Morton Men’s Walkers is a sports club located in Melbourne, Australia. The club is exclusively for men and aims to promote fitness, health, and camaraderie through regular group walks.
Led by the experienced walk organiser, Laurie, the club meets every Tuesday at 10:00 am. The walks are held on a weekly basis and typically last between 60 to 75 minutes. The group consists of around 30 members who maintain a medium pace throughout the walk.
Unfortunately, the walks are not dog-friendly and not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. The meeting point for the walks is at the Taylors Hill Men's Shed, specifically at the Morton Homestead on Morton Bvld in Taylors Hill.
The club actively encourages individuals to join and participate in their walking groups to improve their overall health and wellbeing. 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. Additionally, walking regularly aids in managing weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. It also reduces the risk of developing cancers, maintains bone density, and improves balance and coordination.
Morton Men’s Walkers is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and offers free Personal Walking Plans to help participants feel healthier and happier in six weeks. They also provide the opportunity to build connexions in the community by joining a walking group within a 10 km, 20 km, 25 km, 50 km, or 100 km radius.
The club encourages healthcare professionals to refer their patients to their structured and supportive walking programme, which complements patient care and helps them meet national physical activity guidelines. The programme offers motivation and encouragement for patients who wish to walk alone or in a group.
Testimonial from Maria, a group walker, highlights the positive impact that walking has had on her life. She was able to overcome weight issues, diabetes, and blood pressure problems by gradually increasing her daily steps. Walking has proven to be a simple yet effective form of exercise that improves both mental and physical health.
To stay updated with the club's activities and connect with other members, interested individuals can join the Morton Men’s Walkers Facebook group. The club is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle and providing an inclusive and supportive environment for men to improve their overall wellbeing through walking.