Nordic walking course on tap

The Hudson resident and fitness promoter is organizing a Nordic (or pole) walking course next month on a trail at Morgan Arboretum in Ste. Anne de Bellevue. She hopes to convince people to try

this unique sport, initiated in Finland decades ago.

“It was founded by cross-country skiers who wanted to train in the summer,”

she said.

This sport, which has people move about with poles, reduces stress on joints and limbs but offers a better workout than regular walking, Burdon said.

“You use 90 per cent of your muscles (in Nordic walking),” she said. “It reduces stress in joints since the poles offer support.

“It’s a miracle exercise, I find,” she added.

Burdon, who has previously offered the course off-island, said she was delighted that officials at the arboretum were open to holding her event there.

“It’s such a heritage place,” she said.

Last month, arboretum staff helped clear and widen paths to be used for the course.

Participants are advised to buy ‘trail’ running shoes and poles specifically designed for the sport that have special straps.

“You can’t just use ski poles, there’s too much stress,” Burdon said.

Burdon’s four-hour course will be held Oct. 6, starting at 9 a.m. The registration deadline is Sept. 29. For more information, call 450-458-2531.