AINSLIE MULHOLLAND
The Heart Foundation is recruiting members for its walking program by providing a free Kobo E-book to those who register and complete a minimum of six walks in October.
The walking program that has been in operation for 19 years hopes to encourage an additional 3000 people during spring to engage in physical activity.
Heart Foundation’s National Chief Executive Mary Barry said the organisation wants to promote the physical and mental benefits of walking.
“Walkers will benefit from improved heart health – the simple act of walking 30 minutes each day can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to as much as 30 per cent,” Ms Barry said.
“Walkers report they join for the physical activity but stay for the social benefits and the friendships the group offer.”
The Heart Foundation is providing a variety of incentives to encourage new walkers to engage in healthy lifestyle choices.
“Walkers will receive a number of incentives including a free start kit, regular newsletters, access to Heart Foundation walking events and the option to participate in the Walker Recognition Scheme…. sponsored by Medibank Community Fund,” Ms Barry said.
There are currently over 1400 Heart Foundation walking groups across the country to accommodate people with all different lifestyles.
“Our groups cater for a variety of fitness levels and lifestyles – from dog walking groups, park walkers, workplace groups and mums with prams to people who are just getting active after years of inactivity and fast paced walking groups,” Ms Barry said.
“We encourage people to ‘walk and talk’, so it is very much a social outlet as well as an activity program.”
For more details on how to join a walking group in your area, please go to www.heartfoundation.org.au/walking or contact walking@heartfoundation.org.au or 1300 36 27 87.