THE Heart Foundation is passionate about getting more Queenslanders walking and growing the Heart Foundation Walking program, particularly in regional areas such as the Maranoa.

Heart Foundation Walking state coordinator Anna Campbell spent a few days in Roma this week to support the existing walking groups and encourage more people to join and create groups.

She said there were currently three walking groups throughout the Maranoa, including Active Roma, which Ms Campbell walked with bright and early on Wednesday morning.

"Heart Foundation identified the areas of high needs and Maranoa is one of those areas,” she said.

"We are aiming to increase levels of physical activity throughout Maranoa and seven other regions in Queensland as a result of Department of Health funding and walking is the easiest way to do that.”

Ms Campbell met with Maranoa Regional Council Be Healthy and Safe specialist Annaliese StGeorge, Aboriginal liaison officer Lane Brookes as well as other community members and health workers to discuss the benefits of creating more walking groups throughout the region.

"The social and mental benefits of walking are astounding and it also helps you feel stronger, more energetic and happier and improves your overall quality and enjoyment of life,” she said.

Heart Foundation Walking promotes walking groups ofall different sizes that walk at various times, distances, days and levels ofdifficulty.

Ms Campbell said while more seniors tended to join Heart Foundation Walking, the organisation was aiming to target other demographics such as parents with prams, after-work walking groups and parents walking their children to school.

"Walking is so popular because it is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, it can be done anywhere and it's free,” shesaid.

Heart Foundation Walking is structured around organised groups as this complements the social aspect of walking.

"When people walk in groups, they can talk while they walk and it's a great way to get to know your neighbours,” she said.

Ms Campbell and local coordinator Kathy Morrow also visited St George and Surat and met with walking groups and interested community members.

About 23,000 members have taken more than 13billion steps through Heart Foundation Walking.

BENEFITS OF WALKING:

- Reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke

- Manage weight, blood pressure and cholesterol

- Prevent and control diabetes

- Reduce your risk of developing some cancers

- Maintain your bone density

- Improve balance and coordination