"I love to walk, but oftentimes before I would have backaches and my knees hurt. Well, I can do this all day and it doesn't bother me at all," Maxine said.

It's Nordic walking or pole walking and it's growing in popularity as a whole body work-out by exercising the lower and upper body.

With normal walking you use about 70 percent of your muscle mass. With Nordic walking you use up to 90 percent.

"You're gonna burn more calories and see benefits faster by incorporating Nordic pole walking over walking," instructor Karen Iverson said. "You have better posture. You breathe better."

Iverson teaches Nordic walking and it does take some technique.

Maxine knows with proper technique, there are big benefits. She's lowered her blood pressure. Her doctor reduced her medication.

"It's the best investment I have ever made health wise," Maxine said.