Mall Walking: A Well-Being Boost
More and more people are finding out: the mall isn’t just for shopping—it’s also a great spot for a walk.
Walking is an easy, versatile, and free or low-cost way to be physically active. You can walk anywhere, on your own schedule, without equipment or special clothes (besides comfortable walking shoes).
HEALTH BENEFITS
According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week to:
- Help build stronger bones
- Improve mental health
- Lower risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes
That’s 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Brisk walking—walking fast enough to raise your heart rate while still being able to speak and breathe easily—is an example of moderate aerobic activity.
You don’t have to walk all 30 minutes at once. You can take three 10-minute walks at different times of the day to achieve the same health benefits. Don’t worry: if you haven’t exercised in a while, you can work your way up to walking 150 minutes per week. Any amount of walking can be good for your health!
GET YOUR STEPS IN AT THE MALL
Bad weather? No sidewalks in your neighborhood? You can still get your steps in by walking around in your local mall. Malls are climate-controlled and monitored by security.
Plus, they offer:
- Flat, well-lit walking routes
- Benches
- Drinking fountains
- Accessible restrooms
And, who knows, you might just find that sale you’ve been waiting for!
MAKE IT A GROUP THING
If you exercise with friends in an environment that you enjoy, you are more likely to stick with it, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Plus, socializing can boost your mood and improve your mental health.
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