Walking has always been a great way to not just lose weight but also keep yourself fit and happy - both physically and mentally. It is a super easy, can-be-done-anywhere, low-cost, and even low-impact form of exercise that can help you achieve your fitness goals. However, there is a particular style of walking getting much attention – known as Nordic walking. According to health experts, it can help improve your heart health immensely.

Experts say those with cardiovascular disease can find a great deal of improvements in heart function when they indulge in Nordic walking for at least three months over other popular forms of exercise.

Nordic walking gets its name from one of the countries in the region – Finland, known across the world for skiing. This winter activity is part of the nation’s culture as the entire landscape remains snowed under for many months a year. But when it is not snowing, people indulge in Nordic walking came to be. Experts say it originated as out-of-season training for cross-country skiing.

In Nordic walking, you use the hand-held poles to help propel yourself forward - the same movement used by cross-country skiers.

According to doctors, Nordic walking improves your heart health in several ways, including:

Nordic style of walking uses more than 90 per cent of your muscles, compared to 50–70 per cent during regular walking. It also involves most of your upper body muscles, since you need to swing your arms a lot, shoulders, back, and core.

Since you are training like an athlete while indulging in Nordic walking, it helps increase your heart rate immensely, facilitating an easy pumping of blood.

According to studies, Nordic walking burns at least 50 per cent more calories than regular walking as it involves more body parts in rigorous motions.

According to experts, Nordic walking reduces stress on your knees compared to regular walking.

To get started with Nordic walking, you would need a set of trekking poles and a good walking route. Nordic walking can be done in a quiet, paved neighborhood or on rocky, hilly terrain - it’s not just for hikers on trails. Instead of ski poles, you can use normal, hard sticks which should be about two-thirds of your height.

When walking, make sure to maintain a proper posture by pushing your shoulders back, and keeping your head straight so your ribcage stays upright and open. Also, use the poles to strike the ground on either side of your feet as you walk, ensuring that they hit in the middle of your stride. The poles should be kept at such an angle that the grip does not loosen and you have better leverage to push off. This will help you to engage your upper body.

Repeat as you walk.

However, if you have coronary heart disease or any other heart problems, make sure to talk to your doctor before starting.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Fitness, Health and around the world.