Walkers poling their way to recognition

"We caused two accidents last time we were out," she states flatly. She'd signed up for nordic walking classes at the local GoodLife Fitness on Innes Road last May, and since then says she and about a dozen other ladies have taken up the activity – involving what essentially are cross-country ski poles – with enthusiasm.

But she says nordic walking may prove a bit of a challenge for the self-conscious types. "People watch us constantly," she says. "We saw three cars hit each other because we were walking by, and they kept staring at us. And it wasn't even because it was a bunch of ladies. "It was the poles."

But the 34 year-old Pascal says the attention doesn't bother her. She admits nordic walking, a popular sport in parts of Scandinavia, might look strange to some – "Wherever we go, people start yelling at us things like 'where's the snow?'," she says – but the health-conscious Pascal also says she's never had a better workout.

Nordic walkers employ special poles (most retail at around $100 to $120) to give traction and a full-body workout, even when ambling down a city sidewalk. GoodLife instructor Heather Pardon says it's the perfect activity for seniors looking to tone up, as it's very low-impact and poles provide ample stability. "Based on participants who are drawn to the class, a lot of them were previous walkers looking for a more challenging activity," says Pardon, adding most current participants are women but it's open to everyone. "The thing about it is that using the poles engages a lot more of your core muscles "It burns more calories, and increases your heart rate more than regular walking."

Pardon says the activity helps with posture and also works well with former runners who may have gait problems, adding it burns around 20-25 per cent more calories than traditional walking.

It's also inexpensive: besides the poles, all you'll need is a decent pair of shoes (along with some breathable apparel) and you're good to go.

Pascal agrees, adding it's a great compliment to her three-day-a-week personal training routine. "After my first time, my triceps were burning for days," she confirms.

As for the attention, however, she says she's willing to live with it for the time being. "I even go out on my own and do it now," she says, adding the poles even provide a security function. "Most women are pretty afraid to go out by themselves, but if an attacker comes by when you're on a trail, you can just poke him with the pole," she laughs.