URBAN POLING Revolutionizing Gait and

Earlier this year, I completed a Certification course for Urban Poling. The “Activator Pole,” created by Urban Poling co-owners Mandy Shintani and Diana Oliver, was designed for people who are look ing for a Nordic Walking technique that can provide stability and balance and improve posture. What these poles do not promote is rounding of the back!

Because poling is a bilateral activity that encourages a functional walking pattern, many adults who normally shuffle and have kyphosis without poles now stand upright, lift their feet, and use a heel/toe gait pattern when they walk with poles. They immediately feel more secure and confident. Instead of having two points of contact, they now have four! Poles can also serve as a fall prevention tool.

Today, Activator Poles are used by many professionals, including Occupational Therapists and Rehabilitation Assistants, and for one-on-one rehabilitation.

while the ledge allows for even distribution of weight across the outside edge of the hand. It also allows for comfortable and effective application of force for core strengthening and off-loading weight. Lastly, it supports the wrist in a neutral position. Another feature of the Activator Poles is the unique design of the Bell Tip. They are made of high-grade rubber with aggressive treads for shock absorption and durability. The greatest feature lies within the wider bell base, which provides greater stability and weight bearing compared with the traditional Nordic walking tips. A secure button locking system for height adjustment adds to the pole’s ease of use. Each pole has a 200 lb. per pole weight capacity.

The Activator Poles offer several overall health benefits, with positive effects on resting heart rate, blood pressure, exercise capacity, and maximal oxygen consumption. Use also improves core strength and balance, reduces pain, and increases flexibility. Using the poles also improves quality of life for users with various diseases, so the Activator Poles can be recommended to a wide range of people as primary and secondary prevention. Did I forget to mention that poling has been proven to burn from 20-46 percent more calories?

FRIDAY, MAY 5 • 1 P.M.

Join us on Cinco De mayo as we use themed music to enhance our Pole Walking experience! We will use different walking patterns, all while reviewing the basics of Pole Walking. We will add some stretching and strength moves as well!