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

Oct 9

Me with 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, all these years later, I’ve come to recognize that many people in the 50, 60, and 70-plus age group are looking for something different.

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

Today’s older adults 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

Bringing Nordic Walking to Toronto

In 2009, I was approached by Urban Poling, a new Vancouver based walking pole manufacturer and distributor to see if I’d be interested in learning about their poles and becoming an instructor. At the time, few people in Toronto had heard of Nordic walking—I may have even been the first person to offer classes in Toronto. It was completely new, and I often had to explain that it wasn’t hiking. But once people tried it, they were immediately hooked.

One early participant told me, “This is addictive, but in a good way!”

I started with just four or five people in a class. Over time, these groups have grown to 25 or more participants walking together regularly, and many have stayed with it (and with me) for years.

The momentum has 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 older adults:

It’s a full-body workout that strengthens arms, legs, core, and back
It’s low-impact for the hips, knees, and spine
The exercise intensity can be low, medium or high—you choose
It improves balance, posture, and coordination
It helps maintain bone density
It’s social, fun, and takes place outdoors in nature

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

varying 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.

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 Classses here, or get in touch by email or phone!