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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