Many of us enjoy going to Ala Moana Center or to the Kahala Mall to shop, browse the bookstores, and to meet friends for coffee. But are we overlooking them as fitness destinations as well?
The CDC has now officially recommended mall-walking as a highly effective form of physical exercise. Brisk walking of 150 minutes weekly (30 minutes 5 times a week) has been associated with reduced risk of some cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Malls can be a great alternative to outdoor activities particularly if your neighborhood is not that walkable, or less than perfectly safe. Plus, malls are air conditioned – a great way to beat Oahu’s current heat wave – and have restrooms and areas to sit and rest if needed. And even though intense exercise is not advised on Phase 1 of Ideal Protein’s protocol, walking is a great way to reap all the health benefits of physical activity while you lose weight. It’s best if you can walk as early as possible to beat the crowds, especially on weekends.
Eat a Phase 1 friendly meal at your house, before you go, as the mall is full of quick carb loaded junk food for you to eat! If you head to the mall full, you will be less likely to want the miserable mall junk good. Plan an afternoon at the mall with friends for some walking and talking time that is good for the soul and the body!
Read more at:
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/downloads/mallwalking-guide.pdf