What is power walking?

Power walking does not have a strict definition.  At WoW Power Walking we believe that any walk that gets our heart rate into our target heart rate is a power walk. Different speeds will do that for different people. Interestingly, research has shown that bone mass density will only increase and resting metabolic rate will only improve when walkers achieve a rate of perceived exertion of 14-15 or higher. In order to work in this challenging cardio range, we teach a power walking technique that may approach a race walk style but is made suitable and accessible to all participants.

Why WoW Power Walking?

At WoW Power Walking we have spent considerable time designing programs that help our participants achieve a walking technique that maintains low risk for injury while increasing cardio workout. We know how to help you improve your cardiovascular fitness from walking. Hundreds of people have trained with us - some for marathons and some for fitness, and many of them return for more great work-outs, coaching, motivation, inspiration, and innovative programming. All of our coaches are certified fitness professionals.

Will I have to wiggle my hips and walk like a duck?

Are you thinking of those amazing race walking athletes? Race walking is an extreme gait not suitable for everyone. We help you find a technique that works for your body mechanics, sometimes using race walking principles including hip rotation. Most importantly, you feel comfortable and you get a workout.

How does a WoW "class" work?

All classes in our Walk Your Butt Off Fitness (WYBO:F) stream are 60 minutes long. All classes in our Walk Your Butt Off High Performance stream are 90 minutes long. We walk outside in all weather, although we have been known to cancel if driving is unsafe or there is a smog/heat alert that makes heavy physical exertion unhealthy - this is about quality of life! Group numbers are kept small allowing everyone to benefit from personalized coaching. No one is left to walk on their own – ever. We accommodate walkers of all speeds.

What class should I be in?

If it has been a long time since you have exercised formally, we recommend taking a class in the WYBO:F stream. The introductory session will help you develop the exercise habit since we meet 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The goal is teach you how to get a workout from walking and to inspire and educate you to make healthy lifestyle choices. The WYBO:HP stream is for you, even if you have never exercised before, if you are looking for a challenging program in which many of the participants will have race goals including 5k and 10k races, half marathons and marathons.

How do I find a class on the website?

Click on Classes on the top left of the website. Class names are listed across the top.  Choose the class in which you want to register, then go to the location most convenient for you. If there are classes being conducted at that location, you will see them listed. (Don’t be confused when the page automatically opens to a location – it does that by default. Click on the location that interests you.)

I want to get started power walking now, but there are no classes available where I live or at a time that is convenient, what are my options?

We offer personal coaching on walking technique and we will give 2-3 hour workshops for groups of 2 or more wherever and whenever works for you or your group.  Remote coaching is also a possibility – click on the link at the bottom of the page titled Remote Coaching.

How can I register and pay?

Once you have decided which course suits you, click on the Order Now button. That class will be added to your shopping cart. If that course is all you want to order, click on the shopping cart icon on the top of the website. You will be taken to the WoW Store where you can Proceed to Check Out. After you proceed to check out you will need to fill in your billing information.  Upon completion, you have the option of paying online or sending the order directly to the WoW Power Walking office.  Your online order is processed directly through the Moneris secure website. If you register online, we never even know your credit card number. If you choose to pay us directly, we will contact you with details for paying by cheque or cash.

What can I do if a class is canceled or I have to miss a class?

Our goal is to help you get fit from your walking.  That won’t happen if you can’t make it to class! So, we hope you will make up at another class within the time frame of the session for which you have registered. (Sorry make-up classes cannot be carried into the next session) If we cancel class, we do our best to add an additional class. This may not always be possible depending on scheduling of subsequent sessions.  If that is the case, participants are welcome to make up that cancelled class at another time or location.

Does WoW Power Walking offer refunds?

Yes, we do!  We are happy to offer a FULL refund within 7 days after the first class, if you are not happy. We offer 50% refund within 7 days after the second class.  No refunds can be offered after that time.