Have you discovered a newfound love for walking since lockdown? Now that’s the Heart Foundation Walking group are beginning to kick off again, why not walk for a great cause?

In a recent Heart Foundation survey of 300 people, around 30 per cent said they had been walking more since COVID-19 restrictions came into effect. Of those, 45 per cent took walks by themselves, 33 per cent with their partner and 22 per cent with their pets.

“When gyms and organised sport shut down due to the pandemic, walking became one of the few options for Australians to stay active,” said Heart Foundation Director of Active Living, Adjunct Professor Trevor Shilton.

“Large numbers of us discovered or even rediscovered the joys of walking around the neighbourhood with their family and pets.” 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.”

Locals Brooke Tonkin and Helen Mitchell have become dedicated walkers since the pandemic hit often using their lunchbreaks to enjoy the exercise. Brooke explained, “Because I couldn’t get to the gym I really wanted to get moving again, lunch breaks were the best time to do it, it was great to be getting out of the office and getting some fresh air and clearing your head. On the weekends I’d also make the effort to take my dog Bud for a walk.”

Helen continued, “I really enjoy walking with my friends, it gives us a chance to catch up and it’s good to get away from the stresses of work and because you’re exercising, It just makes you feel good overall.”

Professor Shilton encouraged Australians to continue walking as restrictions begin to ease and to consider joining a Heart Foundation Walking group.

“We paused our walking groups to protect our walkers, volunteers and the community. So now is a great time to join us and keep up the walking habits you developed during lockdown,” he said.

“There are more than 1200 Heart Foundation Walking groups across the country, including many that are pram-friendly and dog-friendly.

“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 details and help you sign up.

Anyone participating in the Heart Foundation Walking program will be required to: 

• Continue social distancing on organised walks (keeping a 1.5-metre distance from others);

• Stay home if unwell (for example, if they have a fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat); 

• Seek testing for any COVID-19 symptoms and report a positive test result to the Heart Foundation Walking team as soon as possible; and 

• Practise good hand hygiene, and cover coughs and sneezes.

The Heart Foundation also encourages walkers to download the COVIDSAFE app and use it at all times; get a flu shot; bring their own hand sanitiser; and talk to their doctor about whether joining or re-joining a walking group is advisable for them at this stage. This particularly applies to people considered more vulnerable to the virus, such as older Australians and those with chronic health conditions.

About the Heart Foundation

The Heart Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to fighting the single biggest killer of Australians – heart disease. For 60 years, it has led the battle to save lives and improve the heart health of all Australians. Its sights are set on a world where people don’t suffer or die prematurely because of heart disease.