At least twice a week for the past ten years members of the New Lynn community have avoided exhaust emissions and the rain and cold to instead brave the smell of coffee, muffins and friendly security personnel on their regular MallWalk at LynnMall Shopping Centre.
LynnMall was the first mall in New Zealand to offer MallWalking and for the past ten years, walkers young and old have been coming to the mall bright and early, for a brisk walk along the empty passageways.
LynnMall’s MallWalkers are proud of their achievements over the years, and are very excited to be celebrating their ten year anniversary.
Regular MallWalker Margaret Brooke has built some wonderful friendships over the years and finds it comforting to be able to exercise in a safe, friendly environment.
“This is good for people of all ages. Few children will complain when you tell them you’re going down to the mall, and mums with prams won’t have any hazards to avoid. It also helps senior citizens beat a sedentary lifestyle by staying active.
“We get to know the retailers, one always opens up early for us, and shopping is a breeze because we’ve been training for it! It’s a great way to keep an eye out for new bargains as they come up,” said Margaret.
MallWalking is part of a world wide phenomenon which even inspired a book ‘Tips for MallWalkers’ by John H. Bland, M.D., with Jenna Colby, R.D., L.D. – except LynnMall Shopping Centre’s Mall Walkers even have their own personal trainer courtesy of the centre.
Head trainer of LynnMall Shopping Centre’s MallWalk, Grace Machin, said the group is looking for new members who want to make friends while staying fit and healthy and out of the inclement weather.
“Membership is free and the climate is controlled – so MallWalkers can dress for comfort and not the weather. There are no intersections or exhaust fumes, friendly security staff are always nearby and there’s always a restroom and water when you need it.”
Marketing Manager for LynnMall, Linh Luong, said the initiative has become a huge success.
“We are really proud of this milestone. We now have more than fifty participants a session and only expect this to grow over the next ten years.
“The participants get the support and encouragement that comes from training in a group, with the added bonus of professional advice.”
Some of the benefits of MallWalking include walking with a buddy, keeping an eye out for bargains, listening to music and the opportunity to make plans for coffee afterwards.
About Mall Walk
If you are looking for a covered, one level, convenient and secure environment where you can partake in exercise at your own pace with fully trained instructors on hand, join ‘MallWalk’, an exercise program operated within the center’s facility.
When – Tuesday and Thursday morning each week
Time – 6.45am till 8.00am
Cost – FREE
Meeting Place – Park in the Foodtown carpark, enter through the corridor between Ali Baba and Video Ezy. Assemble at Foodcourt.
Who – Everyone is welcome! This includes mums with prams to the elderly and disabled.
About LynnMall Shopping Centre
LynnMall is one of country’s largest shopping centres with more than 120 specialty stores. The centre is situated in New Lynn, West Auckland and is only a short drive from Auckland’s CBD. LynnMall provides a great shopping experience for the whole family with major retailers including Foodtown, Bond and Bond, Noel Leeming, Postie+, Stirling Sports, LynnMall Lollipops Educare and Whitcoulls amongst others.
Smiler - 18 years ago
What other Malls around Auckland are participating in this terrific plan, I wonder?.I’d be happy to join if there was one near me.
J Whyte