HFW Vic Walking Group is a sports club located in Melbourne, dedicated to promoting and supporting walking as a form of exercise for better heart health. The club is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and aims to build connexions within the community while encouraging members to walk towards a healthier heart together.
Walking is often referred to as the wonder drug, as it has been proven to 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, reduce the risk of certain cancers, maintain bone density, improve balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.
The club offers a free Personal Walking Plan, which allows individuals to feel healthier and happier in just six weeks. The plan is designed to help participants meet the national physical activity guidelines and can be customised according to their personal goals and preferences.
Healthcare professionals can also refer their patients to the HFW Vic Walking Group's structured and supportive walking programme. This programme complements the care provided by healthcare professionals and offers a motivational environment for patients, whether they prefer to walk alone or in a group.
The success stories of club members, such as Maria, highlight the positive impact walking can have on both mental and physical health. Through her commitment to walking, Maria was able to overcome obesity, diabetes, and blood pressure problems, and significantly improve her overall well-being.
Getting started with HFW Vic Walking Group is easy. Interested individuals can join the club's Facebook group and connect with other members of the walking community. In addition, they can search for a walking group within a certain radius of their location and register for a group that suits their preferences. The club provides all the necessary information to get started and encourages new members to meet their group and start walking towards a healthier heart.
For those who are passionate about walking and want to make a difference, HFW Vic Walking Group offers an opportunity to become a Volunteer Walk Organiser. Walk Organisers are essential to the programme's success and are responsible for planning walking routes, determining meeting places, and welcoming new members. They receive training, access to an online profile for group management, and ongoing communication from the club. Additionally, Volunteer Walk Organisers are recognised and rewarded for their efforts through the Walker Recognition Scheme.
To join HFW Vic Walking Group or start a walking group of your own, all you need to do is be over the age of 18 and have a friendly, enthusiastic, and welcoming attitude. By becoming a part of this vibrant walking community, you can contribute to improving heart health and overall well-being while connecting with like-minded individuals in your community.