Why you should join Heart Foundation Walking groups
One of the perks of retiring is that you have all the time in the world to do the things you previously didn’t have the time for, including keeping active.
The Heart Foundation recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a day is good for the overall health of your heart. And you don’t have to do it alone.
You can join a Heart Foundation Walking group – it’s free and a fun way to walk and be active.
Nola Nugent has been part of a Heart Foundation Walking group called the Knox Ramblers, for over four years.
She says the group see each other more than they see their families!
“We meet every Wednesday at 9.15am at the Myer undercover car park on Stud Rd. We have all enjoyed hearing about each other’s grandchildren being born and growing up, and feel that we know them all.
Nola says the stories are many and are endless.
“Everyone remembers their first walk. We have climbed fences and walked through cattle, and of course, lots of mud over the years. Naturally, we chat all the time and solve the world’s problems by the end of our walk.”
The group go on adventures all the time to make their walks exciting.
“We sometimes catch a bus and train to travel somewhere different. Sometimes we have lunch out for special birthdays and of course, at Christmas, with Kris Kringle.
“One lady met us while walking in the bush, joined and loved us so much, that when she moved house, she made sure that her new home was in reach of us.”
The ages of those in the group range from the oldest at 83 and the youngest at 58.
“We all love our walks and are committed to our group, rain hail or shine!”
Heart Foundation Walking is designed to help people enjoy regular physical activity.
Although we encourage everyone to walk on a regular basis, we’ve designed Heart Foundation Walking to be a group program, that is, walking in a community groups or part of a virtual group because walking in an organised group gives extra benefits.
Over the past 21 years more than 80,000 Australians have participated in a Heart Foundation Walking group!
To find your nearest group, or become a virtual walker, to track you own progress visit http://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/ or call 1300 36 27 87.
Recruit fellow over-60s to your walking group by starting an Over60 Catch-up. Read our FAQ on hosting an Over60 Catch-up for more information. Head over to the Over60 Catch-up section to see what events are on in your area.
Related links:
Why you should start your own walking group
How I walked the 1,200km Heysen Trail
5 ways to burn more calories by walking