Find answers to your questions, general information, and helpful tips to help ensure a pleasurable mall walking experience.

Mall Walking Hours

If you choose to walk any of the following hours, please keep in mind that these hours coincide with the hours of operation of the Imperial Valley Mall, so you may experience large crowds.

Monday- Saturday: Doors open @ 7am-9pm, stores open @ 10am
Sunday: Doors open @ 9am-7pm, stores open @ 11am

What's the Distance?

If you walk 1 1/4 laps, it would be equal to 1 mile. There is a mile marker in the mall to help you track your distance.

Who Can Join?

Although mall walking has been a favorite activity of New Mothers, Seniors and Retirees alike, people of all ages, body types and fi tness levels are welcome to join in on all the mall walking fun!

Mall Walking Tips:

Studies show that walkers traveling faster than fi ve miles an hour can actually burn twice as many calories as runners going the same speed, so here are some tips to help you reach these goals:

REMEMBER: When beginning a walking program, don¹t be in such a hurry. The goal is to establish a lifetime of health, not an overnight success. Take your time, and go at your own pace. Whatever you do, enjoy yourself! (If you are over 45 and this is your first step toward fitness, check with your physician first.)

	Stretch - Warm up your muscles before each walk to help prevent against injury and allow you to reach your maximum potential. Repeat your stretches after your walk.
	Track Your Time - Start by timing how long it takes you to walk a mile comfortably on flat ground. This is your starting capacity - build from there.
	Measure Your Heart Rate - The recommendation for a "heart-in-training" is 60 to 90 percent of the fastest your heart can beat in one minute. Figure out your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age in years from 220. Multiply the result by 0.6 and 0.9 to get the bottom and top of your target zone for aerobic training.
	Be Committed - The key to being a successful mall walker is to STICK WITH IT! Making walking a habit takes willpower, planning and strategy. The goal is to walk three to five times a week, with a heart rate in your target zone for 15 to 60 minutes. Schedule your walks in advance and BE COMMITTED!
	What to Wear - The most important element in your mall walking ensemble is a good pair of walking shoes. Features of a good walking shoe include: firm heel cups for stability, a rocker sole to enhance smooth heel-to-toe motion, and plenty of room for toes so they can spread out as they push off. As for clothing, wear loose, comfortable, fresh, and light apparel.
	Walk Correctly - You don¹t have to walk any particular way, but correct posture, arm swing, and stride add up to higher-intensity workouts and a lower risk of injury. Posture - Lean slightly forward-from the ankles not the waist. Keep your head level and your chin up. Arm Swing - Keep elbows firmly bent at a 90-degree angle and swing from the shoulder. Stride - Be sure to make your stride long and smooth. Borrow some moves from professional race walkers and in time you can be a professional too!