1 It's sociable and fun - chat as you go!

2 It's a whole body workout

 When Nordic Walking you use your legs, your arms, your shoulders, your tummy and your chest and back muscles. So many more muscles are involved! The poles are used to power you along, using your upper body equally as much as the lower body.

 3 Burn more calories

 As you use more muscles, you burn more calories - up to 450 calories per hour, much more than normal walking, which only burns approximately 280.

 4 Less effort!

 Although you are using more muscles and doing more exercise, the effort is spread across your whole body. Poles propel the walker along, making it easier to move faster than normal without feeling the effort.

 5 Improve your fitness longevity

It has been suggested that if a person takes up Nordic Walking in their 60's, they could extend their ability to continue walking by a good 10 years, paving the way towards a fit, healthy and fun retirement.

 6 Less stress on your joints

 The increased use of the upper body reduces the load on your knees and other joints, taking around one third of the pressure off joints such as hip, knee and ankle.

 7 Reduce back, neck and shoulder tension

 Loosens neck and shoulder area and overcomes the aches and pains many get from working at desks and computers.

 8 Improve your posture

 It's difficult to Nordic Walk properly with poor posture - stand up straight, shoulders back and you're off! 

 9 Boost your mood in the great outdoors!

 Experience the uplifting sense of wellbeing induced by being outside in the glorious scenery and fresh air.

 10 It's one of the fastest growing fitness activities!

 Many thousands of Europeans already love Nordic Walking - why not give it a go in 2011 and find out what all the fuss is about?