chat away with your Nordic walking companion, and trust that the road markings will get you where you need to go.

From Stuck to Started - The 5-Second Rule

Sea, Sand & Soul Fitness Retreat 2022, Brackley Beach, PEI

Unlike Mel Robbins, I’ve never found myself $800,000 in debt or so low that I couldn’t get out of bed. Still, I’ve found the message in her best-selling book,The Let Them Theory, fascinating—and I’ve only just read the introduction.

Robbins introduces a simple but effective concept: when you feel hesitation or procrastination creeping in, count backwards—5, 4, 3, 2, 1—and then move.

The idea is to act before your brain has a chance to second-guess or talk you out of it. She likens it to launching a rocket: once the countdown starts, you commit.

This immediately reminded me of a moment from the 2022 Sea, Sand & Soul fitness retreat, which I’ve co-led with my colleague Nina LePage in beautiful Prince Edward Island for the past three years..

It was a bright early September morning, and I found myself standing still, shin-deep in the chilly Atlantic Ocean.

With me was Nina, a hearty year-round outdoor swimmer originally from Sweden, and Janet, another cold-water enthusiast. While I stood still, they waded boldly forward, and without pause, until they were fully immersed.

“Come in Barb. It’s fabulous!” they called out to me.

While I hadn’t yet read Robbins’ book or heard about her 5-second rule, I gathered my courage, counted 3-2-1, and start moving steadily toward my friends.

Once fully submerged, it felt extremely cold, but not so bad after a minute or so—it was definitely a small victory in my mind.

Now that I know counting down is an official strategy and has been scientifically shown to have merit, according to Robbins, I’m going to use it in all areas of life—not just for cold-water swimming, but for moments where a small hesitation might hold me back.

Sometimes, something simple is all we need to get moving.

If you’re curious about this strategy, give it a try the next time you feel stuck and need a nudge.

Speaking of nudges, if you’ve been thinking about joining me for our fourth annual Sea, Sand & Soul retreat, this might be your moment. As of today, we still have space—and yes, early-morning ocean dips are part of the fun (but, of course, just an option).

5-4-3-2-1…

Do I Need Special Clothing for Nordic Walking?

Nordic walkers and friends in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto

If you’re new to Nordic walking, you’re likely wondering what to wear.

The good news? You don’t need a special wardrobe to get started. Just a few smart choices can make your walk comfortable and enjoyable.

Here are a few tips to help you gear up:

• Shoes: Running shoes are perfectly fine when you’re just starting out. But if you're Nordic walking regularly and/or on rough terrain, sturdier day hiking shoes provide better support and grip.
  

• Socks: Pair your shoes with good-quality athletic socks to keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters.
  

• Clothing: Wear what you'd wear for a brisk walk. Layers are a great choice—but don’t overdress! You’ll warm up quickly once you get moving.
  

• Skin and eye protection: In sunny conditions, bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. These small items will keep your eyes and skin safe allowing you to fully enjoy your workout.
  

• Jackets: Avoid bulky jackets that restrict shoulder movement. A lightweight, flexible outer layer lets your arms swing freely with the poles.
  

• Cold weather tip: Gloves or mitts are essential in winter. Since your hands will be holding your poles, you won’t be able to warm them in your pockets.

For more ideas, check out the photos on my blog and website for inspiration..

Happy walking!

Why I Only Use Urban Poling Equipment

A Vancouver Urban Poling Nordic walking class pauses for a stretch and strengthen interval

If you’ve taken one of my Nordic walking classes in Toronto, you probably started by borrowing a pair of my Urban Poling poles—and later decided to buy your own from me.

And for good reason: I’ve been loving and recommending Urban Poling equipment since I started teaching Nordic walking in the early 2000s.

Here’s why I use Urban Poling poles for all my classes and and recommend them to my participants.

Urban Poling: A trusted company

I’ve enjoyed working with Urban Poling for many years as Director of Education and a Master Trainer, helping to educate other instructors and spread the good word about the benefits of Nordic walking. I’ve seen firsthand how committed the company is to innovation, education, and making movement accessible to all.

Designed for performance, comfort & safety

Urban Poling poles are more than just "walking sticks." They’re thoughtfully engineered fitness tools designed to promote:

• proper posture

• full-body engagement (arms, shoulders, core, and legs)

• joint-friendly movement, especially for the hips, knees, and ankles

• improved balance and stability (particularly important for older adults)

Whether you’re walking for fitness or recovering from an injury, Urban Poling offers a model to suit your needs, from Nordic walking poles to the rehab-specific ACTIVATOR poles.

Why I trust Urban Poling equipment

Here’s what makes Urban Poling poles stand out:

• patented ergonomic handles designed for comfort and to reduce grip fatigue

• no wrist straps, which improves safety

• shock-absorbing boot tips that reduce stress on joints

• high-quality construction that holds up year after year

• adjustable height for a perfect fit every time

Here’s where some other brands fail

Occasionally, participants arrive at my classes with poles purchased online or chosen mainly for their low price. Almost always, they end up switching to Urban Poling poles once they feel, hear, and experience the difference in quality.

Here are some of the common issues I see with lower-quality poles:

• The locking system doesn’t hold properly, causing the poles to slowly collapse while walking.

• Plastic boot tips (versus rubber) are noisy/distracting, and offer poor shock absorption.

• Wrist straps are cumbersome and uncomfortable, sometimes interfering with proper technique.

• Equipment arrives with no setup instructions and no guidance regarding Nordic walking technique.

Be a wise consumer and do some research before purchasing your poles. With the right pair, you’ll enjoy a huge range of benefits and they’ll last you a lifetime.