| Walking is one of the best ways to lose weight. | | | | clothes you must have for any walking exercise |
| Of course it does have to be part of a weight | | | | you will need two poles. The poles enable you to |
| loss program which includes a healthy diet. But | | | | walk further and faster without extra effort |
| you need to exercise as well and walking is an | | | | There are a number of different types available |
| easy option. It has the advantage of being suitable | | | | with replaceable tips for use on various ground |
| for all ages and takes several forms depending on | | | | surfaces and even on pavements. |
| how much effort you want to put into losing | | | | The principal is that you keep the poles behind |
| weight. | | | | you and close to the body. As you take a step |
| Walking at an average pace of two or three miles | | | | make sure your opposite arm is waist high and |
| an hour is fine. But there are other ways of doing | | | | the pole is planted level with the rear of your |
| it which burn off more calories. | | | | foot. Then push the pole back, swinging it forward |
| Brisk Walking. This is moving up a level. You | | | | on the wrist strap for the next step. Do this each |
| should walk with your heel hitting the ground first | | | | side in turn as you walk. That may seem a little |
| and then using your whole foot before pushing | | | | complicated, but once you have seen it done and |
| off with the toes. Keep your hips still, loosen your | | | | tried it yourself you will find it easy. |
| shoulders. Walk with bent arms. This will exercise | | | | You need an hour's training to be able to do |
| your whole body and not just your legs as in | | | | Nordic pole walking properly and also some advice |
| slower walking. | | | | on choosing the right poles for your weight and |
| Power Walking. You can burn as many calories as | | | | height. This is not a problem as Nordic pole walking |
| jogging but it puts less strain on the joints. | | | | has become very popular and most towns in |
| Concentrate on really active arm movements. | | | | America or Europe have clubs which are always |
| Swing them back so that your hand is level with | | | | delighted to welcome new members. |
| your waist and then forward so that it is nearly | | | | So we have four different ways to exercise just |
| at shoulder level. Use the feet as in brisk walking. | | | | by walking. You can have a stroll in the park, a |
| Do this and you should be walking fast, but not | | | | brisk walk or a power walk round the block or an |
| getting so out of breath that you cannot hold a | | | | enjoyable day out Nordic pole walking with friends. |
| conversation. | | | | With the right clothes you can walk in all weathers |
| Nordic Pole Walking. A more specialist activity, but | | | | and at any time of year. An hour a day will keep |
| one that is well worth doing. Nordic pole walking | | | | you fit and help you lose weight, whatever your |
| was originally used by Scandinavian cross-country | | | | age. It has to be the easiest way there is to burn |
| skiers for summer training and is excellent | | | | off those extra pounds. |
| exercise. Together with the good boots and light | | | | |