January 1, 2003
Walkers turn laps inside mall when winter weather whips
Striding around Grand Traverse shopping mall also provides seniors a chance for conversation and coffee
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Before the crowds descend in search of holiday bargains, the halls of the Grand Traverse Mall are populated by people with something other than shopping on their mind.
This group of predominately senior citizens is at the mall to walk most mornings, putting miles on their shoes before most of the mall stores open. They gather in clusters in the Food Court before heading out singly or in groups to circumnavigate the mall, where one lap equals three-quarters of a mile.
The walkers come for the myriad health benefits of this gentle exercise: improved cardiovascular health, weight control and increased mobility.
Many walkers have regular exercise routines that are sidelined by the cold and snow. Instead of devoting their winter to sloth, they come to the mall to stay in shape.
"It's dry, it's warm and it gets us through the winter," said Wendell Thomas of Traverse City, who walks with his wife, Pat, four or five times a week.
The Thomases often walk with their friends, Jane and Jerry Clements, also of Traverse City. The couples split along gender lines when they meet, each setting their own pace, and regroup afterward for some coffee and visiting.
"Neither of us go south for the winter and we don't want to go out in the ice and snow to exercise, so we come here," Thomas noted.
Roger and Jean Young of Traverse City are year-round mall walkers, walking five times a week if they can. They are both motivated to walk because of health benefits.
"I think it is good for you mentally, and your body, because you're getting out and doing something," said Jean Young, who shares breakfast at Target with her husband most days. "You feel a sense of accomplishment."
Jody Brown, general manager of the Grand Traverse Mall, said mall walking is as old as indoor malls.
"I've been in the mall business for over 20 years and the walkers have always been around," he said.
Brown welcomes the walkers and has observed that they make it a social event as much as a health endeavor.
"They actually create their own community, they all know each other and after they walk they get together and have coffee, which is kind of nice," he noted. "There are some people who are snowbirds and go away for the wintertime. We just see them when they come back, a couple of them always touch base with us."
Art Begeman of Traverse City has been a regular walker for not quite a year, a routine that has helped alleviate his sore hips. While he has a treadmill at home in the basement, he heads to the mall usually three times a week to walk for 30 minutes and complete two circuits.
Although Begeman does not linger for coffee and conversation after completing his rounds, he still appreciates the mall's social atmosphere.
"You see more people and more things here and it is just a lot more friendly," he said.
As for shopping, Edna Stevens of Traverse City said the myriad of stores does not tempt her as she walks. Sometimes being in the right place at the right time is a bonus.
"I walked the day before Christmas and thought I was OK because I had everything I needed, but I came home with a couple more things," said Stevens, who usually walks with her husband, Dick.
Stevens sets a brisk clip as she completes three laps. A year-round walker, she walks at the mall only during the cold weather
"If I start feeling droopy or frustrated at home, I go and walk," she said. "I love walking but it's more fun outside."