By Casey Neill
Mall walking is keeping people active, safe and out of the elements in Dandenong.
The Dandenong Plaza has hosted the Plaza Pacers walking group for the past 12 years.
Up to 30 people stroll, stride and step their way around the shopping centre from 7.30am to 8.30am each Thursday.
Rodney Benstead from the YMCA leads the group in stretches to warm up and cool down pre and post-walk.
Participants cover up to four kilometres, but each walker is encouraged to walk to their own ability.
Pam Young, from Doveton, first started mall walking at Parkmore in Keysborough.
“I was so impressed with it that I came here to the management and said ‘How about one for Dandenong?’,” she said.
She enjoys the energy and the company.
“The current pacers range in age from their fifties to their eighties and we cater to all fitness levels,” she said.
“We had a walker that was recovering from the effects of a stroke and they had fantastic improvements.
“We start at the centre management office on level two and then we go around the first floor to the top floor.”
Many walkers catch up for a coffee after their stroll, and enjoy donations of fruit from plaza retailer Market Place.
Centre manager Mark Tannahill invited anyone who wanted kick start a fitness program over the winter months to try out the free program.
“It is especially ideal for mums with prams looking for a warm and safe environment to walk in,” he said.
Visit www.dandenongplaza.com.au for more information.
