What we’re about
This is a group for anyone who loves walking long distances for fun and fitness. Each week, we walk in a different part of Melbourne, and it's free to join! All our walks are accessible by public transport and there's no need to drive when you walk with us. We walk at a brisk pace, in fact, a few people have told me that we are the fastest walking group in Melbourne! But don't worry if you want to go slower because the routes are clearly marked and no one has gotten lost before :) Our 52 favourite walking tracks are available as a book called 'Urban Trails Melbourne' (https://amzn.to/2LcrC6U)
Why do people join this group? The most common reasons are: (a) to keep fit/healthy, (b) to lose weight, (c) to explore different parts of Melbourne, (d) to keep fit in a group, rather than doing it solo, and (e) to challenge oneself to walk long distances.
Running and walking have similar health benefits, but I believe walking is more universal, more doable for the average person. Not everyone can run (due to injuries, age, heart conditions, excessive weight, etc) but almost everyone can walk. Let these statistics from Netdoctor.co.uk speak for themselves :
- Depression: Walking 30 minutes a day can reduce symptoms of depression by 36%.
- Alzheimer's: Walking halves the risk of developing this form of dementia for five years. Improving blood flow and oxygen to the brain through walking stimulates the development of new brain cells.
- Heart: 30 minutes a day of walking reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by 19%.
- Stroke: Cardiovascular exercise helps combat high blood pressure – a leading cause of strokes. Reduce your risk of stroke by up to 27 % by walking briskly for 30 minutes daily.
- Obesity: Walk an hour every day and you slash your risk of becoming obese by 50%.
- Diabetes: If you manage 3,500 steps a day then you will lower your risk of diabetes by 29%.
- Fractures: Four hours a week of walking can reduce the risk of hip fractures by up to 43%.
- Cancer: You reduce your risk of breast cancer by up to 40% if you do vigorous physical activity like brisk walking for between 30-60 minutes five days a week. The risk of colon cancer is 30% lower if you take up vigorous physical activity like brisk walking.
Alright, enough statistics. I hope this community will bring together people who love to walk. Looking forward to meeting you one day!
Fi
For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions, 'Like' our Facebook page and follow our Instagram page. If you need detailed tips about walking half-marathons and marathons, check out our book at Amazon: https://amzn.to/2CxOjNq (paperback) or https://amzn.to/2NrfEVX (ebook).
By RSVP-ing to our meetups, please note you are agreeing to abide by our Safety Guidelines and the disclaimer below.
Disclaimer: Please note that any training information that is provided to you is based on personal experience and is not to be taken as professional advice. Please see your doctor first if you have not done a walk longer than 10 km before, or if you have a history of health issues. By joining this Meetup Group and any of our Meetups, you (and your guests) are agreeing to indemnify and to hold harmless, the Organisers and Event Hosts of this group, for whatever you may experience or cause.
