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This week one of the kingdom's most popular shopping destinations was transformed into a 'walkway' with enthusiastic residents getting in step with fitness experts to take part in Bahrain's first 'mall walking programme'.
The initiative is part of the World Health Organisation's '1,000-cities 1,000 lives' programme and has been organised by Bahrain City Centre in association with the Capital Governorate, Fitness First and the Ministry of Health to promote a healthier lifestyle, as revealed in GulfWeekly.
Motivating and leading a motley crew of enthusiastic men and women of all ages, some of whom had brought their children in buggies along, was physical fitness trainer and former British Army physical training instructor Paul Hamblin.
Monday's walk of over two-kilometres allowed each walker to burn up to 700 calories and included walking, running and some exercises.
Paul, 40, said that the group was divided into two - the fitter and the beginner. He added: "We first set off on a 15-minute warm up and proceeded to the top floor of the mall. The fit were encouraged to run while the beginners were asked to walk at a fast pace.
"We did a complete circuit including walking exercises on the escalators that were turned off and upper body exercises like standing press-ups.
"There will be two trainers taking the group on every scheduled day. I was asked lots of questions about losing weight and getting into shape but the highlight of the morning was a group of Bahraini ladies full of enthusiasm who were all covered up but were running faster than some expatriates who turned up in their track suits!"
Saeed Ali, 34, a technician from Hamad Town, said that he felt amazing after the morning's schedule. A fitness enthusiast who used to regularly swim and ride horses has had to cut down on his physical activity because of work commitments.
He said: "It was really useful learning different techniques that I can use when out walking. It is a great initiative and companies should give staff the time to exercise and take care of their health."
Jordanian lawyer and housewife Lena Murad, 34, from Jeblat Hibshi, said she was hoping to join the mall walkers soon for two reasons ... so she can get fit and shop soon afterwards!
The year-long supervised programme continues every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Visit a customer service desk at Bahrain City Centre to register and collect a welcome pack.
