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Nordic walking, which was developed as a sport in Finland in 1997, originated from cross-country skiers who used it to keep fit in the summer months.

The Finnish are even known to walk to work using their Nordic walking poles.

By 2001, it was estimated more than 12 per cent of the Finnish population were regularly Nordic walking.

But you don't have to live in a mountainous country to benefit. Nordic walking has moved across the continent to these shores and is now beginning to get a following in the UK.

Stride along the Downs with your poles taking in the spring scenery as you go or even try a Nordic walk along the seafront.

By pushing off with a pair of specially-designed walking poles, you will work your muscles - including those in your upper body - get your heart pumping and burn more energy than normal walking. But because the effort is spread throughout the body it feels easier and less tiring.

Raija Kuisma, Nordic walking instructor and senior lecturer at the School Of Health Professions at the University Of Brighton, says: "It is an exercise where you can get the training aspect without feeling you are pushing yourself too much.

"It makes you work hard without actually noticing it."

Wai Ming Loh, an instructor and student who has been writing his Masters dissertation on the effects of Nordic walking on older people, was given his first taste of Nordic walking during the London rush hour.

"You can work as hard as you want to," he says.

"No matter how fit you are, you can get benefits from it.

"It can also be quite sociable as you can walk with another person or a group of people."

Benefits

• Burns at least 20 per cent more calories than normal walking while going at the same speed
• Increases your aerobic fitness and endurance
• Use muscles and movements you don't normally use when walking because you tend to take longer steps
• Works your whole body, including your upper body. As well as leg muscles, it works arms, shoulders, upper back muscles and trunk muscles
• Can help ease back pain by encouraging you to rotate the spine more which strengthens the spinal discs
• Can reduce neck and shoulder tension through the use of the poles
• Can help reduce symptoms of repetitive strain injury (RSI) through squeezing and releasing the grip of the pole
• Reduces the load on your knees
• Strengthens bones and so can help fight the effects of osteoporosis
• Can be sociable if you do it in pairs or groups. Everyone can walk at the same speed but work harder by using arms more
• Suitable for older people with the support of the sticks.
• Training tips Raija and Wai suggest these tips:
• Take a session with an instructor if you haven't tried it before. If you get into the wrong habits, the benefits could be lost
• Start with a warm-up. Aim for about half an hour of Nordic walking at a moderate intensity pace and finish by cooling down with some stretches
• Aim to walk three to four times a week, half an hour at a time
• Increase the intensity by walking further, faster, using your arms more and going up hill
• The talk test is a good indication that you are walking at a speed you can manage. You should be able to hold a comfortable conversation while you are walking
• Keep hydrated. Take some water with you and, like any exercise, wait for two hours after eating a heavy meal before you go out on a walk.
• Where to walk
• Brighton and Hove seafront - a flat area which would be a good place to start if you're new to exercise
• South Downs - head up to Devil's Dyke or Ditchling Beacon and walk along the ridge
• Preston Park - a big open space with terrain which isn't too challenging for beginners. Try your nearest park if you don't want to venture too far from home on your first go
• Stanmer Park - grassy areas and hard pathways as well as wooded areas if you fancy a bit of a challenge
• Friston Forest, near Seaford - includes some hills marked paths in woodland which look beautiful in spring
• Cuckmere Haven, near Seaford - a flat area with grass and hard paths.
• Nordic walking holidays: If you fancy an active holiday Nordic walking try these companies: Nordic Walking Holidays. Call 01638 742003 or log on to www.nordic-walkingholidays.com (holidays in the UK, France, Switzerland and Austria) Get Set Go To Fitness, call 01263 740738 or log on to www.getsetgotofitness.co.uk(Nordic walking holidays at the training facility in Blakeney, Norfolk).

Inntravel, call 01653 617722 or log on to www.inntravel.co.uk (holidays in Kandersteg, Switzerland) Champneys, Forest Mere, Hamshire, call 08703 300 300 or log on to www.champneys.com (offers a two-night break from July 6 to 8, which includes three Nordic walking sessions in the surrounding countryside).

For more information including finding a class or instructor near you contact Nordic Walking UK. Log on to www.nordicwalking.co.uk, email info@nordicwalking.co.uk or call 020 8211 3512 or write to Nordic Health Ltd, PO Box 49009, London, N11 1YX.