Mount Pleasant Walking Group is a sports club located in The Barossa Council, dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle through walking. This group is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and aims to build connexions within the community while improving heart health.
Walking is considered the “wonder drug” when it comes to improving overall health. 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, reduce the risk of certain cancers, maintain bone density, improve balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
The Mount Pleasant Walking Group offers a supportive and structured walking programme for individuals who want to prioritise their health. Whether participants prefer to walk alone or in a group, the programme is designed to help them meet national physical activity guidelines. Healthcare professionals can also refer their patients to this programme to complement their care.
The success stories of group members, like Maria, highlight the positive impact that walking can have on both physical and mental health. Maria was able to improve her overall health by starting with just 5,000 steps a day and gradually increasing to 15,000 steps. As a result, she was able to reverse her diabetes and blood pressure problems.
Joining the Mount Pleasant Walking Group is easy and can be done through their Facebook group. Interested individuals can search for a walking group within a certain radius of their location and register for the group that suits their needs. Walk organisers play a vital role in the programme, planning walking routes, meeting times, and welcoming new members.
Participants in the Mount Pleasant Walking Group can also take part in the Walker Recognition Scheme, where they can be rewarded for their commitment and efforts. By becoming a Volunteer Walk Organiser, individuals can further contribute to the community by leading their own walking groups. The programme provides training, ongoing communication, and invites to events and workshops for Walk Organisers.
To join the Mount Pleasant Walking Group, individuals must be over the age of 18. By becoming a part of this walking community, members can improve their heart health, build connexions within the community, and enjoy the many benefits of regular physical activity.