London, Sept. 6: It originated in Finland as a less strenuous spin-off of skiing and has quickly been taken up in Germany, Switzerland and Australia. Now Britons are being urged to pick up two carbon poles ? similar to ski sticks ? and try their hands at Nordic walking.

The advantages are it is a more complete form of exercise than normal walking and is supported by doctors because it demands more effort. The disadvantage is in overcoming the “wally factor” as you stride out, pushing yourself along with the two sticks.

Nordic walking burns up 46 per cent more calories than normal walking.

Regular classes attract up to 3,000 people and in Staffordshire a designated “Nordic walking park” is being considered. Harrods announced last week it will begin to stock the necessary equipment.

A lecturer, Raija Kuisma, will publish Britain’s first research study into the subject before the end of the year.

She said: “Heart rate and energy consumption during Nordic walking is 25 per cent to 40 per cent higher than in ordinary walking, but at the same speed because the upper body is working as well.

“It is ideal for injured or older people who can’t usually exert themselves to a level necessary to ease joints and improve fitness.”

The procedure is silly-looking but simple and subtly unlike general hiking with the aid of poles. Two carbon-fibre sticks, which taper towards a point, are placed behind the body at a 45 degree angle, for propulsion. The poles, when operated, swing in opposition to their stride, with the idea of rotating desk-seized shoulders and straightening a compressed spine.

It is the answer to the modern immobility of the upper body, according to Martin Christie, the education director of Nordic Walking UK, which represents the International Nordic Walking Association in Britain.

“Even when we walk we do not swing our shoulders properly, and most of the time we are sitting at a desk,” he said.

“Only people who really run are rotating their spine in the way we need to. But Nordic walking is a bit easier while giving a total body workout.”

He claims it uses 90 per cent of the skeletal muscles, more than running and swimming, and that it burns up 46 per cent more calories than normal walking, at up to 450 calories an hour.