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!
