Heysen Hikers Walking Group is a sports club located in Victor Harbour – Goolwa, South Australia. This walking group is part of the Heart Foundation's walking programme and aims to build connexions within the community while promoting a healthier heart through regular walking.
The club encourages individuals to join their walking community and offers various benefits to participants. By walking for an average of 30 minutes a day, members can lower their risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. Walking regularly also helps manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of developing certain cancers, maintains bone density, improves balance and coordination, and reduces the risk of falls and other injuries.
Heysen Hikers Walking Group offers a structured and supportive walking programme that complements the care provided by healthcare professionals. They encourage healthcare professionals to refer their patients to their programme, which includes both individual and group walking options. The programme helps individuals meet the national physical activity guidelines and provides motivation and support along the way.
The success stories from club members showcase the positive impact that walking can have on overall mental and physical health. One member, Maria, shared her experience of walking away from diabetes and blood pressure problems after consistently walking and gradually increasing her daily steps. Her story highlights how simple exercise, such as walking, can have a transformative effect on health outcomes.
Joining Heysen Hikers Walking Group is easy. Individuals can search for a walking group near them by entering their town, suburb, or postcode on the website. Once a group is found, they can register and connect with the Walk Organiser, who will provide all the necessary information to get started. Every step taken with the group is a step towards a healthier heart.
For those passionate about walking and promoting a healthy lifestyle, Heysen Hikers Walking Group offers the opportunity to become a Walk Organiser. Walk Organisers play a vital role in planning walking routes, choosing meeting places and times, and welcoming new members to the group. The club provides training, an online profile to manage the group, ongoing communications, and invites to events and workshops as a thank you for volunteering.
To be recognised for their efforts, members can join the Walker Recognition Scheme and receive rewards for their dedication to walking and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Overall, Heysen Hikers Walking Group is a supportive and inclusive sports club that promotes walking as a way to improve heart health and overall well-being. By joining this walking community, individuals can connect with like-minded individuals, enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity, and contribute to a healthier community.