TWICE a week, a group of more than 50 women meet up in Tamworth to walk and talk.
It’s a growing staple in the calendars of many more Tamworth women who are prioritising their health by joining the Heart Foundation’s walking groups.
Robyn Barton knows better than anyone the benefits of walking, and is calling on the community to get involved for the physical and mental health benefits.
“I was involved from when it first started in Tamworth seven-and-a-half years ago,” she said.
“It’s nice to be involved in the community and help people with their health.”
RELATED ARTICLES:
Robyn leads a walking group of 52 members twice a week around Tamworth.
Regular walking is good for our minds, and promotes positive mental health and well-being.
Walking has also been shown to improve learning and memory skills that can decline as we age. That’s why she wants more people to join the walking group.
“It’s a very happy bunch,” Robyn said.
“Members love coming together.
“It’s just been so good in getting them together, getting them active and healthy.
“People walk at their own pace.
“Many of them are retirees, but some are still working.
“Our oldest is nearly 82 and she keeps up with everyone.”
Robyn is calling on more women to join the walking groups to not only improve their health, but also make new friends and reduce the feeling of social isolation.
“We should all be exercising, particularly as we get older,” she said.
“Walking is such an easy exercise – it’s free you can do it on your own, or with other people, and at your own pace.”
It comes after the western side of Tamworth was officially named the fattest place in the nation in May last year – with eight out of 10 adults overweight and almost half obese.
“We’ve got new people joining all the time,” Robyn said.
“We’re really supportive of one another.”
The group is now also actively involved in other exercise sessions like strength and balance through Rural Fit.
To find out more, visit walking.heartfoundation.org.au/walking/location/tamworth-r-tamworth-nsw-2340
