Nordic walking is an 0 EFFECTIVE technique that uses poles to bring the upper body into more use and boost the calorie-burning effects of walking. It was 17 devised in Finland by elite cross-country skiers as a way to keep their fitness levels up during the summer.

At first 18 , Nordic walking may look like skiing without the skis – or the snow. But although, to the 19 eye, striding around the local park with a pair of poles may look a bit silly, it actually offers a serious 20 for people of all ages and abilities. You don’t 21 have to go faster to get more out of it – just put in more effort with the poles. The poles, which can be made from aluminium or carbon fibre, are specially designed to 22 the work done by the upper body. And because Nordic walking is also a weight-bearing exercise, it’s great for 23 bones and joints. But the best news is that because the effort is spread across the 24 of the body, Nordic walking can actually feel easier and less tiring than normal walking.