The Aboriginal Ladies Walking Group in Geraldton is a sports club that promotes health and fitness among women in the Aboriginal community. The group is supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and is dedicated to improving heart health through regular walking.
Walking regularly has been proven to have numerous health benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers. It also helps manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, as well as improves bone density, balance, and coordination. The Aboriginal Ladies Walking Group aims to harness these benefits by creating a supportive and inclusive environment for women to come together and walk towards a healthier heart.
The group welcomes women of all ages and fitness levels who are interested in improving their physical and mental well-being through walking. By joining the walking group, members have the opportunity to build connexions within the community, meet new people, and support each other in their fitness journey. The group also provides access to a Personal Walking Plan, which helps individuals set goals and tracks their progress over a six-week period.
The Aboriginal Ladies Walking Group is part of a larger network of over 600 walking groups nationwide, all supported by the National Heart Foundation. The group encourages healthcare professionals to refer patients to their structured and motivational walking programme as a complementary measure to their care. Whether individuals prefer to walk alone or in a group, the programme is designed to help them meet national physical activity guidelines.
For those interested in starting their own walking group, the Aboriginal Ladies Walking Group offers resources and support. Volunteer Walk Organisers are vital to the programme and are provided with training and access to an online profile to manage their group. They are also recognised and rewarded for their efforts through the Walker Recognition Scheme.
Overall, the Aboriginal Ladies Walking Group aims to create a community that emphasises health, well-being, and connexion among women in Geraldton. By coming together and walking regularly, members can take steps towards a healthier heart and improved quality of life.