When the paths are icy and it's dark by dinnertime, it's easy for a walking habit to slip. Mall walking is one of the simplest ways to keep going: walking laps of an indoor mall, often before the stores open.
It's flat, dry, lit and warm, with benches and restrooms never far away. You can walk alone, with a friend or with a group, and you can wear a weighted vest or carry a pack if that's part of your routine. Here's how to find mall walking hours near you, what to expect on your first visit and where else to walk indoors when you don't have a mall nearby.
Why mall walking works in winter
A mall takes most of the things that stop a winter walk out of the picture.
- Flat, even floors. No ice, no puddles and no uneven sidewalks.
- Warm and dry. You can dress in light layers and leave the heavy coat in the car.
- Well lit. Early mornings feel safe, even in the darkest weeks of the year.
- Benches and restrooms along the way. You can rest whenever you like, and you're never far from a restroom.
- Other people around. Regular mall walkers often get to know each other, and there's usually someone at the info desk if you need help.
It also makes it easy to keep your walk short when you need to. Every lap brings you back past the door you came in, so you can stop whenever you're ready.
How to find mall walking hours and programs
Every mall sets its own rules, so the best way to find out is to ask. Don't rely on old posts or what a friend heard a few years ago: hours and entrances change.
- Call the mall's management or guest services office. The number is usually on the mall's website.
- Check the mall's website and social pages. Look under events, community or "mall walkers."
- Ask the right questions:
- What time do the doors open for walkers, and on which days?
- Which entrance should walkers use before the stores open?
- Is there a walker program or club you can join?
- Is there a place to leave a coat?
- Are there any rules for walkers, such as about bags, strollers or walking in groups?
- Ask your local health system or senior center. Some run mall walking programs or know which malls welcome walkers.
Some malls open certain doors early so walkers can use the halls while the stores are still closed. Others ask walkers to come during normal opening hours. Either works, as long as you know what to expect before you go.
Mall walking etiquette
A few simple habits keep mall walking pleasant for everyone, including the people who work there.
- Use the walkers' entrance if there is one, especially before the stores open.
- Keep to the right and pass on the left, as you would on a path.
- Walk side by side only when the hall is quiet. Drop into single file when it gets busy.
- Give staff space. Early in the morning, cleaners and store staff are setting up for the day.
- Wear clean indoor shoes if you've come in from snow or slush, or wipe your feet well at the door.
- Keep your things with you. Don't leave bags on benches while you walk.
Walking with a weighted vest or pack at the mall
If you walk with weight, the mall is a good place to do it in winter. A slim weighted vest under an open jacket or an everyday backpack looks like any other walker's gear, and the flat floor makes it easy to focus on how the load feels.
- Check the mall's walker rules in case they limit bags.
- Make sure it fits well before you head out. Our guide on how to wear a weighted vest covers where it should sit and what to adjust.
- Start lighter than you think. A warm, flat mall can make a walk feel easier than it is, so keep the load conservative and the pace easy.
- Keep your pace steady and safe around other walkers, especially on turns and near store entrances.
If you're not sure how much to carry, our weight calculator suggests a conservative starting range for you.
Before you start walking with weight, talk to your doctor or physical therapist first if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia; bone, joint, heart or pelvic floor concerns; or if you're pregnant or postpartum. On any walk, stop and rest if you feel sharp pain, pain that changes how you walk, pelvic heaviness, dizziness or chest discomfort.
Other indoor places to walk
No mall near you, or want a change? There are more indoor places to walk than most women think. Call ahead to check public hours, fees and any rules.
- Indoor walking tracks. Many gyms, schools, colleges and community or recreation centers have an indoor track, and some offer public walking times or day passes.
- Community and rec centers. Even without a track, some open a gym or hall for walkers at set times.
- Church and community halls. A large hall can make a good walking loop for a small group, with permission.
- Big stores and warehouse stores. A slow loop at a quiet time can work for a short walk, as long as you stay out of shoppers' way.
- Hospital and senior center walking programs. Some run indoor walking groups or have marked indoor routes. Ask your local hospital or senior center what they offer.
- Your own home. A treadmill or walking pad lets you walk whatever the weather, at any hour. Our guide to walking with a weighted vest on a treadmill covers setup, the handrail question and when to stop.
Make it social
Mall walking is even easier to keep up with company. Arrange to meet a friend at the same entrance each week, or invite a few neighbors to join you.
If you'd like to make it a regular thing, start a walking group. Our guide covers choosing a time and place, getting the word out and making the first walk welcoming. A winter walking group at the mall is a simple way to start, and you can take it outside together once the weather turns.
Your next step
Winter is a good time to build the habit, so you're ready to walk outside in the spring. Our free 4-week plan builds up gently, and every walk works just as well indoors as out. For more beginner guides, visit Start Here.