Walk to good health: Pole fitness

At first glance, it seems a small army of cross-country skiers have invaded Dubai’s beaches.

Closer inspection, however, reveals a fitness craze using handheld poles that’s sweeping the city’s parks and beaches.

Polewalking has already taken the city by storm as enthusiasts pick up specially designed poles to give them an increased upper body workout.

Former marathon runner and Usui Reiki Master Joanna Macdonald is responsible for bringing this sport to Dubai through her company, Keenfit.

The British expat launched the company last year to bolster a safe form of exercise for young and old alike who have achieved all kinds of fitness levels.

"The idea is to create an entire community. It’s really an easy thing to do," said Macdonald. "You don’t have to be an athlete, anyone can do this."

Polewalkers have been meeting across Dubai, but tend to favour the beach because walking in the sand helps get a better grip, Macdonald said. "In the sand you get better traction. It’s a real workout on the beach," she said. Workouts usually last for 40 minutes, including a cool-down period that integrates the poles to do final stretches.

Polewalking is gaining in popularity as much as it did in Scandinavia where the sport was founded, Macdonald said.

In Europe, there are thousands of polewalkers who meet in groups for daily sessions – especially on weekends.

One of the biggest attractions is that it fits into an already well-established European love for walking. "The poles are designed to give a 40 per cent greater upper body workout," said Macdonald.

Polewalkers also get a 20 per cent greater aerobic exercise thanks to the movement of the arms and poles that turn a regular walk into a "full-body workout".

Macdonald is a certified trainer who turned to poles when she was forced to leave marathon running behind because of its nature as a high-impact sport.

"Pole walking is great if orthopaedic problems prevent you from running anymore, which is what happened to me," she said. Using the poles offer support for the knees and the back when walking.

Macdonald said it’s important to stay in shape to meet each challenge life throws at you.

To get Dubai on what she calls the "right path", Macdonald is giving a series of free clinics to teach people how to benefit most from polewalking. Free poles are provided in the clinics.

Where to join them

Clinics are offered all across the city with each session lasting 40 to 45 minutes. Here are some venues:

Safa Park: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8.15am. The group meets at Gate No. 2 (on Wednesday, the meeting takes place at the same spot, but at 6pm)

The Beach: Thursday at 8.15am. The group meets adjacent to the Dubai Regent Hotel on 39A Street

Creek Park: Tuesday at 8.15am The group meets at Gate No. 2