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Urban Poling & Yoga

 

April, May & June 2025

10:00 - 11:15 am 

$ 30 for 2 - class series:    April 10, 24

$ 30 for 2 - class series:    May 8, 22

$ 30 for 2 - class series:    June 5, 19

*walk-ins $18 (for those already instructed in urban poling)

*WEATHER POSTPONEMENT POLICY

please scroll below*

 

Enhance your cardiovascular fitness, balance, strength and flexibility.

This 75 minute class provides a total-body fitness experience while enjoying the beautiful Arboretum! We alternate periods of walking with balance, strength & flexibility movements.

 *prerequisite: must be able to walk briskly for 30 min nonstop*.

Missed classes cannot be credited or transferred.

cash, cheque  OR  *e-transfer payment  to: eileen@eileensyoga.com 
is your confirmation of registering for class.    * NO PASSWORD NEEDED. I HAVE AUTO-DEPOSIT

Once the term has begun there are no refunds for classes missed.

IF CLASS IS POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS, YOU WILL BE      CREDITED.
All classes must be taken within the registered session and cannot be       carried over into other sessions.
Missed classes are not credited.

 

MEETING PLACE

Announced the day before class via e-mail

 
PREPARING FOR CLASS

It is important that we begin class on time.  Please arrive with poles at proper height.

Check height of poles EACH TIME you go out walking as temperature / humidity changes can loosen them.
Please come to class scent-free.

WHAT TO WEAR/BRING TO CLASS

  • Urban Walking Poles, set to appropriate height (arms at 90 degree angle when standing up tall and shoulders relaxed)
  • Eye protection, if desired
  • Sunscreen, sunhat or visor, if desired
  • Water to drink during or after class
  • Optional: light snack, tissues


HOW TO DRESS {for cooler weather}

  • Base layer:  A snug-fitting merino wool, silk or synthetic fabric will help to wick perspiration away from your body.  Avoid wearing cotton as this absorbs perspiration.
  • Mid layer:  thermal, light weight fleece, sweater or ski vest that is warm, insulating, comfortable. The layer that would keep you warm if you took your outer jacket off .
  • Outer layer: warm,  windproof & water-repellent.

 

ACCESSORIES:  {for winter classes}

  • Hat:  Preserves 50% of your body heat!!!
  • Mittens:  are usually warmer than gloves. If you're prone to cold hands, putting 'Hot shots' or similar items inside your mittens to keep your hands warm in very cold weather.
  • Gators: to protect snow from entering boots and helps to keep the lower leg dry.

Good facts to know:
www.urbanpoling.com/faq/

 

WEATHER POSTPONEMENT POLICY
In case of hazardous weather conditions  i.e., WINTER: blizzard, freezing rain OR wind-chill  > -26C                                                                                     SUMMER:  humidex > 32C

Please check your email at least 1 hour before class start time for any cancellation notices or change of class start location!

Please phone me on cellphone day of class if unsure 613 858 8177

 
One-on-One Private Urban Poling / Snowshoeing Sessions


Tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
Please Contact Me to Book Your Session

 

What is Urban Poling? (also known as Nordic Pole Walking)

Urban Poling/Nordic Pole Walking uses special poles designed to engage the muscles of your core, upper body and legs providing a total body workout. It is a wonderful activity for people of all ages and abilities, including those recovering from injury, chronic conditions, during the pre and post-natal period and for people who want to get into great shape while enjoying the outdoors!

Please see  www.urbanpoling.com  for more information or to purchase poles.

 

What are the Benefits of Urban Poling!

  • Provides a full body workout (involving 90% of your body’s muscles!)
  • Activates and tones your core muscles
  • Maintains whole-body bone density
  • Reduces joint stress (especially in the knees, feet and hips)
  • Increases your heart rate and caloric expenditure (the perceived exertion is similar to that of normal walking, but you burn 30% more calories!)
  • Improves overall physical fitness
  • Improves your posture, balance and co-ordination
  • Increases the range of motion in your shoulders and hips
  • Improves lymph system function 
  • Increases upper body muscle usage (by 95% compared to walking without poles!)

