St Martins Village Medical Centre Walking Group is a sports club located in Sydney, Australia. The walking group is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and aims to promote physical health and well-being through regular walking.
The walking group offers a range of benefits to its members. Through walking for an average of 30 minutes a day, participants can lower their risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. In addition to preventing these health issues, walking regularly can also help manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. It can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, maintain bone density, and improve balance and coordination, thus decreasing the risk of falls and injuries.
The walking group encourages community connexions and provides an opportunity for like-minded individuals to come together and walk towards a healthier heart. By joining the walking group, members can establish new friendships, support one another in achieving their fitness goals, and enjoy the benefits of group exercise.
Healthcare professionals are also welcomed to refer their patients to the structured and supportive walking programme offered by the walking group. This programme complements the care provided by healthcare professionals and helps patients meet the national physical activity guidelines. Whether patients prefer to walk alone or in a group, the programme aims to motivate and support individuals on their fitness journey.
Testimonials from members, such as Maria, highlight the positive impact that walking has had on their lives. Maria was able to overcome weight, diabetes, and blood pressure issues by gradually increasing her daily step count. Through dedication and persistence, she was able to improve her overall mental and physical health.
To join the walking community and stay connected, members are encouraged to join the Facebook Group. Additionally, the website provides resources for healthcare professionals, a donation option, frequently asked questions, and contact information.
Getting started with the walking group is easy. Interested individuals can search for a walking group within a specific radius of their town, suburb, or postcode on the website. Once a group is found, individuals can register and provide their details. Walk organisers will then provide all the necessary information to get started.
The walking group also encourages individuals to lead their own walks and become volunteer walk organisers.
Volunteer walk organisers play a crucial role in the walking group programme. They plan the group's walking routes and meeting places, determine the time and day of the walks, and welcome new members. As a thank you for their contribution, walk organisers receive ongoing communication, invitations to events and workshops, and a thank you gift upon signing up.
Overall, St Martins Village Medical Centre Walking Group offers a supportive and motivating environment for individuals to improve their physical and mental health through regular walking. By joining the walking group, members can experience the many benefits of walking, establish new connexions within their community, and work towards a healthier heart.