Women walk in UAE malls to stay healthy

Some go to malls to watch movies with friends, others for shopping at their favourite stores, but many residents are using the mall to help them achieve their health goals.

Sally Antoun says she often spends hours walking around Abu Dhabi Mall while her children play in one of the child-amusement centres in the mall. Mrs Antoun uses the time to get some exercise, clear her head, and, of course, window-shop. Lee Hoagland / The NationalShow less

ABU DHABI // Malls are not just centres for junk food and shops — many residents are using the vast floor space to help them stay healthy.

The malls’ constant cool temperature and safe surroundings are tempting women to visit and walk their way around the lengthy concourses.

Sally Mohsen Antoun, a 32-year-old Egyptian mother of two, started walking in malls during the pregnancy with her first child four years ago.

“It is an exercise, although it’s not that vigorous. I have spent hours walking, on some days between five and six hours,” said the business analyst. “Walking in the mall has helped me control my weight as you end up taking many steps. I have gained very little weight in the past few years.”

She usually begins her walks at Abu Dhabi Mall after dropping her children off at playgroup. “After leaving them there I have nothing to do so I walk around in the mall,” she said. “Also, if I am too tired to exercise when I come home, I go to the mall,” she said.

Nicole Brady, 25, an American who lives in Al Ain, said: “Not only is mall walking healthy but it’s something I wouldn’t have done back in the United States.

“One reason it works so well here is because there are so many malls to walk in. My husband and I go out every other day to a mall and walk there after he comes home.”

Ms Brady added: “Back home in Oregon, we only had one mall in the city, and the only people who walked there were the elderly.”

As members of her family have suffered from cardiovascular illness, Joullen Rousse, 50, goes one step further than most by power walking at pace in malls.

“I have seen and walked in more malls in one month of being here than ever before in my life,” said the wellness coach.

“I have not seen anyone else power walking in any of the malls. Lately, I have begun to power walk and twist my torso, although I get many strange looks.”

All in all, her walks have taken her through eight of Abu Dhabi’s malls.

“I feel safe with security guards available to help you should there be an issue,” she said.

“My primary reason is because I have cardiovascular disease on both sides of my family, it’s vital to my health that I get at least 30 minutes of cardio daily.”

Ms Rousse hopes that she can set up a mall walking group for ladies.

“I feel that we are stronger in a group setting and can help motivate each other to live a healthier lifestyle,” she said.

Rachel Lange, 38, who works at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, named the most important items for her mall walks.

“Good shoes, a pedometer, a bottle of water, and go,” she said.

“I walked over nine kilometres in Delma Mall once. This is a great mall because it is spread out and until recently, there weren’t very many people there.”

She agreed it was the best fitness activity when the weather starts to heat up.

“I try to keep a good pace, but I’ll stop at a store if I see something distracting. During the summer months, it definitely helps me stay active,” said Ms Lange.