I picked up a pair of ski poles for less than five bucks at a thrift store and decided to give this a try. My usual daily walk on pavement is four or five miles, and I chose a six-mile loop over some hills, just to see how fit I REALLY am. And I do know how to get the rhythm of Nordic skiing down, as I used to own one of those cross-country machines.
So I started out at a brisk pace and, within a mile, I was sweaty and breathing hard, unusual for me with one of my "power" walks without the poles. I came up to a 14% grade hill that goes on for a half-mile and forced myself to keep the pace up. WOW!
By the time I finished the loop, I was drenched in sweat, red-faced, and feeling absolutely exhilarated with that endorphin high. I shaved nearly 19 minutes off my usual best time for that loop.
I'm hooked! I don't think you need to drop all that money on official "walking sticks," as ski poles accomplish the same result, and any big thrift store usually has dozens of pairs.
I got one hollered, "Hey, where's the SNOW???" from a passing car and, if they'd stopped to chat, I would have replied, "Damn forecasters can't ever get it right, can they?"
So, yeah, you look like a dork doing this unless you live in Sweden, but who cares?
Oh, and you will get the doggy grapevine going from house to house, as they all have to comment on that strange, four-legged creature huffing by, but no problem even if they're on the loose and come for you, as that nice, sharp metal pole end will serve as a defensive weapon if need be.
"Nordic walking" with my cheapo poles will DEFINITELY be my exercise of choice from now on. I can report, too, that my feet don't hurt and my back muscles don't ache like they usually do, as I was putting my weight on the sticks as I strode along, therefore giving me a "mini-lift" with every step.
Give it a try! (On a track if you're shy.)
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