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Go to the Paradise Valley Mall in northeast Phoenix at 7 a.m., three hours before the mall's official opening, and you'll see about 300 people already inside. Rather than strolling along window-shopping, these people walk with a purpose. They are members of the Paradise Valley Mall Walkers Club, which is sponsored by Paradise Valley Hospital, mall management and a few mall merchants. Like many mall-walking clubs, the members of Paradise Valley are mostly seniors and retirees, though there are a good number of women, many with children. Walkin, a Paradise Valley store dedicated to, well, walking, is one of the club's sponsors. 

The mall is climate-controlled, so walkers do not have to worry about inclement weather. In Phoenix that could mean temperatures rising above 100 degrees, and in other parts of the country icy conditions or rain.

Traffic is not a factor in the mall. This is especially helpful in suburban communities where sidewalks are not necessarily accessible. Consalvo points out that the walking surface in the mall is good because it is paved and consistent, which is not always true of roads and trails. Smooth surfaces can cut down on the potential for injury.

With the constant presence of a security guard, walking in a mall is a safe environment. For seniors who may be reluctant to walk outside, this is especially comforting.

Because local hospitals and merchants sponsor many of these clubs, the members can take advantage of many programs. At the Paradise Valley mall, the hospital performs blood pressure screenings twice a month for members. The hospital also holds other events throughout the year, including cardiovascular assessments, cholesterol screenings and stretching seminars. Some of the stores also give club members perks. When walkers show their membership cards at some of the mall stores, they may be eligible for a discount or promotional item.

One of the greatest aspects to being a part of a walkers club is the social interaction. Three or four times a week he sees a group of about 20 people getting together after their walk for coffee. They started by sharing their exercise time, and it has grown into a social relationship. It is a great chance for the retirees to make new acquaintances, and for mothers and children to meet other mothers with their kids.

Most of the mall-walking clubs are free to join. If you are interested in finding one in your area, call your community hospitals and mall management offices to see if they sponsor anything. If not, suggest that they consider it. Mall-walking clubs are great for health as well as for business.