Norseman Leif Eriksson spotted North America 500 years before Columbus — and unlike earlier sailors who had looked at the rocky terrain from the safety of their sailing vessels, he and his crew set foot on Baffin Island, Labrador, and Newfoundland, where they spent the winter.

Those Nordic walks through uncharted territory provided the adventurers with plenty of physical and mental stimulation, as well as tales to tell when they returned home to Greenland.

Nordic walking may be uncharted territory for you too. But fortunately, it's just as rewarding physically and mentally today, with none of the risks Eriksson faced.

If you want to increase the benefits of your 10,000 steps a day, get a hold of two Nordic walking poles. Holding the poles behind you as an extension of your arms, move them to match your foot stride. With every step, you apply force to the pole, propelling yourself forward and increasing workout intensity, with no added strain on your joints in your lower body.

You will:

• Activate 90% of your body's muscles and burn 46% more calories than regular walking

• Increase your aerobic activity by 25%

• Tone your arms, shoulders, and back muscles while you improve your core strength and posture

For people with Parkinson's, Nordic walking has been found to help with posture and balance, quality of gait, and quality of life.

So explore the benefits of Nordic walking as you stride out through your favorite park or discover new territory for your physical activity.