Walking is known to be a popular activity that has been done for many decades. One of the most popular activities that involve walking is “mall walking”. Mall walking provides a “safe, clean, and social” environment for participants. Belza et al., conducted a study on mall walking in their article “Building Community: Stakeholder Perspectives on Walking in Malls and Other Venues”. They interviewed walkers, program managers, and program leaders to find out how each participant liked their program and what could be done, if anything, to improve the conditions. When interviewed, the walkers said that malls were “safe, peaceful and quiet, accessible, clean, convenient, and spacious” (Belza et al., 2017, p. 512). Having security guards around gave a sense of security to walkers. Also, being indoors reduced the risk of being hit by traffic. The difference between malls and outdoor facilities is that indoor facilities, including malls are “climate-controlled environments” (Belza et al., 2017, p.512-513). Some of the walkers mentioned in their interviews that they don’t have to worry about fighting temperature and weather conditions.
Walking indoors at malls made the walkers feel comfortable because they are able to set their own pace and distance. There is no pressure to walk at a certain speed or pressure to walk the entire distance of the mall. No one is judging each other. Also, because these walkers are always together, they have “developed a sense of community with each other” (Belza et al., 2017, p. 513). A 76 year old male that was interviewed from Washington says that there is “no pressure on whether you’re there or not. [But] if you’re not there, I’ve noticed people will ask, ‘Where have you been?’ It’s like somebody cares” (Belza et al., 2017, p. 513). Participants feel welcome and included in the mall program.
Benefits of the mall-walking program help walkers get out of their house and be active. They shared “their perceived physical benefits including being agile, better cardiovascular condition, having more energy, better balance, lower blood pressure, and weight loss” (Belza et al., 2017, p. 513). They also said they felt mental benefits such as just feeling better and happier. Some social benefits they mentioned were “meeting new people, starting new friendships, feeling accepted, and socializing” (Belza et al., 2017, p. 513). Participating in walking programs creates all of these benefits that keep the walkers well rounded and healthy.
According to Belza, mall walking is increasing exercise participation in mid-life and older adults. Public indoor spaces, such as malls, can provide a safe and clean environment for walkers. Because they are using indoor facilities, climate is one issue that walkers no longer have to face. Self-consciousness is another issue that is not longer faced. Everyone participates at a comfortable speed and walks a suitable distance. No one is being pushed too far. Walking in groups creates a sense of community that makes the activity enjoyable. Physical, emotional, and mental health is being improved by walking at the mall. Mall walking is the next new trend in exercising, offering a variety of benefits to the participants.
References
Belza, B., Miyawaki, C. E., Allen, P., King, D. K., Marquez, D. X., Jones, D. L., . . . Brown, D. R. (2017). Building Community: Stakeholder Perspectives on Walking in Malls and Other Venues. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 25(4), 510-524. doi:10.1123/japa.2016-0018