In a nutshell - it feels like you are sort of flying along, since if you do it right, you should be propelling yourself forward, together with at least some upward lifting on every single step.

You not only walk faster than without poles, but during Nordic walking, you are able to feel your back muscles contracting and working, also your triceps, pectorals, abdominals, even the biceps get a workout to a surprisingly satisfying degree.

And since you are walking faster and really trying to stretch your stride, it is also patently obvious that your legs are getting a super workout, along with your butt. Yes! You can almost feel it getting tighter and smaller -:)

Although Nordic walking in itself is really not that strenuous an activity, the fact that you are truly exercising some 90 percent of your muscles all at the same time, means a considerably higher energy expenditure.

That of course is what we are looking for in order to burn calories and therefore lose weight - mostly excess body fat.

It also means, that AFTER a good, solid Nordic walk you can expect to feel quite a bit more tired than after a walk, power walk, a workout at a gym and even after a run. It is a good kind of fatigue - the kind that reminds you, that you have accomplished something today.

If you are not in a pretty good shape already, you should start you Nordic walking program slowly, just like any other exercise program and if in doubt about the state of your health, please consult a physician beforehand.

Let me also add that Nordic walking is without a doubt more fun to do than plain walking. You will see what I mean the first time you try it - right after you find your Nordic walking rhytm.

The total body movement, the need to concentrate at least to some degree on the proper technique - all contribute to make Nordic walking a very engrossing activity - one that most people are likely to continue. And that's what its all about!