Sheactive, the women's active wear retailer on North Street, Brighton, and local outfit, Nordic Walking for Health (NWfH), are offering introductory taster sessions at a cost of £15 per person, including Exel Nordic Walker pole hire, on one Tuesday evening each month from now until August.

Instruction is being provided by NWfH, which is also offering full Nordic walking courses to attendees at a special discount. There will be a quiz on the night to win a £25 gift voucher from NWfH.

The full course involves at least another three sessions, depending on individual need and ability.

Since its conception as a fitness technique in Finland nine years ago, Nordic walking has exploded across Europe, with an estimated seven million regular participants today.

Nordic walking uses more muscles than running and swimming, which means more calories burned. With up to 90 per cent of skeletal muscles involved, only cross-country skiing comes close to Nordic walking as being the most complete total body workout - and you don't need snow.

With a technique reminiscent of the upper body workout of cross-country skiing and the use of specifically designed poles, you burn up to 46 per cent more calories than normal walking and strengthen your back, chest, shoulders and arms.

In fact, hitting your daily target of 10,000 steps will have you doing 10,000 triceps extensions in a single workout - great for the back of your arms, and great for releasing neck and shoulder tension.

Repeatedly, studies show that, with the Exel poles pushing you forward, you walk faster and burn more calories, even though most Nordic walkers claim it feels even easier and more comfortable than normal walking at the same speed.

So, come along to the sheactive store on North Street at 6pm tomorrow for a brief, verbal introduction to Nordic walking and to be fitted for poles before setting off along the promenade by 6.30pm, returning by 8pm.

You will need to book a place in advance and complete a health questionnaire before taking part.

It is best to wear comfortable trainers or walking shoes and layers of clothing and to bring water with you.

Sheactive and NWfH are also launching the first club for Nordic walking in Brighton and Hove. The club will be for competent Nordic walkers interested in exercising in a group. It will be launched in late spring or early summer.

To book for tomorrow (or one of the next sessions on May 22 and June 19), call Peter Williamson of NWfH on 07813 524587 or email peter@nordicwalkingforhealth.co.uk.

For more about Nordic walking, visit www.nordicwalkingforhealth.co.uk.