Brookside Walking Group is the Heart Foundation's first and largest shopping centre walking group located at Brookside Shopping Centre in Brisbane. It serves as a common meeting place for individuals to connect with friends while taking care of their health. The group is organised by Grietje, who is responsible for coordinating the walks and ensuring a positive experience for all participants.
The group meets three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6:45 am. The walks have a medium pace and usually last between 45 to 60 minutes. With a total of 203 members, the Brookside Walking Group provides a friendly and casual environment for individuals of all fitness levels. Participants have the opportunity to walk and engage in conversations with each other, promoting not only physical health but also social connexions.
The meeting point for the group is at the customer service desk of Brookside Shopping Centre, located on Osborne Road in Mitchelton. The location is easily accessible and provides a convenient starting point for the walks. It is worth noting that the walking group is pram and wheelchair friendly, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all individuals.
As a dog-friendly walking group, participants are welcome to bring their furry friends along. However, it is important to respect the guidelines and ensure the safety and comfort of all members and their pets.
Brookside Walking Group is part of a larger network of walking groups in the Brisbane area. Nearby walking groups include Alderley-Enoggera Willmington Park Walkers Walking Group in Alderley and Everton Park Walkers Walking Group in Everton Park. This gives participants the opportunity to explore different walking routes and connect with a wider community of walkers.
Joining the Brookside Walking Group or any other Heart Foundation walking group offers numerous benefits. 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. It also helps manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol, reduces the risk of some cancers, and improves bone density and balance.
The Heart Foundation, which supports the walking group, also provides additional resources and services. Individuals can access free Personal Walking Plans to help them achieve their health goals and feel healthier and happier in just six weeks. Healthcare professionals can refer patients to the structured and supportive walking programme to complement their care.
Testimonials from members of the Brookside Walking Group, such as Maria, highlight the positive impact of walking on overall mental and physical health. Maria was able to overcome weight, diabetes, and blood pressure issues through regular walking. It is a testament to the effectiveness of this simple form of exercise in improving well-being.
For those interested in joining the Brookside Walking Group or learning more about the benefits of walking, the group has a Facebook group where individuals can connect with the walking community and stay updated on upcoming walks and events.
The Brookside Walking Group is proud to be supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia. The foundation acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land, showing respect to elders past, present, and future, and recognising the importance of culture, country, and community in promoting health and well-being.