Peabody welcomes back walking program

PEABODY – Break out your jogging pants and dust off those sneakers, the Northshore Mall’s walking program is back in session after a brief hiatus during construction.Walkers of all ages are able to register for the free program, which gives them access to the mall before it opens to the public for business. Users will ultimately have the mall to themselves between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Sundays.The walking program has been a staple at the mall for years, said Mall Manager Mark Whiting, who recalled approximately 200-300 people joining when it first started. That number has since tripled, especially after the mall’s interior renovations and revamped walking route.The new program, sponsored for the first time by local retirement community Brooksby Village, features mile-markers displayed on floor tiles throughout the mall so walkers can better track their distance. Registered users will also receive a lanyard verifying their presence in the mall.”People who live at Brooksby Village live an active and healthy lifestyle, which makes this partnership a natural fit for us,” said Brooksby’s Director of Sales John DeCecca. “In these economic times, many people are not joining gyms, so the mall walking program is a great free alternative to going out and getting some exercise.”One complete loop, from the food court to Macy’s, and including all the wings in between, equals a distance of approximately 1.25 miles.”It seems a lot easier,” said Nanci Horn, mall marketing director, noting that most walkers window shop as they exercise, not realizing how far they’ve actually gone.Whiting said that not only is the program great for people struggling to find a place to walk during the winter months, it’s great for socializing. He said many people visit the mall in groups and gather in the food court afterwards for some coffee and conversation.Those wishing to participate may do so by visiting the mall’s customer service center. All that’s asked is for walkers to sign a release form and provide emergency contact information, which will be displayed on the back of their lanyards.