KEEP cosy, heart-healthy and active this winter with Heartbeat Ballarat by joining their weekly indoor walking group.<\/p>\n
Partnering with the Ballarat Badminton Association at their Wendouree stadium, the heart-centric charity is facilitating 45-minute indoor walking sessions from 10am each Tuesday, on a safe and non-slippery court surface.<\/p>\n
Heartbeat volunteer Barry Nixon said the community is invited to come along to make and maintain connections, and stay fit, without needing to face the cold and wet weather.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis walking opportunity will help improve cardiovascular health by getting walkers\u2019 heart rates up, and increasing strength,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWalking exercises your legs, glutes, core and upper body. Our group is perfect for more experienced walkers, seniors, and beginner exercisers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jean and Ross Wiggins joined Heartbeat Ballarat to grow their friendship circle, and are now volunteer walk-leaders at the stadium.<\/p>\n
\u201cWalking is the simplest form of exercise we have at our disposal, and it is the most underrated health-improving form of activity we can do,\u201d Mrs Wiggins said.<\/p>\n
\u201cRoss and I both enjoy meeting people, and the coffee catch-up following these indoor walks is proving popular. Sandy from the badminton committee spoils us with home cooked goodies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Nixon said the Tuesday morning events are simply all about walking and talking.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo frills, no thumping music, no fancy equipment, just sensible, doable walking laps of the indoor stadium.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s plenty of opportunity to walk faster and further, or at a gentle pace with rest stops if needed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThirty laps of the badminton courts is approximately three kilometres. It really helps heart health, also balance and coordination, which is important to prevent falls, which are the leading cause of non-fatal and fatal injuries among seniors.\u201d<\/p>\n