CARDIAC REHABILITATION WALKING TRACK

Walk Training Program for Your Heart

Walking is an ideal physical activity to promote heart health, fitness and general wellbeing. Walking is a highly suitable physical activity for most people with a chronic disease like cardiovascular disease or diabetes. The HeartSTART walking track is also ideal for those recovering from a cardiac event, surgery or procedure. HeartSTART conducts three track walking sessions a week.

Based on the ‘Cornish Walking Track’ design, developed by Dr Geoffrey Cornish, the HeartSTART walking track is a simple but effective way to improve heart health. Participants walk on a flat grassed area around circular lines that for a ‘wheel’ from the centre. Each person walks at their own level that is initially determined by personal capacities, exercise tolerance and an assessed target heart rate. The distance and speed each person walks is graduated and progressive as fitness improves.

Over time as heart health improves participants walk further out on the wheel. Walking speed and distance increases as walkers walk further out on the circle. Walkers keep pace by crossing intersecting lines on the sound of a beep.

The duration of the track walk is 30 minutes which allows the completion of 15 circuits when on timer pace. Some beginner walkers may walk only part of that time before they are able to do a full session. Warm up walking, breathing and stretching exercise are also part of your track walking experience.

The HeartSTART walking tract is supervised by an exercise physiologist and registered nurse who can provide emergency care if required. The track offers a safe and effective way to improve cardiovascular fitness and to help lower several cardiovascular disease risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

The HeartSTART walking program is for people with other chronic conditions or with lifestyle risks like overweight, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. The track atmosphere is social and supportive of all walkers. Track walking is suitable for nearly all adults wanting to improve their heart health. A doctor’s referral, your desire to be healthier and comfortable walking shoes is all that is required to commence in the HeartSTART walking program. If you are not already walking the HeartSTART walking track can get you started.

Please click on the heartSTART walking track image to download additional heartSTART information. Please click here to download a copy of the HeartSTART Referral Form

For more information about HeartSTART please email Julie Soffe This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it