"Most of us know the monotony of the going to the gym," says Kristen Pratt of Capital Nordic Walking

"Months of pounding away on a treadmill, going precisely nowhere in pursuit of a slimmer waist, tighter abs or sleeker curves."

Kristen Pratt of Capital Nordic Walking is an occupational therapist and qualified fitness and Nordic walking instructor who points out that there is another way.

"There's no reason why fitness has to be confined within four grey walls when the whole world - especially our beautiful capital city - is your oyster," Kristen illustrates.

"Aussies of all ages and fitness levels, including people with health challenges, are finally starting to catch on to the fitness regime that has been keeping Scandinavian skiers trim since the 1930s, with more and more people taking to the great outdoors to try their hands - and arms and legs and back and abs - at Nordic walking."

www.capitalnordicwalking.com.au

Kristen also said "millions of people globally are enjoying terrific results from walking with fitness poles, including toning over 90 per cent of the muscles in the body - more than walking, running, cycling and swimming - an increased cardio-vascular workout, and higher calorie burn. It also significantly reduces the load and strain on ankle, knee, and hip joints, strengthens core, improves posture, and can ease back and neck pain".

Plus, "Research has repeatedly proven that the health benefits of Nordic Walking are significantly greater than regular walking, jogging, swimming and cycling."

We all know we should do more physical activity, but to develop good habits "It's well known that the secret to making any new change stick - such as moving more - is finding something that is convenient and that you enjoy."

Kristen points out that Nordic walking is a great option for many people who aren't so keen on gyms, don't enjoy or are unable to run or jog, or are not comfortable cycling or swimming.

She said that the beauty of Nordic walking is that it is affordable, fun, sociable, and can be done anywhere by anyone.

Best of all, it is low impact but highly effective as a total body exercise that is big on burn and easy on joints.