The Murray March Walking Group is a vibrant sports club located in Swan Hill Rural City. As an active community, the club aims to promote a healthier heart and improve overall well-being through the joy of walking.
The club is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia, and they acknowledge and respect the Traditional Owners and custodians of the country they operate in.
One of the main features of the Murray March Walking Group is their free Personal Walking Plans, which help individuals feel healthier and happier in just six weeks. These plans are tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each participant, encouraging them to incorporate walking into their daily routine.
The club values the power of building connexions within the community. By joining a walking group, members are not only improving their heart health but also fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie as they walk towards a healthier future together.
Walking has been referred to as the “wonder drug” due to its numerous health benefits. Just 30 minutes of walking a day can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. Additionally, it helps manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Walking regularly also plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
It improves balance and coordination, lowering the chance of falls and other injuries.
The Murray March Walking Group also collaborates with healthcare professionals, complementing the care they provide to patients. They offer a structured and supportive walking programme that aims to help individuals meet the national physical activity guidelines. Whether participants prefer walking alone or in a group, the motivational programme assists them in staying active and achieving their physical milestones.
The success stories of the club are inspiring as well. Maria, a dedicated group walker, shares how she walked away from the health issues that plagued her for years. Through perseverance and starting with 5,000 steps a day, she eventually reached 15,000 steps and reversed her diabetes and blood pressure problems. Maria's experience emphasises the transformative impact that walking can have on both physical and mental health.
To join the walking community and stay updated on club activities, the Murray March Walking Group invites individuals to join their Facebook group. They provide a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share experiences, and motivate one another towards achieving their health goals.
Getting started with the Murray March Walking Group is simple. Interested individuals can search for a walking group near their location using the provided search feature on their website. They can narrow down their search within a radius of 10 km, 20 km, 25 km, 50 km, or 100 km. Once individuals find a suitable group, they can register and connect with the designated Walk Organiser, who will provide them with all the necessary information to get started.
The club also encourages members to take on the role of a Walk Organiser. These volunteers play a vital role in organising and leading walking groups. Walk Organisers plan the routes and meeting places for walks, determine the time and day of the walks, and welcome new members into the group. As a thank you for their dedication, Walk Organisers receive training, access to an online profile for managing their group, ongoing communications, and invitations to events and workshops.
Lastly, the Murray March Walking Group offers a Walker Recognition Scheme to acknowledge and reward individuals for their commitment to walking and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Overall, the Murray March Walking Group is an inclusive and proactive sports club dedicated to improving heart health and well-being through walking. It not only offers a platform for individuals to connect and support one another but also provides valuable resources and programmes to aid and motivate participants in their health journey.