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Information about walking

Walking is a great way to be active, it’s a low impact exercise on the body, inexpensive to do and most enjoyable.

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A group of people walkingAll you need is a good pair of shoes, comfortable clothing and desire to get your body moving.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006, walking is the most commonly reported physical recreation activity among Australians. One quarter of the population aged 15 years and over (almost 4 million people) participated in walking over a 12 month period, with females (33 per cent) walking almost twice as often as males (17 per cent).

The National Physical Activity Guidelines for adults suggest at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, like walking, on most, preferably all days. 

  • The benefits of walking include:
  • controlled and lowered weight;
  • stronger bones (reduced risk of osteoporosis);
  • feeling happy and relaxed;
  • reduced cholesterol;
  • decreased blood pressure;
  • reduced chances of a heart attack;
  • better recovery from a heart attack;
  • reduced chances of a stroke;
  • decreased risk of diabetes.

Walk there today logoFor an overview on walking in Western Australia, we would recommend the Walking Guide Book 2008 developed by the Department of Transport website. The Walking Guide includes fast facts on walking, tips on how to get started, reports and policies; Western Australia's best walking trails and other useful information. The DPI website is a useful resource as it has comprehensive information about walking such as Walk Week 2008, where to walk in our state, walking programs and contact information.

How to kit

Walk leader training manual
A how to kit to sustain walking groups.

Heart Foundation Walking

Heart Foundation Walking is Australia's largest network of free community-based walking groups lead by volunteer Walk Organisers. It is a free, fun and accessible physical activity option for community members to get involved in. The Heart Foundation has partnered with over 20 organisations across Western Australia to set up walking groups within local communities.

If you would like to join or lead a Heart Foundation Walking group contact the Heart Foundation on 1300 36 27 87 or visit www.heartfoundation.org.au/walking .

 

Walk Week

Walk There Today

3 – 9 November 2008 (including Schools Walk There Today Wednesday - 5 November 2008).

Schools, workplaces and community groups from all over Western Australia are encouraged to host a walking event during the first week of November to help raise awareness of the many benefits associated with walking.  Register a walking event on-line by Friday 26 September, to receive a FREE event kit including giveaways. To find out more please contact Heart Foundation Project Officer Anna Sheppard on (08) 9382 5939 or email Anna.

The Department of Sport and Recreation has available Walk Leader Training Manuals to support the development of new walking groups. Contact Denis Martin (08) 9492 9722 for further information.

A walking strategy has been developed for Western Australia, Walk WA: A waking strategy for Western Australia 2007-2020. The strategy has been developed to assist the community and all organisations and agencies involved in walking throughout our State. Walk WA aims to increase the health and well being of Western Australians.

Walk there supporting logos

Fact Sheet on walking

Walking for physical activity
Walking is the most popular physical activity and is open to nearly everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or socio-economic status.

 
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