Exerstriding is a relatively new activity in Canada that entails walking with Nordic poles, which resemble cross-country ski poles.

You may be slightly hesitant to use these poles while walking in fear of standing out; however, Nordic poles are catching on in Canada, and there will likely be Nordic walking groups popping up all over the country.

Using Nordic poles while walking has many health benefits that you won't get with regular walking. Studies have shown that Nordic walking increases your heart rate and burns up to 46 per cent more calories than walking alone. Exerstriding is a whole body workout that uses 90 per cent of the muscles in your body. However, this activity is gentler on the joints than many other forms of cardiovascular exercise and won't leave you sweating profusely or gasping for air. Exerstriding engages the core muscles while walking, and studies boast an average of 1,800 abdominal contractions with each mile of walking.

Nordic walking poles are extremely easy to use. Simply grasp the handles lightly so that your arms hang comfortably at your sides. Let the tips of the poles gently rest on the ground behind you, then begin to walk as you normally would while dragging the Nordic poles behind you. Your arms and legs should alternate naturally with each pace, as they would with ordinary walking.

To get all the benefits of Nordic walking, swing your arms a little higher in front of you without locking your elbows, as if extending your arm to shake someone's hand. You will then feel the tip of each pole catching on the ground behind you.

To effectively engage your trunk muscles, more firmly press the edge of your hand onto the base of the handle. Keep your arm slightly bent at the elbow and let the motion come from the shoulder. Try to maintain as normal a stride as possible, and make sure the movement is fluid and natural. The technique is simple to learn and does not take much time to perfect, but if you feel like you need a bit more instruction, you can locate a class online to help with your technique.

Urban Poling makes a particularly advanced and high-quality type of walking pole. The handles on these Nordic poles are comfortable and ergonomically designed; they absorb shock and vibration and serve to target major core muscles. They can be adjusted for each person's proportions and are designed to fit users ranging in height from 4-2 to 6-2.

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer. See www.karpfitness.com.