Aussies encouraged to go walkabout in search of longevity
Every hour you walk will add an hour to your life, according to medical sources.* So walking tour specialist, Auswalk, is encouraging Australians to go walkabout regularly in search of a longer and better quality life.
There’s no doubt walking is good for you – and hosted walking tours are one of the most enjoyable ways to increase long-term health and fitness.
A plethora of health information sources, including government health departments, the Heart Foundation, wellness and walking groups, all agree on the following key benefits:
- Walking reduces risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some forms of cancer, depression, osteoporosis and blood pressure.
- Walking encourages us to breathe deeply which in turn drains away any tension, instilling a sense of calm and contentment.
- Walking improves aerobic fitness, muscle tone, cholesterol levels, energy levels, balance and pain management.
- Walking strengthens bones, reducing the risk of injuries such as hip fractures.
- Walking promotes joint movement and flexibility.
For more on the benefits of regular walking, visit these links:
Benefits of Walking
Benefits of Physical Activity
Walktober
Just Walk It and Walk Australia
10,000 Steps a Day
According to thewalkingsite.com, everyone should be taking 10,000 steps a day for optimal fitness, which equates, on average, to an easy 8 km – the minimum daily distance covered by Auswalk’s tours.
“Walking is a fantastic way to enjoy the forests, coastline and mountains of Australia while increasing fitness levels,” said Auswalk’s Phil Coleman.
“Many of our walkers hook up with like-minded fellow-travellers, meeting up again the following year to explore another bit of Australia. In between tours they feel encouraged to walk more regularly, which ensures long-term health benefits.”
Janet Smith, Auswalk tour guest, said: “Since doing the Auswalk holiday, I have joined a bushwalking club in Brisbane. It also sparked my interest in cross-country skiing and with retirement coming closer, I would also like to pursue more active hobbies – so thank you Auswalk.”
More on Auswalk’s tours
Aimed at over-45s, Auswalk’s walking tours are suited to every fitness level, from novices to serious walkers, and range from a few days to almost two weeks.
With a long history in adventure tourism, Auswalk’s Phil and Monica Coleman settled on walking 13 years ago as one of the best ways to enjoy the real Australia while shooting for a longer, healthier life.
Auswalk spans five states and offers professional guided and self-guided tours as well as popular inn-to-inn hikes.
The walks plunge into tropical rainforests and national parks, trek over the ridges and canyons of the Blue Mountains, meander along secluded beaches and remote coastal trails, and follow the Great Ocean Walk in Victoria.
Accommodation in comfortable hotels, historic guesthouses and even lighthouse keepers’ cottages is hand-picked by the Colemans as carefully as the tours are researched. They know every inch of the walks, choosing the optimum routes for the best views and mix of gradients.
“The accommodation is chosen for quality and accessibility to the walking route, whether it be in towns, villages or out bush, on a cattle station, tropical island or a fishing resort,” said Phil.
Phil and Monica arrange for walkers’ luggage to be transported so it is waiting for them, along with a hearty meal, at the end of each day.
“Our hosts know fresh air stirs up a hunger for good food, and good quality tucker is always on offer.”
Further information
Auswalk was declared Victoria State Winner of the PublicityShip Hidden Jewel Awards for 2007.
For more information on Auswalk, visit www.auswalk.com.au and contact:
Phil and Monica Coleman
Ph: (03) 5356 4971
Email info@auswalk.com.au
* British Medical Association
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