Urban Poling fitness poles designed by Nordic walking pioneer Tom Rutlin and a panel of Canadian therapists, uses the specialized technique called Exerstriding, also called the Rutlin Technique. It differs from the 'European Style' technique later developed in Scandinavia. 

Rutlin Technique teaches the straight arm plant (long lever) and is intended to bring about "greater involvement of large core strength muscles" found in the upper body,  this differs from the bent arm plant (short lever) commonly used in the 'European Style' technique.

Rutlin Technique

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As featured in:

September 18, 2007

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The poles designed for Urban Poling do not have straps or demi-gloves as European styled poles do. Instead, Urban Poles uses an ergonomic strapless grips that has a large flared portion at the base of the grip. This grip comes into play with the Rutlin Technique and how the poles are planted while walking.

"I've been doing some experimenting with planting my poles further forward (just like Tom
Rutlin teaches!) unlike Nordic Walking 'European Style' that teaches planting the tips further back and guess what? I find that my Abdominal muscles get a better workout? Now am I imagining this? Why don't you have a go and decide for yourself?" - David Downer, Nordic Walking eCommunity - Wednesday, 20 June 2007

Anita and her Urban Poling Gang

2007 Mississauga Marathon

'European Style' technique

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GoodLife Fitness Clubs will be offering Urban Poling at selected clubs across Canada

5 ways to perfect your posture

1. Yoga and Pilates

2. Urban Poling
May 2007 Issue

NOW Online - The Sports Institute at Douglas College launches our Nordic Walking Certification Program

Contact: David Munro 

604-527-5041 or

Email: munrod@douglas.bc.ca

Fit Tip: Urban Poling; Canadian Diabetes Association News

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What does our Rutlin Technique and Urban Poling have to offer you?

• Full body workout using no more perceived effort than walking
• Exercises the hard to exercise, “trunk” muscles
• Burn from 20-47 % more calories than ‘ordinary’ walking
• Take damaging stress off of your joints, hips knees and ankles
• Greatly increased cardio workout (10-15 more heartbeats per minute than regular walking)
• Helps maintain and correct posture
• Clinically recommended to aid people in recovery from osteoporosis, arthritis, breast cancer, neurological and heart conditions
• Can be practiced on almost any terrain (asphalt, gravel, grass, snow, etc.)

Don’t wait! Get Nordic walking today!

Calgary-based dragon boat team

“Sistership”

Urban Poling – also called Nordic walking, Exerstriding, or pole walking, – combines the aerobic and strength building benefits of cross-country skiing with walking.  This full-body, cardio-muscular exercise engages the arms, back, stomach, and legs.

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Urban Poles Vs European Style Poles

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Can-Fit-Pro Certification Approved

Learn more about our National Certification Courses and how you can get involved.

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Medical Research		.

The Following are medical publications done using the Exerstrider Pole:

The Effects of Walking Poles on Breast Cancer Survivors - University of Northern Colorado

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Effects Of 12 Weeks Of Walking Or Exerstriding

UW-La Crosse and Lutheran Hospital

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More Research

Quick Quotes		.

Dr. Andrew Weil has called Tom Rutlin "a national fitness authority" who "has made it his personal mission to make walking the most efficient workout possible."

Tom Rutlin - "Once walkers understand all the additional health and fitness benefits of walking with poles, this new way of fitness walking is pretty hard to resist!" "Exerstriding is a specific technique of Nordic walking that is designed to maximize the involvement and fitness of the large ‘core strength’ muscles of the trunk."

Mandy Shintani, BSc (O.T), MA - “We selected Tom's design and technique because I believe it offers the highest quality, safety, comfort and style for Nordic Walkers.”

Featured in the November 2006 issue of - The Oprah Magazine! (page 212)