Key points
- Malls have many features that make them a good place for a walk or wheelchair or stroller roll.
- Many malls have an official mall-walking program.
Overview
Malls make walking, wheelchair rolling, and pushing strollers appealing for many reasons. Malls are protected from the weather, are well-lit, and have flat, wide, and level walking surfaces. A bonus is that malls are accessible and often on public transportation routes. They have convenient restrooms plus seats and benches if you need to rest.
Become a mall-walking champion!
Does mall walking sound like something you'd like to try? If so, you can do it by yourself, or you can call a few friends to meet you there.
If you need a more formal, organized program to get you into your sneakers, see if your local mall has an official mall-walking program. If not, you can become a mall-walking champion and work with mall leadership to help establish one!
Benefits of physical activity
Immediate benefits of physical activity are improving sleep and reducing blood pressure. Regular physical activity, including walking, can help lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers. Regular physical activity can also help control weight.
For older adults, physical activity helps maintain independence, reduce the risk of falling, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, including dementia.
Resource
More information
- Mall Walking: A Program Resource Guide
- Physical Activity Basics
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition
- Step It Up! The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities
- Physical Activity for People with Disability
Want additional tips and resources to be active?
Learn about Active People, Healthy NationSM, CDC’s national initiative to help people be more physically active.