The Friendlies Podiatry Walking Group is a sports club located in Bundaberg, Australia. The club aims to promote the benefits of walking for improving overall health and wellbeing. It is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia.
The walking group offers Personal Walking Plans, which are six-week programmes designed to help individuals become healthier and happier through walking. These plans are available for free and provide a structured approach to incorporating walking into everyday life.
The main focus of the walking group is to build connexions within the community and encourage individuals to walk together towards a healthier heart. Joining a walking group has been proven to have numerous benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. Regular walking also helps manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of developing certain cancers, maintains bone density, and improves balance and coordination.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to refer their patients to the walking group's structured and supportive programme. Whether individuals prefer to walk alone or in a group, the motivational programme is designed to align with national physical activity guidelines and complement the care provided by healthcare professionals.
The walking group is supported by real-life success stories, such as Maria, a group walker who successfully managed her weight, diabetes, and blood pressure issues through walking. Maria's experience highlights the positive impact that walking can have on mental and physical health.
To join the walking community, individuals can join the group's Facebook group or search for a walking group within a specific radius of Bundaberg. Getting started is easy – simply search for a walking group near you, register for the group, and contact the Walk Organiser for more information on getting started.
For those interested in taking their involvement a step further, becoming a Walk Organiser is an option. Walk Organisers play a vital role in the programme by planning walking routes, determining meeting places and times, and welcoming new members to the group. Walk Organisers will also have the opportunity to join the Walker Recognition Scheme, which rewards individuals for their contribution to walking and community health.
The Friendlies Podiatry Walking Group is dedicated to helping individuals improve their physical and mental health through walking. With over 600 walking groups nationwide and a supportive community, the walking group provides an inclusive and accessible way to prioritise heart health and enjoy the benefits of walking.