Team Sunshine Walking Group

Energetic, and passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle. A strong believer in the benefits of walking and the importance of community. Willing to commit to organising and leading regular walks for the group.

Team Sunshine Walking Group is a sports club based in Brisbane, Australia, dedicated to promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle through walking. With the support of the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the club aims to build connexions within the community and help individuals walk towards a healthier heart together.

Walking is often referred to as the wonder drug, as it has numerous health benefits. Walking for an average of 30 minutes a day can lower 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 some cancers, maintains bone density, improves balance and coordination, and reduces the risk of falls and other injuries.

The club offers a range of walking groups within a 10 km, 20 km, 25 km, 50 km, or 100 km radius of Brisbane. Individuals can search for a group near their town, suburb, or postcode through the club's website. The walking groups provide a supportive and motivating environment for members to achieve their physical activity goals and improve their overall health.

For healthcare professionals, the club offers a structured and supportive walking programme that complements their care for patients. They can refer their patients to the programme, whether they prefer to walk alone or join a group. The programme is designed to help patients meet the national physical activity guidelines and improve their overall health.

The club also features inspiring stories from members, such as Maria, who walked away from diabetes and blood pressure problems by gradually increasing her daily steps. These stories serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for individuals looking to improve their health through walking.

In addition to the walking groups and healthcare professional programme, the club also has an active online community. Members can join the Team Sunshine Walking Group Facebook group to connect with other walkers, share their walking experiences, and receive ongoing support and encouragement.

For individuals interested in leading a walking group, the club offers the opportunity to become a Volunteer Walk Organiser. These organisers play a vital role in the programme by planning group walking routes, determining meeting places and times, and welcoming new members to the group. As a Walk Organiser, they will receive training, access to an online profile to manage their group, and ongoing communications and invitations to events and workshops.

Team Sunshine Walking Group welcomes individuals over the age of 18 who are friendly, energetic, and passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle. By joining the club and participating in the walking groups, members can experience the physical and mental health benefits of walking, build connexions within the community, and contribute to their overall wellbeing.