The Burnie Brae Walking Group is a vibrant and active sports club located in Brisbane, Australia. As a part of the Heart Foundation Walking programme, the club aims to promote a healthier lifestyle and forge connexions within the community through the power of walking.
Walking is often referred to as the “wonder drug” as it offers numerous benefits to both physical and mental health. By walking for just 30 minutes a day, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Additionally, regular walking can help manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, decrease the likelihood of developing certain cancers, and improve bone density and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
The Burnie Brae Walking Group provides a supportive environment for individuals who are looking to incorporate walking into their lives. The club offers personal walking plans that can help participants feel healthier and happier over a six-week period. By creating structured and supportive walking programmes, the club complements the care provided by healthcare professionals and promotes adherence to national physical activity guidelines.
Real-life success stories, such as those of Maria, a group walker with the club, showcase the positive impact that walking can have on overall physical and mental health. Maria was able to overcome weight issues, diabetes, and blood pressure problems by gradually increasing her daily step count. Starting with just 5,000 steps a day, she eventually reached 15,000 steps a day and experienced tremendous improvements in her health.
To join the Burnie Brae Walking Group, individuals can visit the club's Facebook group and become a part of the vibrant walking community. The club also offers support for healthcare professionals who wish to refer their patients to the structured walking programme. By registering for a walking group near their location, participants can take the first step towards a healthier heart and a stronger community.
For those interested in becoming more involved, the club provides opportunities to become a Walk Organiser. Walk Organisers are essential to the success of the programme and play a crucial role in planning walking routes, determining meeting places and times, as well as welcoming new members to their group. In acknowledgement of their contributions, Walk Organisers are recognised through the Walker Recognition Scheme.
To start their own walking group, individuals can volunteer to become a Walk Organiser and receive training, access to an online profile for group management, and ongoing communication and event invitations from the club. Volunteer Walk Organisers must be friendly, over the age of 18, and passionate about promoting a healthy and active lifestyle within their community.
The Burnie Brae Walking Group, supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia, is dedicated to fostering a culture of walking and promoting the numerous health benefits associated with this simple yet effective form of exercise. By encouraging individuals to join the walking community, the club aims to make a positive impact on the overall health and wellbeing of Brisbane residents.