100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Healthy hearts: Plaza relaunches free walking program to boost fitness and friendship

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

‘Landmark’ property commanding $515,981 in rent hits market

A commercial property within a busy precinct has hit the market, offering what agents are calling one of the “most compelling opportunities” in years. Located More

‘Stairway to haven’ helps fish migrate, breed

Two new fishways are being installed on a Coast creek to help native fish navigate weirs, which act as barriers to reaching breeding habitats. The More

‘Really special’: Aussie pair triumphs in Coast ironman

Queensland’s Ellie Salthouse and Tasmania’s Jake Birtwhistle have impressed on their way to victory at the 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast, with both athletes More

Photo of the day: whopper catch

Blake Shannon landed a 80cm dusty flathead at Golden Beach on Father's Day. The photo was sent in by Wayde Shannon. If you have a More

Work starts on multimillion-dollar parcel facility

Construction has started on a new Australia Post facility that is expected to process up to 16,000 parcels a day. Work is underway on building More

Firearm and car seized as emergency declaration revoked

Police have revoked an earlier emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) following a reported incident at Glenview. Officers were called to an More

A long-running health initiative has been relaunched at a major shopping centre.

The Healthy Heart Walkers group has been renewed at Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore, after an absence of two years.

The morning walkers had met at the centre twice a week for more than 20 years, before it stopped due to COVID.

It’s now returned under the guidance of local fitness expert, Nina Brisenmark.

The free program, located inside the centre on Level 1, takes place on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7.30am to 8.30am.

The 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.

Ms Brisenmark said she was delighted to be involved.

 “I’m excited to be a part of the Healthy Heart Walkers program,” she said.

“As a trainer, it is possible to have fun while exercising and it’s important to remain active at any age.

“Walking is the perfect way to maintain health and well-being, meet new people or connect with friends each week.”

Walkers Jimmit Marlow, Wendy Pearce, Gwenyth Zwaan and Barbara Doherty with Plaza manager Michael Manwaring.

Centre manager Michael Manwaring said the initiative was highly beneficial for participants.

 The walking group is once again enjoying early morning exercise around the centre, before it opens,” he said.

“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.

“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.

Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article.

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.

The Healthy Heart Walkers program is a part of the Heart Foundation Walking program.

Established more than 23 years ago, the Heart Foundation Walking program is Australia’s largest free walking network, aiming to achieve one goal – an Australia free of heart disease.

For more information and to register, visit Sunshine Plaza Healthy Heart Walkers.

 

 

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share