Walking Your Way to Better Health in Western Sydney

You said it, and we listened. Walking is the most popular activity reported by our 2kg Challengers – and that’s great news!

Walking is one of the easiest ways to be more active. You don’t need a gym or special equipment, and you can fit it into your day by walking on your own, with family and friends, or with a local group.

Walking is good for your body and mind

Regular walking can help you:

• Lower your risk of type 2 diabetes
• Manage your weight and blood pressure
• Keep your heart healthy
• Keep your bones and muscles strong
• Improve your balance
• Reduce stress
• Improve your mood
• Support your memory and thinking
• Spend time with other people

How much walking is enough?

Every step counts. Try to build up to 30 minutes of walking on most days. A brisk walk gets your heart beating faster while you can still talk.

You don’t need to do it all at once. Start with 10 minutes and slowly build up. Try walking before or after work, at lunch or after dinner.

Find a walk in Western Sydney

There are lots of ways to get moving in your local area. Join a free Heart Foundation Walking Group, or try parkrun, where you can walk, jog, run or volunteer each Saturday.

You can also explore the walking tracks at Greater Sydney Parklands, try WalkSoccer or use the NSW Walks Near Me map to find a walk close to home.

Make September your Steptember

September is also Steptember, a month-long challenge encouraging people to move more and aim for 10,000 steps a day, their way. You can track your steps or choose from more than 40 activities. Why not make walking part of your Steptember?

Your 2kg Challenge

This week, why not try adding 10 minutes of walking to your day? You could explore a local track, walk with a friend, take a stroll during your lunch break or join a local walking group.

The most important thing is to find a way of moving that works for you and can become part of your everyday routine.

Take the first step today!