Join Sally Sunshine for Pole Walking Workshops in Owen Sound twice yearly (next session July 2026). Active adults and seniors learn techniques to improve fitness, balance and mobility while enjoying the outdoors.
Maintain your mobility & burn more calories by exercising 80% of your muscles while you strengthen your cardiovascular health (heart health) by regularly walking with poles outdoors, or at any of your local indoor walking tracks (in Owen Sound, the Bayshore Community Centre or Heritage Place Mall).
Pole Walking Workshops return to Heritage Place Mall in July & August
Pole walking (also called Nordic walking) uses specially designed walking poles that will engage the upper body muscles to increase calorie burning and reduce stress on the joints. These fun and supportive workshops are perfect for beginners!
What is Pole Walking?
Pole walking is a full-body walking technique that uses lightweight poles to activate the arms, shoulders, and core while you walk.
Benefits include:
- Improves balance and stability
- Strengthens upper body muscles
- Reduces pressure on knees and hips
- Improves posture
- Burns more calories than regular walking
- Helps prevent falls
Pole walking is widely used in Europe and Canada as a safe and effective exercise for active adults and seniors.
Who These Workshops Are For
These workshops are ideal for:
- Adults 50+
- Active seniors
- Beginners wanting to try pole walking
- Walkers who want to improve posture and endurance
- Anyone looking for a low-impact outdoor workout
No previous experience is required.
Workshop Details
Day: Tuesday afternoons
Location: Outdoor walking routes in Owen Sound
Instructor: Sally MacDonald – Sally Sunshine Gentle Fitness
The mall is climate-controlled for your comfort, so please dress in layers you can shed easily! Wear a backpack or fanny pack if possible, or purchase one of my cloth backpack-style shoe bags for $5 to place your wallet, phone, tissues, or other necessities in while you go for your 30 min walk.
Workshops include:
- Introduction to pole walking technique
- Proper pole use
- Balance and posture tips
- Guided outdoor walking session
Why Pole Walking is Great for Seniors
Pole walking helps maintain independence and mobility as we age.
Regular practice can help:
- Improve balance and coordination
- Strengthen muscles used for walking
- Reduce fall risk
- Increase stamina
- Make walking more enjoyable
Pole Walking Workshops are NOT just for folks who have ‘walking poles’-they are for anyone who wants to try walking with POLES before purchasing & learn walking techniques for various mobility abilities! ($5 rental fee/hr if poles are required).
Instructor
Classes are led by Sally MacDonald, RHEP, a Registered Health & Exercise Practitioner and ASFA Certified Seniors Fitness Instructor, specializing in safe fitness programming for older adults.
Sally MacDonald, Certified Senior Fitness Instructor
Sally Sunshine Gentle Fitness
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
📧 sallysunshinegentlefitness@gmail.com
🌐 sallysunshine.ca
📞 519-270-6747
