Sunshine Plaza relaunches Healthy Heart Walkers initiative

It's a morning walking group which prior to 2020, had been meeting at the centre twice a week for more than 20 years.

Under the guidance of local fitness expert Nina Brisenmark, the free walking program located inside the Centre on Level 1 takes place on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7.30am to 8.30am.

The regular morning walks are enjoyed in the comfort of air conditioning, with minimal risk of trips and falls, providing a safe environment for avid walkers who want to enjoy regular exercise indoors and in a social environment.

Centre manager Michael Manwaring said the group enjoys early morning exercise around the centre before it opens.

"Being part of the Healthy Heart Walkers is a great way to stay physically active, improve your daily mood but also an opportunity to socialise with other like-minded people," he said.

"Walkers can set their own pace, complete as many or few circuits as they wish and there's plenty of opportunities to rest along the way."

According to the Health Foundation, more than one in four Australian adults (5.76 million people) are doing very little or no exercise at all.

Walking for an average of 30 minutes or more a day can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke by 35 per cent and Type 2 diabetes by 40 per cent.

It is a part of the Heart Foundation Walking program established over 23 years ago as Australia's largest free walking network, aiming to achieve one goal - an Australia free of heart disease.

Nina Brisenmark said she was excited to be a part of the program.

"As a trainer, it is possible to have fun while exercising and it's important to remain active at any age," she said.

"Walking is the perfect way to maintain health and wellbeing, meet new people or connect with friends each week."

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