Nordic walking, a less known sport to Chinese, has only come into bud in the oriental country, with as many as 5,000 fans going into it within three years' time.

 

"In Europe and North America, about seven million people from 30 countries have been doing the sport," International Nordic Walking Association (INWA) chairman Aki Karihtala told Xinua News Agency in the Earth Temple, Beijing on Wednesday.

 

"Nordic walking is safe, easy and aerobic. Scientific researches have confirmed that the sport can help prevent and cure heart diseases, and it also does good to arthroses," added Karihtala, who is attending the Nordic Walking training sessions in China.

 

Nordic walking, which took its origin from the skiing sports in the remote and icy Finland, is one of the most rapidly spread aerobic exercises. With two sticks in hands, the sport can involve all limbs in action, and consequently increase the intensity of exercise.

 

While climbing mountains, it can reduce the pressure under the arthroses, so it's especially suitable to the elder.

 

"In Europe and North America, people with the sport are mostly above 30 years old. In China, people have a good habit of morning exercise, I believe Nordic walking can prevail among the elder quickly." said Yao Xinxin, the director of the Nordic Walking Promotion Center, which is affiliated to the Institute of the Sports Science and Research of the State Sports General Administration of China.

 

"The sport is now only promoting in Beijing. We have sent qualifier trainers to parks around Beijing regularly to teach those interested people for free.

 

"And if we succeed in Beijing, we will bring the sport to more cities like Shanghai and Xi'an."

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 29, 2006)