IF you're one of the many people who made a New Year's resolution to keep fit, a new study has found that joining a walking group is one of the best ways to improve your overall health.
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There's also the added incentive of receiving a free Kobo E Reader valued at $129 if you join a local Heart Foundation Walking group by March 31.
The program's national manager, Michelle Wilson said joining a walking group "was the best thing you can do for your heart health in 2015".
"We're encouraged to see expanding evidence to support what we see each day, that walking as part of a group promotes physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
"More than half of the Australian adult population is not active enough to gain health benefits and being inactive is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of both Australian men and women," Ms Wilson said.
The local Heart Foundation Walking area coordinator Margo Johnston is urging everyone to join their New Year Challenge.
The Mid North Coast Local Health District health promotion officer explained that walking for at least 30 minutes each day provides a range of health benefits, including maintaining healthy weight, lowering blood pressure and cholestrol, increasing your fitness and strength and reducing your risk of heart disease.
During February and March if you join a local Heart Foundation Walking group and walk with the group eight times by March 31 you'll qualify to receive a free Kobo E Reader valued at $129.
Joining a walking group is simple, log on www.heartfoundation.org.au/walking or phone 1300 362 787 to find your nearest group.
Heart Foundation Walking is Australia's largest free national network of community-based walking groups.
There are currently 1400 groups across the country, including five in Port Macquarie.
The program is perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels, with walks taking place every day except Tuesdays and Sundays.
Port Macquarie Saturday Walkabout
Starts 7.30am Saturdays
Various locations
Hearty Walkers
Starts 8am Thursdays
Various locations
Heart Support Hastings
Starts 9am every second Friday
Slow to medium paced 45-60 minute walks
Morning Movers
Starts 8am Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Medium paced health and fitness walks
Port Macquarie Easy Walkers
Starts 8.30am Mondays
Thirty minute slower walks
