Your fitness regimen may be as close as the mall

By Scott Keith

The Times, Feb 4, 2010

In this multi-tasking society, it’s hard to carve out enough minutes per day to devote to exercise. We are married to high technology. After spending all day at work on the computer, we go home and unwind by frittering away more hours online. No wonder there’s a growing obesity problem in our country.

The lucky among us can go to the fitness center and crunch abs, lift weights and use bulky exercise machines. Perhaps your employer offers an on-site fitness room. For the rest of us: what to do?

You may be overlooking an obvious resource. Think of the time you spend at the shopping mall, buying your winter or summer wardrobe, or enjoying lunch at the food court. With a little advance planning, you can leave the credit card home, drive to the mall and enjoy a brisk half-hour walk. Think of it. You don’t have to invest in exercise gear and, if your mall opens early, there’s a good chance you can get a refreshing workout before you’re due at the office. You may also meet a new friend.

If you live on Portland’s west side, try Washington Square’s popular “Walk the Square” program, sponsored by Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center and Washington Square. The program, this year celebrating 25 years, runs Monday through Friday, 7 to 9:30 a.m., year round. Cindy Haldorson, Legacy Program Manager-Community Relations, says the program is open to all ages. Seventy-five to 100 members walk on any given day.

“The program also includes periodic on-site education talks and events,” says Haldorson, a mall walker herself.

A lifetime membership costs $15. Members receive a “Walk the Square” polo shirt and pin and an information packet detailing the health benefits of walking. A nurse comes once a month to take blood pressure readings.

“We all know that walking is a great exercise. It doesn’t require any additional equipment, it’s fairly easy, people can start at their own pace,” says Haldorson. “You can do it at any time and almost any place.”

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