  *Reference: Sarah Weller, Kinesiologist (BCAK), Certified Exercise Physiologist (CSEP),                                                                    Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist

 

Please watch this video for a brief preview: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-fuF1pUaws


Testimonials

Eileen’s snowshoe classes, along with the Urban Poling classes have given me the 
opportunity to build strength, learn new skills and develop confidence so that I now 
look forward to these 2 new activities. Eileen’s vast body of knowledge, 
combined with her excellent teaching and communication skills makes it possible for 
those of us who have previously seen these activities as challenging, to now be out 
there enjoying ourselves. Her support, compassion and genuine joy make it impossible not 
to want to get out there and join her.
   L.R., Ottawa

 

Being a participant in Eileen’s Guided Urban Poling class is an opportunity to develop optimal mental, spiritual and physical health and wellness.  Under Eileen’s patient tutelage in each session over the past five years, I have discovered this sport is invigorating and enjoyable. The social aspect plays a huge role in enjoyment as well. I have met the most wonderful group of people who I look forward to seeing each week. The walks in the arboretum with Eileen sustain me, body and mind, week after week. Thank you Eileen!

     C.R., Ottawa

 

  “I have never been so enthusiastic about a fitness regime before. Urban poling is eminently accessible, easy to do 3 seasons a year and is an energizing whole body workout that has a huge impact on health and general wellbeing. My lower limbs (cranky hips, arthritic toes) appreciate the low impact on the joints and my upper body is getting stronger and leaner through this dynamic cardiovascular workout. And it is fun! Doing this a few times a weeks, as I whiz along side streets and pathways, is never a chore but rather a joy. The weekly walks with her class are always an uplifting shared experience and I am constantly astounded by Eileen’s astute and pertinent observations. It is through her superb guidance, support and feedback that I continue to learn and develop good technique. Without the proper form that the members of our group are mastering, the powerful benefits of pole walking would be greatly reduced. I feel I am blessed to have been introduced to this experience through Eileen”.

  A. Claener, Ottawa

 

What did I like about my one on one urban poling class with Eileen - the whole 60 minutes!  Her approach and teaching style lead you to remember all that you're being taught and it is a lot :-)   Eileen observes how you walk and incorporates good walking form with how to use the poles.  She logically educated me starting from my head down to my feet to get me poling properly. Her use of visual cues to understand how to effectively use your body and muscles -- yoga warm down -- she wants you to succeed. Thank you Eileen!

  Lise, Ottawa

I have been taking pole walking classes with Eileen for over a year and can honestly say that they are the highlight of my week. Whatever the season or the weather, the classes offer a great workout, a fun outing, and a wonderful get-together with like-minded people. Eileen is an upbeat, caring and inspiring teacher. She pays attention to each and every one of her students, provides excellent instructions and celebrates even the smallest of achievements. I have become stronger and more fit since starting pole walking, and am looking forward to classes starting again this spring!
   Anna Kenney, Ottawa

For me, pole walking with Eileen in the Arboretum is an incredible experience that invigorates my mind, body and soul.  Eileen brings so much knowledge and enthusiasm to each class, and she always makes it a point to get to know you and your body individually, thereby ensuring you get the optimum benefit from the class.  Ending the workout with a yoga practice is an added bonus that my body adores! I have gained a newfound love and respect for my body and its vast abilities, all thanks to Eileen.  She is a gifted teacher and a deeply caring person.  I am grateful for her in my life.

    N.H., Ottawa

 
I met Eileen with her poles in a physio department where I was attempting to recover from a bad fall on the ice. When I asked her about her poles, she explained she gave pole walking lessons. I enrolled and I found my adventuresome self again. Eileen is a caring, fun-loving woman who enjoys many talents and she shares them with both a generous and disciplined spirit. I find her company a joy!

    Freida, Ottawa

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