With already more than 20,000 walkers across the country, the Heart Foundation is hoping to recruit 3000 new walkers during spring.

As an incentive to get more people hitting the streets, any new walker who registers this month and completes a minimum of six walks with their new group will get a free Kobo e-book reader, valued at $129.

The Heart Foundation’s National CEO, Mary Barry, said the charity is in the middle of a major push to recruit thousands of walkers to help Aussies live more active, healthier lives.

“Walking for just 30 minutes a day can help you maintain a healthy weight, increase fitness and strength, improve your self-esteem and mental health, and cut your risk of heart disease by as much as 30 per cent,” Ms. Barry said.

“Heart Foundation Walking groups walk regularly all over Australia and are a great way to have fun, meet new people and look after your heart health. 

“Joining a Heart Foundation Walking group in your area can help you stay motivated to exercise regularly and provides you with social support, health information and newsletters.

“Groups cater for all sorts of people and fitness levels and everyone is welcome, including prams and dogs. 

“We encourage people to ‘walk and talk’, so it is very much a social outlet as well as an activity program.”

Heart Foundation walking groups can be found in Cessnock and Branxton, and it is hoped a group will soon be formed in Greta.

For more information about these groups, call Coalfields Healthy Heartbeat on 4993 3410.

To enter the Kobo e-book reader competition, go to www.heartfoundation.org.au/walking. Entries close 5pm on October 31.