Hunter River Walkers

Hunter River Walkers is a welcoming and friendly sports club located in Maitland, Australia. As a walking group, they aim to build connexions within the community while promoting a healthier heart and overall well-being. The club is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and encourages individuals to join their walking community.

Walking is considered a wonder drug that has numerous benefits for the body. By walking for an average of 30 minutes a day, individuals can reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. Additionally, regular walking can help manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. It also reduces the risk of developing certain cancers, maintains bone density, improves balance and coordination, and reduces the risk of falls and injuries.

Hunter River Walkers welcomes healthcare professionals to refer their patients to their structured and supportive walking programme. Whether patients prefer to walk alone or in a group, the club's motivational programme aligns with the national physical activity guidelines and complements the care provided by healthcare professionals.

One member of the club, Maria, shared her inspiring story of how she “walked away from a killer. ” After being overweight for over 40 years and experiencing diabetes and blood pressure problems, Maria started walking up to 5,000 steps a day. Through dedication and consistency, her daily step count increased to 15,000, and she was officially no longer diabetic with no blood pressure issues. Maria's experience demonstrates the positive impact that walking can have on overall mental and physical health.

Joining Hunter River Walkers is easy and can be done by joining their Facebook group. The club has over 600 walking groups nationwide, allowing individuals to search for a group within a specific radius of their location. Once registered, individuals can easily contact their Walk Organiser, who will provide all the necessary information to get started. Every step taken with the club is a step towards preventing heart disease.

For those interested in making a greater impact within the community, Hunter River Walkers encourages individuals to become Volunteer Walk Organisers. As a Walk Organiser, individuals will plan the walking routes, decide on meeting times and locations, and welcome new members to the group. Training and support are provided, and Walk Organisers are recognised for their efforts through the Walker Recognition Scheme.

Hunter River Walkers is a fantastic sports club that promotes community connexions and improved heart health through walking. They provide a supportive environment for individuals of all ages to come together, lead a healthier lifestyle, and prevent heart diseases. Join the club today and start walking towards a healthier heart.