Cessnock Heartbeats Walking Group is a sports club located in Cessnock, Australia. This walking group aims to bring people together in the community to promote a healthy heart through regular walking.
Walking for an average of 30 minutes a day has been proven to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. It also helps manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol, reduces the risk of developing some cancers, and improves bone density, balance, and coordination.
Cessnock Heartbeats is open to everyone who is interested in improving their health and fitness through walking. The club offers a supportive and structured walking programme that complements the care provided by healthcare professionals. Whether individuals prefer to walk alone or in a group, Cessnock Heartbeats provides a motivational programme to help meet national physical activity guidelines.
The club has over 600 walking groups nationwide, giving members the opportunity to connect with other walkers. Members can easily search for a walking group near them within a 10 km to 100 km radius by entering their suburb, town, or postcode. Once registered for a group, individuals will receive all the necessary information from the Walk Organiser to get started.
For healthcare professionals, Cessnock Heartbeats encourages them to refer their patients to the walking programme as a complementary form of care. The programme aims to improve patients' physical and mental health by making walking a part of their daily routine.
Members of Cessnock Heartbeats have experienced remarkable health improvements through walking. Maria, a dedicated group walker, shared her inspiring story of how walking helped her overcome diabetes and blood pressure issues. She started with 5,000 steps a day and eventually increased to 15,000 steps, resulting in improved overall health.
To join the walking community and stay connected, individuals can join Cessnock Heartbeats' Facebook group. The club is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and provides an opportunity for members to be recognised for their dedication to walking through the Walker Recognition Scheme.
For those interested in making a positive impact in their community, Cessnock Heartbeats also encourages individuals to become Walk Organisers. These volunteers play a vital role in planning walking routes, setting meeting times and locations, and welcoming new members to the walking groups. The club provides training and access to an online profile for Walk Organisers to facilitate their role.
Cessnock Heartbeats Walking Group is committed to promoting a healthier heart and better overall well-being through walking. It provides a supportive community for individuals looking to improve their health and fitness, as well as opportunities for healthcare professionals to complement their care. Joining Cessnock Heartbeats allows members to take a step towards a healthier heart and a more active lifestyle.