Walk yourself happy and healthy!
Walking is fantastic exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels, with the added bonus that because walking is low impact and doesn't require any special equipment or training, the injury risks are very low. Walkers don't even have to walk for very long … walking for just thirty minutes a day can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by 35% and Type 2 diabetes by 40%. Sounds like a win-win to me!
The Heart Foundation is Australia's largest network of free community-based walking groups, with volunteer walk organisers leading the walks.
The Heart Foundation is Australia's largest network of free walking groups
According to the Heart Foundation, regular physical activity has also proven to:
Manage weight, blood pressure and cholesterol
Reduce your risk of some cancers
Maintain bone density, which in turn reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures
Improves balance and co-ordination, which lessens the risk of falling and other injuries
Mental health and wellbeing improves
Every week
Sunshine Coast Council help to co-ordinate a number of free
Heart Foundation walks across the Sunshine Coast. Walkers get to make new friends, whilst being out and about enjoying the beauty of our region.
Get out and about to enjoy our spectacular region
From Alexandra Headlands to Mooloolah, there are currently thirteen different Heart Foundation walking groups on the Sunshine Coast. Most meet ups for the groups are weekly.
✹ Alexandra Headlands | Hearty Alex WalkersMeeting point: front of the Alexandra Headland Surf Club near watch tower
Weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays and alternate places on Fridays @ 5.45am
Dog friendly? yes
Pram friendly? yes
Walk organiser: Del 0438 829 095
Register online here to join Hearty Alex Walkers
✹ Birtinya | Birtinya Beats | Retirement Village
Meeting point : Birtinya Retirement Village, Clubhouse car park
Weekly on Wednesdays @ 7.00am
Dog friendly? yes
Pram friendly? no
Walk organiser: Joel,
birtinyawellnesscentre@stockland.com.au
Register online here to join Birtinya Beats
Most walks are doggy friendly ... please check article for which ones
Meeting point : La Balsa Park (table and chairs area at the playground at the carpark)
Monthly on Tuesdays @ 6.30am
Dog friendly? yes
Pram friendly? no
Walk organiser: Keiran,
kld018@student.usc.edu.au
Register online here to join Buddina Trotters Walking Group
✹ Buderim | Buderim Heart Beats
Meeting point : Please contact Judith (walk organiser) for meeting point, as location changes
Weekly on Wednesdays @ 7.00am
Dog friendly? yes
Pram friendly? no
Walk organiser: Judith 0438 194 789
Register online here to join Buderim Heart Beats
Walking is a fun way to reduce the risk of heart disease
Meeting point : Happy Valley Coffee Van
Weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays @ 6.00am
Dog friendly? yes
Pram friendly? no
Walk organiser: Wendy 0431 409 502
Register online here to join Razzle Dazzlers
✹ Coolum Beach | Coolum Beach Walking Group
Meeting point : Lions Park opposite Dan Murphy's Coolum
Weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays @ 6.30am
Dog friendly? yes
Pram friendly? no
Walk organiser: Phillip,
pelayton@hotmail.com
Register online here to join Coolum Beach Walking Group
Reap the rewards of long-term walking
Meeting point : Opposite the Chill 89 Coffee Shop (Moorings Apartments)
Weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays @ 7.00am
Dog friendly? no
Pram friendly? no
Walk organiser: Graham 0409 498 115
Register online here to join Golden Beach Walking Group
✹ Kenilworth | Kenilworth Sneakers
Meeting point : Kenilworth Hall
Weekly on Mondays and Fridays | 7.00am
Dog friendly? yes
Pram friendly? no
Walk organiser : Brenda 0407 193 834
Register online here to join Kenilworth Sneakers
Walking with friends is always much more fun!
Meeting point : Meet at corner of Joshua Close and Elvena Circuit at BBQ area of park
Weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays @ 6.30am
Dog friendly? yes
Pram friendly? yes
Walk organiser : Barbara,
jtdoherty@hotmail.com
Register online here to join Creekwood Walkers
✹ Maleny | Maleny Heart Beats
Meeting point : various, please contact Marie, the walk organiser
Weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays @ 6.30am
Dog friendly? no
Pram friendly? no
Walk organiser : Marie,
benmariee@bigpond.com
Register online here to join Maleny Heart Beats
✹ Mapleton | Mapleton Movers
Meeting point : Mapleton Lily Ponds
Weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays @ 5.00pm
Dog friendly? yes
Pram friendly? yes
Walk organiser : Beth 0408756353
Register online here to join Mapleton Movers
Make walking a new daily habit ...
Meeting point : Apia Branch
Weekly on Wednesdays @. 8.30am
Dog friendly? yes
Pram friendly? no
Walk organiser : Amanda,
maroochydore.communityengagement@apia.com.au
Register online here to join Apia Steppin Out Walking Group
✹ Mooloolah | Mooloolah Walkers
Meeting point : Martin Rungers car park
Weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays @ 6.30am
Dog friendly? no
Pram friendly? no
Walk organiser : Anne 0401 161 731
Register online here to join Mooloolah Walkers
Choose to move and walk yourself happy and healthy!
- with the cooler months around the corner - is the time to get excited about getting fit, getting healthy and making new friends, in a fun and social way. It's your time to '
choose to move'!
Download the Heart Foundation Walking App,
via the Apple Store here or
Google Play here and walk yourself happy and healthy!
All images courtesy of the Heart Foundation Walking FB and www.walking.heartfoundation.org.au
