Gateway Dynamo’s Walking Group is a sports club located in Wangaratta, Australia. The walking group aims to build connexions within the community and promote a healthier heart through regular walking activities. They are proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and promote the benefits of walking for overall physical and mental health.
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 developing certain cancers, improves bone density, balance, and coordination, and reduces the risk of falls and other injuries.
Gateway Dynamo’s Walking Group offers a variety of walking plans to suit individual needs. They provide a free Personal Walking Plan that aims to improve health and happiness in just six weeks. Participants can also join one of the walking groups within a 10 km, 20 km, 25 km, 50 km, or 100 km radius of their location. The club encourages individuals to search for a walking group in their town, suburb, or postcode and provides information on how to get started.
Healthcare professionals can also refer their patients to the structured and supportive walking programme offered by the walking group. Whether the patients prefer to walk alone or in a group, the programme is designed to help them meet national physical activity guidelines and complements their overall care.
Gateway Dynamo’s Walking Group has witnessed success stories from its members. Maria, a group walker, shared her experience of walking away from health issues such as diabetes and blood pressure problems. After committing to a walking routine, she was able to significantly improve her health and overall well-being.
Joining the walking community is easy through their Facebook group. Participants can also register for a walking group near them by searching through suburb, town, or postcode. The club emphasises that every step taken is a step away from heart disease.
For those interested in leading a walk, the club offers opportunities to become a Walk Organiser. Walk Organisers plan their group’s walking routes and meeting places, schedule walks, and welcome new members. They also have access to training, an online profile to manage their group, and receive ongoing communications, event invitations, and thank you gifts.
Gateway Dynamo’s Walking Group aims to promote a healthier heart, create connexions within the community, and improve overall well-being through regular walking activities.