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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Instructor Alfred Moses said he was skeptical about taking a Nordic walking course but soon realized the benefits of the northern European sport.

"You're using almost 90 per cent of your muscles when you do Nordic walking," Moses said. "You're using your upper body, your triceps and your back when you're doing it. You're giving your body a more complete workout."

Steven Nicoll, left, and Daniele Gregoire practise their Nordic walking techniques at the Thomas Simpson School field last weekend. - Andrew Livingstone/NNSL photo

Nordic walking was developed in Finland and became popular in the 1930s when cross-country skiers started to use poles during their summer training program.

Now, millions of people use Nordic walking as their form of exercise.

Shane Thompson said he first tried Nordic walking this past May in Norman Wells and enjoyed it immensely.

"It's totally different than walking. It's not strenuous," he said. "Walking is good but it doesn't give you the workout required."

Nordic walking allows people to be social while getting a good, complete workout at the same time, Thompson said.

"A normal walk that takes 40 minutes would take a lot less time doing it with Nordic walking," he said.

"If you're running you're not able to talk to people while you're doing it, so Nordic walking is a good way to be social.

"It's really an adventure."

In Nordic walking, the poles are adjusted so the elbow forms a 90-degree angle. Once you have found a solid walking rhythm, the poles are used to propel the body forward.

Moses said this form of physical training would be good for people looking to increase their fitness level as well people who might be competing in biathlon.

"Kids looking to increase their training, this will be a great way of doing it," he said.

First-time Nordic walker Bessie Norris agreed kids would benefit from this way of being active.

"This is a really excellent way of exercising," she said. "This is my first time out and I am really enjoying it."

Daniele Gregoire looks to promote fitness in town and said she is happy she learned Nordic walking at the training program offered by the Canadian Nordic Walking Association.

"I want to train other people to do it," she said. "I also wanted to discover something new."