The Over 50s Yerrabi Ponds Walking Group is a sports club located in Canberra, Australia. As part of the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the club aims to promote heart-healthy lifestyles and build connexions within the community.
The walking group is open to individuals aged 50 and above who are interested in improving their physical health and well-being through regular walking. The club encourages participants to join together and walk towards a healthier heart in a supportive and friendly environment.
Walking regularly has numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It also helps manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Additionally, walking can help maintain bone density, improve balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.
The club offers a structured and supportive walking programme that complements the care provided by healthcare professionals. Patients can choose to walk alone or join a group, and the programme is designed to help them meet the national physical activity guidelines. Healthcare professionals can refer their patients to the programme to enhance their treatment plans.
One of the walkers in the group, Maria, shares her success story of how regular walking has positively impacted her overall mental and physical health. She was able to reverse her diabetes and blood pressure problems by gradually increasing her daily steps.
To join the Over 50s Yerrabi Ponds Walking Group, individuals can join the club's Facebook group or search for a walking group nearby using their town, suburb, or postcode. Getting started is easy, as participants only need to register for their preferred group and contact the walk organiser for further details.
The club also encourages members to become volunteers by becoming Walk Organisers. These dedicated individuals plan and lead walking routes and meetings for their groups. Walk Organisers receive training, access to an online profile, ongoing communication, and invitations to events and workshops.
Joining the Walker Recognition Scheme allows participants to be recognised for their walking achievements. The scheme rewards individuals for their dedication and hard work in promoting a heart-healthy lifestyle.
The Over 50s Yerrabi Ponds Walking Group is part of the larger network of over 600 walking groups nationwide supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia. By joining the walking group, individuals can take steps towards improved physical and mental health while also contributing to a heart-healthy community.