Friends Walking Group

The Friends Walking Group is a sports club located in the Coonamble Shire Council area. This group is dedicated to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle through walking. The club aims to build connexions within the community while also improving heart health.

Joining the Friends Walking Group is a great way to stay active and maintain a healthy heart. Walking for just 30 minutes a day can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. In addition, regular walking can help manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. It also reduces the risk of developing certain cancers and maintains bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Walking improves balance and coordination, reducing the chance of falls and other injuries.

The Friends Walking Group offers a supportive and structured programme that aligns with national physical activity guidelines. Healthcare professionals can refer their patients to this programme, which complements their care. Whether participants prefer to walk alone or in a group, the motivational programme aims to help them reach their physical activity goals.

One of the success stories from the Friends Walking Group is Maria, a group walker who experienced significant health improvements through walking. After starting with just 5,000 steps a day, Maria gradually increased to 15,000 steps daily. As a result, she is no longer diabetic and has resolved her blood pressure issues. Maria emphasises how walking, as a simple form of exercise, can have a positive impact on overall mental and physical health.

Joining the Friends Walking Group is easy. Interested individuals can find a walking group within a specified radius of their location using the club's search tool on social media or club directories. Once a suitable group has been identified, individuals register for the group and provide basic information about themselves. The Walk Organiser, who leads the group, will then provide all the necessary details to get started.

Every step taken with the group brings participants closer to better heart health.

For those who are passionate about promoting active living and community engagement, becoming a Volunteer Walk Organiser is an excellent opportunity. As a Walk Organiser, individuals have the responsibility of planning walking routes and meeting locations, scheduling walks, and welcoming new members to the group. The Heart Foundation provides training and an online profile for managing the group. Walk Organisers also receive a thank you gift, regular communications, and invitations to events and workshops.

The Friends Walking Group encourages individuals over the age of 18 who are friendly and enthusiastic to join and lead a walking group. By doing so, they contribute to the betterment of their community's health and well-being. Joining the Walker Recognition Scheme offers additional rewards and recognition for participants who demonstrate dedication and commitment to walking and leading a healthy lifestyle.