Strathfield St Annes Walking Group

Strathfield St Annes Walking Group is a sports club located in Sydney, Australia. With a total of 44 members, the club meets twice a week for group walks to Airey Park and back, weather permitting. The walks have a medium pace and typically last between 45 to 60 minutes.

The group welcomes walkers of all levels of experience and fitness. They ask participants to gather shortly before the start time, as they set off promptly and want to ensure no one is left behind. The walks are dog-friendly and pram/wheelchair friendly, making it accessible for all members of the community.

To join the walking group, interested individuals can contact the Walk Organiser, Jennifer, for further information. The group's regular meeting times are on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm and Saturdays at 8:00 am.

The meeting point for the walks is in the drive-through area in front of St Anne's Anglican Church. Once gathered, the group sets off promptly at the designated start time, weather permitting. The church is located at the corner of Homebush and Beresford Roads in Strathfield, 2135.

Strathfield St Annes Walking Group aims to build connexions within the community and promote a healthier heart together. They are proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and encourage members to participate in a free Personal Walking Plan, which promotes improved health and happiness in six weeks.

Walking regularly has numerous health benefits, including lowering 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 developing certain cancers, maintains bone density, and improves balance and coordination.

The group welcomes healthcare professionals to refer their patients to their structured and supportive walking programme, which complements their care. Whether patients prefer walking alone or in a group, the programme is designed to help them meet the national physical activity guidelines.

One member of the group, Maria, shared her success story, stating that through walking, she was able to overcome weight, diabetes, and blood pressure issues. Starting with just 5,000 steps a day, she gradually increased to 15,000 steps a day and is now no longer diabetic and has normalised her blood pressure. Maria emphasises the positive impact that simple exercise, like walking, can have on mental and physical health.

To stay connected with the walking community, individuals can join the group's Facebook group. For further information, FAQs, and donations, interested individuals can visit their website. The Strathfield St Annes Walking Group is proud to be supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and operates under their terms and conditions and privacy notice.