Kanahooka Walkers is a sports club located in Wollongong, Australia. The club is dedicated to promoting and encouraging walking as a form of exercise and social activity. With a membership of 28 individuals, Kanahooka Walkers provides a medium-paced walking experience with a duration of 30–45 minutes. The club organises walks on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 8:00 am on a weekly basis.
One of the standout features of Kanahooka Walkers is its dog-friendly and pram/wheelchair-friendly nature. This means that members can bring along their four-legged companions or choose to participate with their little ones in strollers or wheelchairs. The club's inclusive approach allows individuals of all abilities and circumstances to join and enjoy the benefits of walking.
The meeting point for the walks is the Koonawarra Bay car park on Lakeside Drive in Kanahooka. The picturesque location provides a beautiful backdrop for the walks, adding to the overall experience of the club members.
Kanahooka Walkers is affiliated with the National Heart Foundation of Australia, which supports and promotes the importance of physical activity for a healthy heart. As a proud supporter of the Heart Foundation, the club aligns itself with the foundation's goals and values.
In addition to the regular walks, Kanahooka Walkers also offers Personal Walking Plans. These plans aim to help individuals improve their health and happiness by incorporating walking into their daily routine. The six-week programme provides guidance and support to participants, allowing them to experience the positive impacts of walking on their overall well-being.
By joining Kanahooka Walkers, individuals not only have the opportunity to improve their physical health but also build connexions within the community. Walking together allows members to socialise and form friendships, creating a supportive and motivating environment for everyone involved.
The benefits of walking are numerous, as highlighted by the Heart Foundation. Regular walking can reduce 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 certain cancers, maintains bone density, improves balance and coordination, and reduces the risk of falls and injuries.
Testimonials from club members, like Maria, showcase the transformative impact of walking on their lives. Maria shares her personal journey of overcoming weight issues, diabetes, and blood pressure problems through walking. Her success story serves as inspiration for others looking to improve their health and well-being through regular exercise.
Kanahooka Walkers can be found on social media platforms like Facebook, where individuals can join the club's Facebook group and stay updated on upcoming walks and events. The club welcomes inquiries from healthcare professionals who may want to refer their patients to the walking programme as a complement to their care.
Overall, Kanahooka Walkers is a friendly and inclusive sports club that promotes the benefits of walking for a healthy heart and overall well-being. By joining the club, individuals can enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of walking while connecting with like-minded individuals in the Wollongong area.