A NORDIC Walking course or residents who want to improve their fitness and enjoy the countryside at the same time are being launched in Great Dunmow.

Nordic Walking involves using poles to give the whole body a strenuous workout and is becoming ever more popular in Britain. More than 300,000 people have tried the sport since it was introduced from Scandinavia in 2004.

It exercises the upper body muscles as well as the legs in the same way as a cross-trainer at the gym, with the poles helping to propel the walker along. It’s a bit like the walking equivalent of mountain biking – because although the walker is working harder their fatigue factor is reduced due to the support they receive from the poles.

The Great Dunmow course starts on Thursday (July 11) and runs every Thursday for four weeks until and including until Thursday August 8.

Walkers should meet at the Dourdan Pavilion on The Causeway. The walks start at 9.30am and last until 10.30am.

The course is delivered by the Uttlesford District Council’s qualified Nordic walking instructor Paul Goddard. He said: “Nordic walking is an extremely effective form of exercise and the fastest-growing fitness activity in the world.

“Due to the use of ski poles the fitness benefits of Nordic walking are vastly elevated from normal brisk walking.

“The poles simultaneously support and propel you along, working your whole body, increasing your energy and helping you to tone up and lose weight.”

All the equipment required for the course is included in the £39 fee, which includes a free Uttlesford District Nordic Walking Card worth £20 and a £5 discount voucher for use at Nordic Walking UK.

Participants should feel confident about walking four miles or more, and should bring suitable footwear and clothing for walking in the countryside.

To book a place call UDC’s Customer Service Centre on 01799 510510 or e-mail uconnect@uttlesford.gov.uk. For information about Nordic Walkking, contact Mr Goddard on 01799 510585 or e-mail pgoddard@uttlesford.gov.uk