The Foreshore Walking Group in Geraldton is a vibrant and active sports club that offers a community-based walking programme to promote physical activity and improve heart health. The group is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia.
The walking group believes in the power of walking as a form of exercise to not only improve physical health but also bring people together and create a sense of community. They understand the numerous benefits of regular walking and aim to help individuals achieve a healthier heart and overall well-being.
Joining the Foreshore Walking Group is easy. Interested individuals can search for a walking group within a specific radius of their location using the provided search feature on the club's social media pages or club directories. After finding a suitable group, individuals can register and connect with the group's walk organiser who will provide all the necessary information to get started.
The walking group emphasises the importance of walking as a “wonder drug. ” Research has shown that walking for an average of 30 minutes a day can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. It also helps manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of certain cancers, maintains bone density, and improves balance and coordination.
Testimonials from group members, like Maria, highlight the transformative power of walking. Maria shares her personal success story of losing weight, reversing diabetes, and improving blood pressure by gradually increasing her daily step count through walking. Her experience demonstrates that even the simplest form of exercise can have a profound impact on mental and physical health.
The Foreshore Walking Group welcomes new members to its active and supportive walking community. By joining the group's Facebook group, individuals can connect with like-minded individuals, share their journeys, and receive motivation and support along the way. The walking group encourages members to set personal walking goals and tracks progress using their free Personal Walking Plans.
The Foreshore Walking Group offers an opportunity for healthcare professionals to refer their patients to a structured and supportive walking programme that complements their care. This motivational programme has been developed to help patients meet the national physical activity guidelines and improve their overall well-being.
For those who are passionate about promoting walking and community health, the Foreshore Walking Group also offers the opportunity to become a Volunteer Walk Organiser. These dedicated individuals plan and lead walking routes, arrange meeting places, and welcome new members to their group. Walk Organisers receive training and support from the Heart Foundation and enjoy various incentives, including invites to events and workshops.
Overall, the Foreshore Walking Group is a welcoming and inclusive sports club in Geraldton that believes in the power of walking to improve heart health, promote physical well-being, and build connexions within the community. Whether for personal goals or for professional care, individuals can join the group's active walking community and experience the numerous benefits of regular walking for themselves.