Heart Foundation Walking
With more than 15 Heart Foundation Walking groups on the NSW Central Coast, there’s plenty of opportunity for Coasties to join the thousands of Australians who are making walking an everyday, heart-healthy habit.
Heart Foundation Walking has groups up and down the Central Coast – in Gosford, Lake Munmorah and Kincumber, just to name a few. Each group varies from the day of the week and time of day they walk, to how long they walk for and how fast. All Heart Foundation Walking groups are led by amazing locals who volunteer as
Walk Organisers.
Among our happy Central Coast walkers is Carol from the East Gosford Pacemakers, who said: “I love the combination of walking for health, nature, and socialising with our diverse team of walkers.”
Lyn from Niagara Park Walk and Talk group especially enjoys the social aspect of her Heart Foundation Walking group: “It’s the people – absolutely great group of walkers,” Lyn said.
Trudi from the Green Point Walkers is also a big fan: “We love our Heart Foundation Walks, which keep us active and also the social side, where we get to meet lots of lovely people. Everyone is welcome to come and join us. There are lots of walks available on the Central Coast,” Trudi said.
Heart Foundation Director of Active Living, Adjunct Professor Trevor Shilton, said walking is free and easy, and almost anyone can do it. “You can walk almost any time and anywhere. It’s a really simple and pleasant way to get your recommended 30 minutes of brisk physical activity each day,” he said.
Professor Shilton said many Australians discovered the joys of walking during COVID-19 lockdown. He encouraged them to continue walking as restrictions begin to ease and to consider joining a Heart Foundation Walking group.
“We paused our walking groups during the worst of the pandemic to protect our walkers, volunteers and the community from virus transmission, but many are starting up again. So now is a great time to join us and keep up the walking habits you developed during lockdown,” he said.
“Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, can deliver real health benefits. It not only reduces your risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions, but you are likely to feel more energetic, have stronger bones and muscles, and feel happier.
“If you decide to walk in a Heart Foundation Walking group, you can also gain great social benefits. Our walkers often tell us they start for the exercise but stay for the company.”
To locate a group in your area, visit the Heart Foundation Walking website, click the “Find a Group Near You” button, and enter your postcode. This will show you all nearby groups, along with information such as when and where a group meets. You will also find contact details for each group’s Walk Organiser, who can give you more information and help you sign up.
Heart Foundation Walking is supported by the Australian Government, the Queensland Government and SportAUS.
