Heart Foundation Walking for Health (NSW) is a sports club in Sydney that promotes the benefits of walking for heart health. With the goal of helping individuals achieve a healthier and happier lifestyle, Heart Foundation Walking offers personalised walking plans, walking groups, and support for healthcare professionals.
One of the key features of Heart Foundation Walking is the Personal Walking Plan, which provides participants with a six-week programme designed to help them improve their health through walking. This plan is completely free and aims to help individuals feel healthier and happier within a short period of time.
Walking groups are also a core component of Heart Foundation Walking. These groups allow individuals to connect with their community and walk together towards a healthier heart. To join a walking group, individuals can search for ones within a certain radius of their location. Whether it's within 10 km, 20 km, 25 km, 50 km, or 100 km, participants have the opportunity to find a group that suits their needs and preferences.
The benefits of walking regularly are numerous. Walking for just 30 minutes a day can decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. Additionally, walking can help manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of certain cancers, maintain bone density, and improve balance and coordination. Heart Foundation Walking provides more information about these benefits on their website.
For healthcare professionals, Heart Foundation Walking offers a structured and supportive walking programme that can complement their care. Patients can choose to walk alone or join a group, and the programme has been developed to align with national physical activity guidelines. Healthcare professionals can refer their patients to this programme to enhance their treatment plans.
In addition to these offerings, Heart Foundation Walking features stories from individuals who have experienced the positive effects of walking. This includes the story of Maria, who was able to improve her overall health and manage her diabetes and blood pressure issues by gradually increasing her daily step count.
Heart Foundation Walking is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and has a strong presence on social media platforms. They offer a Facebook group where members can connect with others in the walking community and share their experiences.
To get started with Heart Foundation Walking, individuals can easily search for a walking group near them by entering their suburb, town, or postcode. Once they find a suitable group, they can register and contact the Walk Organiser for more information. Every step taken in a Heart Foundation Walk is a step towards preventing heart disease.
For those passionate about leading others in walking activities, Heart Foundation Walking provides the opportunity to become a Walk Organiser. As a Walk Organiser, individuals can plan routes, set meeting times, and welcome new members to their group.
Heart Foundation Walking also offers a Walker Recognition Scheme, which rewards participants for their dedication and commitment to walking. Those who join the scheme can receive recognition for their efforts, encouraging them to continue their walking journey.
Overall, Heart Foundation Walking for Health (NSW) is a sports club in Sydney that promotes the benefits of walking for heart health. With personalised walking plans, walking groups, and support for healthcare professionals, this club strives to help individuals improve their overall well-being and contribute to a healthier community.