If going to the gym sounds like a daunting chore, why not exercise by simply walking around your neighborhood? That's correct. There are plenty of public places like parks, sidewalks, and pedestrian lanes where you can move your body, nurturing your physical health for free! No need to pay for expensive memberships!
But what about shopping centers? Can we take advantage of these built spaces for our leisure strolls? Absolutely!
Unless the concerned establishment is miniscule and lacks the ample floor area to enjoy walking, then better search for a more conducive place to do so. If you're residing in a highly urbanized community, chances are at least one big shopping center exists in your locality.
The Philippines is truly blessed to be the chosen home of some of the world's largest commercial environments. With humble beginnings, these architectural behemoths evolved from ordinary street stores, eventually transforming into humongous destinations of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.
The SM Supermalls brand has been serving the country for many decades now, and they have been famous for their enormous complexes literally scattered all over this tropical archipelago. Just visit one of their popular branches and you'll see how massive their floor spaces are. And apart from doing my usual shopping, dining, and entertainment escapades there, I also love to walk around their interior spaces while admiring their spectacular architecture or checking out their new offerings.
In Davao City, the Philippine’s largest metropolis, I happened to visit SM Lanang Premier, one of their luxurious branches along J.P. Laurel Avenue. Although this shopping center is not as huge as the other siblings, its floor area is surely spacious enough - ideal for walking enthusiasts like me.
Wearing my trusted rubber shoes, my feet were simply restless as I entered the mall’s entrance gates. I just couldn’t wait to begin walking while exploring the various kiosks, stalls, and commercial sections in the vast expanse of its incredible interiors.
However, every time I tried to maintain my energetic momentum and focused on my exercise, my eyes were constantly drawn to the countless merchandise, products, and items on sale that were on display everywhere. Obviously, who wouldn't be tempted at the sensual feast that surrounded me on all corners, right?
Despite the intimidating urge of retail therapy and the satisfaction it feeds me, I continued walking for half an hour and ignored the attractive stores that lined up its polished tile walls - using a stopwatch to time my exercise. At the end of each 30-minute interval, I had to pause for short breaks in between. Another way was to cease walking by taking the escalators that accessed the different floor levels. In fact, these were the best moments to be still and observe the mall’s modern surroundings.
The entire establishment had a minimalistic architecture with lots of colorful accents. Neutral tones combined with vibrant hues complemented each other, creating interesting design patterns that weren’t boring to the overall visual aesthetics. Its modern approach definitely stood out as a result of the simple fusion of building materials consisting of wood, stone, and metal that cladded its ceilings, walls, and floors.
Nevertheless, I promised to treat myself with a shopping spree and a great meal after my walking exercise. These personal rewards certainly prompted me to discipline myself first by prioritizing my physical health above the rest. I successfully accomplished a 2-hour walking activity during this particular visit. Now, isn’t that something to be proud of?
As the dark skies of the evening enveloped the mall’s outdoor spaces, I encountered a massive word sculpture that reminded me where I was exactly that instant. It was a fruitful day indeed. And with an enormous smile on my face, hitting 2 birds with one stone by strolling and malling in one go made all the difference!
Do you enjoy exercising by walking while shopping inside a commercial mall? Share your memorable experiences.
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Que bonito centro comercial y que amplio , creí que es una buena propuesta hacer ejercicios caminando en un centro comercial , aunque creo que me entretendria a cada rato y olvidaría el ejercicio jj en Cuba hay muy pocos centros comerciales amplios que permitan hacer esta actividad , así que seguiré yendo a mis clases de yoga 😊
That's right @lileisabel, this mall truly embodies gorgeous architecture and is the perfect place to shop, dine, and be entertained.
However, I also have to agree with you that it's absolutely a huge challenge to exercise by walking in these commercial establishments due to the countless temptations all around. I guess it would greatly depend on the person's priorities with discipline when visiting such environments. I'm glad that Cuba also has malls to cater to these pleasures. ☺️
the mall here opens its doors an hour before the shops open so that walkers can walk without crowds, udring winter its something i often do when I cant get out for walks onthe beaches as its too cold
Thanks for joining the Wednesday walk
Have a great day
Cool, what an awesome idea! At least walkers can always continue their exercises inside malls during the winter months. Shopping centers in tropical countries like the Philippines don't have that privilege though, unless they host special events.
Have an enjoyable one! ☺️
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Thanks for joining the Wednesday walk
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I'm missing window shopping. haha.
Why window-shop when you can just buy right away? lol 😂
No money for shopping. hahaha.
Makes sense! 😂
Wow! a beautiful and spacious shopping center, it is admirable that you have remained firm during the two hours of walking, avoiding the temptations of visiting the stores, I think I barely managed half an hour, the shops and attractions of the shopping center call me to see the exhibits hehe 😂
The mall has a great modern and attractive design, also beautiful tile colors that create a nice and cozy space, on my next visit to the mall I will try to take a walk 😃😊
Have a great week!
I liked the flooring and the ceiling of that mall Sir @storiesoferne
It is also spacious and minimalist.
I can remember when I was still in college, there were times that my classmates and I studied or worked on our outputs in the food court of the mall near our school because it was air-conditioned.