The Stockland Shellharbour Walking Group is a sports club located in Wollongong, Australia. The club aims to promote physical activity and a healthier lifestyle through walking. With a focus on building connexions within the community, the club invites individuals to join and walk towards a healthier heart together.
Walking for an average of 30 minutes a day has been proven to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. Additionally, regular walking can help manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol, reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, maintain bone density, improve balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to refer their patients to the club's structured and supportive walking programme, which complements their care. Whether patients prefer to walk alone or in a group, the programme is designed to help them meet the national physical activity guidelines. This motivational programme has proven to have a positive impact on overall mental and physical health.
The club boasts a strong community of walkers, with over 600 walking groups nationwide. Individuals can easily search for a walking group within a 10 km, 20 km, 25 km, 50 km, or 100 km radius of their area. Getting started is simple – individuals can search for a walking group near them, register for the group, and contact the Walk Organiser for more information.
For those who want to take on a leadership role, they can become a Walk Organiser and plan their group's walking routes, meeting places, and schedules. Walk Organisers are the lifeblood of the programme and play a vital role in welcoming new members to the group.
The club also offers a Walker Recognition Scheme, where participants can be rewarded for their commitment to walking. Joining the scheme allows individuals to be recognised for the positive impact they are making on their physical and mental health.
Those interested in starting their own walking group can also receive support from the club. As a Walk Organiser, individuals will receive training and access to an online profile where they can manage their group's information and activities.
Overall, the Stockland Shellharbour Walking Group provides a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals looking to improve their health and well-being through walking. By joining the club, members can enjoy the benefits of regular walking while making connexions within their community.