Compass Lifestyle Walkers Group is a sports club located in Alexandrina Council, dedicated to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle through walking. With the support of the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the club aims to build connexions within the community and encourage individuals to walk towards a healthier heart together.
The club offers a range of walking groups within a 10 km, 20 km, 25 km, 50 km, and 100 km radius of Alexandrina Council. Members can easily search for a walking group in their desired location by typing in their town, suburb, or postcode. 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, cholesterol, and reduces the risk of developing certain cancers.
Compass Lifestyle Walkers Group welcomes both individuals and healthcare professionals to join their walking community. For healthcare professionals, the club offers a structured and supportive walking programme that complements their care for patients. The programme is designed to help patients meet national physical activity guidelines and can be customised for individuals who prefer walking alone or in a group.
Members of Compass Lifestyle Walkers Group have experienced remarkable improvements in their overall health and well-being through regular walking. One member, Maria, shares her success story of overcoming diabetes and blood pressure problems by gradually increasing her daily steps. She started with 5,000 steps a day and eventually reached 15,000 steps a day, becoming officially non-diabetic and no longer experiencing blood pressure issues. Maria emphasises the positive impact walking has on both mental and physical health.
Getting started with Compass Lifestyle Walkers Group is easy. Interested individuals can search for a walking group near them by specifying their suburb, town, or postcode. After registering, members will receive all the necessary information from their Walk Organiser, who plays a crucial role in planning walking routes, meeting times, and welcoming new members. Those who are passionate about promoting walking as a form of exercise can also lead a Heart Foundation Walk as a Walk Organiser.
Compass Lifestyle Walkers Group recognises the contributions and efforts of its members through the Walker Recognition Scheme. Members can be rewarded for their dedication to walking and improvement in their health. Additionally, volunteers have the opportunity to become Volunteer Walk Organisers and lead their own walking groups. As a Walk Organiser, they receive training, access to an online profile, ongoing communications, and invitations to events and workshops.
To join the Compass Lifestyle Walkers Group community, individuals must be over the age of 18 and possess a friendly and enthusiastic personality. By joining this club, members can foster connexions within their community, improve their overall health, and contribute to the fight against heart disease.