Inspired by the Mountains With a Passion for Unforgettable Experiences
Mandy has spent her entire career in fields related to physical education: She has worked as a fitness club owner/operator, a corporate health promotion manager, a senior manager in municipal recreation, a community college lecturer, and as a consultant with the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and Green Communities Canada - Canada Walks. A natural teacher/trainer, Mandy has taught swimming and lifeguarding, aerobics classes, aquafit, and alpine skiing.
After an early knee replacement in her late 40’s, Mandy discovered Urban Poling in 2008 and uses her poles religiously wherever she goes, whether in the heart of a city like New York, or to ascend the mountain peaks surrounding her mountain home in Canmore, Alberta. Today, there is nothing more Mandy loves to do than share her "passion for poling!"
"I believe we were born to be active, by nature and when we are active in nature, it can bring profound joy, a sense of accomplishment and wonder, in addition to dramatically improving health or maintaining optimal health."
- Mandy JohnsonMeet Mandy
Mandy earned a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Physical Education from York University and she has a certificate in Adult Education from George Brown College. She is trained in wilderness first aid (40 hour). Mandy has completed the Interpretive Guides Association Apprentice Interpreter & 4 Season Group Management Certification and the Outdoor Council of Canada's Field Leader (Hiking) Certification. She is a master trainer with Urban Poling.
Mandy has spoken internationally and across Canada from PEI to BC and many places in between. The topics have been related to active living, active transportation, walking and Nordic walking. Mandy's presentations have often been described as "passionate" and "inspiring."
View a video of Mandy's talk about Nordic Walking/Urban Poling at the Arthritis Society Symposium: VIDEO
View a list of Mandy's Previous Speaking Engagements
Active by Nature Partners
Active by Nature is proud to partner with these fine businesses. Click on the logos to visit the partners' websites.
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Alchemy of Ride
Mandy is a brand ambassador for artist Lynne Harrison's Alchemy of Ride. Lynne produces the most colourful, comfortable, functional outdoor wear decorated with her unique artistic designs.
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Icebug
Mandy is a brand ambassador for Icebug Canada, makers of outstanding traction footwear. Mandy wears boots featuring BUGrip soles for the most slippery winter conditions & the Torne model for outstanding warmth on the coldest of days.
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Mt. Engadine
Mt. Engadine is an accessible wilderness lodge in the heart of Spray Valley Provincial Park. Many of Mandy's guided hikes are minutes away. Clients of Active by Nature receive a discount on stays at this award-winning lodge.
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Back to Nature Apparel
Mandy is a brand ambassador for Back to Nature Apparel. Keltie & Stan place detailed wildlife images and scenes of nature on high quality Canadian-made apparel and accessories. A portion of every sale goes to fund wildlife conservation & rehabilitation.
About Nordic Walking
Urban Poling is Canada’s leading provider of Nordic walking instruction and equipment. After researching different Nordic walking companies, I decided to sign up for the Urban Poling instructor course in 2008 and like many of my clients, I was totally hooked the first time I tried Urban Poling. My eyes opened wide in amazement as I felt my arms, shoulders, chest and abdominal muscles working with every stride I took. The poling action was comfortable and the propulsion you get after perfecting the technique is amazing. After years of hiking with hiking poles, I was blown away to discover the simple "plant, push, propel" technique that enables you to walk purposefully with every stride you take rather than bringing poles along to use when clambering over obstacles on the trail, or descending steep routes.
I suggest you view this very brief video to get an inkling of what I am talking about if you are new to Nordic walking:
Nordic WalkingPoles Included
I include Urban Poling brand poles for Quick-Start sessions and Nordic walking tours if you don't have your own. I prefer Urban Poling equipment for the reasons outlined above plus I love the safe and easy-to-use strapless handles. If you have your own poles, please note there are many different styles and qualities of Nordic walking poles. Some people are disappointed to learn that the poles they bring to my classes aren’t the best quality (e.g., they rattle, they're difficult to adjust, locking system doesn’t hold, boot tips are too hard, straps are cumbersome, and the lack of shock absorption leads to an uncomfortable action that is jarring to the body). Other people discover that they’ve purchased trekking/hiking poles, not Nordic walking poles. One quick indicator: Nordic walking poles have angled (not round) rubber (not plastic) boot tips and specialized handles or straps that are very different from hiking poles. If you haven't already purchased a pair, I suggest learning about poles by using them in a session with me first. Then make an informed decision when you’re ready to buy. Visit the Urban Poling website for details about the equipment I recommend and sell.
If you are keen to learn more before your Quick-Start session, then spend a few minutes watching this video featuring Urban Poling’s Director of Education, Barb Gormley: How to Nordic walk with Urban Poles. This will be a good video to watch again, if you ever need a technique refresher.
If you would like to learn more about the amazing health benefits of walking and Nordic walking/Urban Poling, read "Walking is a Wonder Drug".
Now you're ready to turbo-charge your walks! Let's get to it!
