Westchester County and The Westchester, the metro area’s premiere shopping destination, have teamed up to offer residents a great fitness program called Be Fit at the Westchester.

What is Be Fit at The Westchester?
Be Fit at the Westchester is a walking club at The Westchester mall in White Plains. With more than one mile of climate-controlled corridors to walk, members can get exercise no matter what the weather outside. The walking club is sponsored by Westchester County as part of the Be Fit Westchester program. Led by health and fitness professionals from the county’s Parks Department staff, the walks are held from 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays each week. Once a month, special guests give short talks or demonstrations on health and wellness topics. On the second Tuesday of each month, the Visting Nurses Association of Westchester does blood pressure screenings from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

How do I join?
It’s easy. Come to any of the scheduled walks on Tuesdays or Fridays to sign up. There is free parking at the mall from 8 a.m. -12 noon on club days. Prizes will be awarded to members who complete 100 and 200 miles at the mall.

Who can join?
The Westchester’s proximity to corporate offices and the downtown business district make it the ideal location for a before work walk. Seniors and moms with strollers are welcome too!

Why Walk?
Walking is an easy, non-stressful way to get exercise. It provides aerobic benefits that can reduce the risk of heart disease, improve circulation, tone muscles, and of course, help you burn calories and lose weight.  As with any exercise program, you should consult your doctor before starting, especially if you are overweight or have other health conditions. To stay fit, doctors recommend 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise 3 days a week. We offer mall walking tips to get your started too.

What is Be Fit Westchester?
Walks at The Westchester are sponsored by Westchester County as part of the Be Fit Westchester program. County Executive Andy Spano announced Be Fit Westchester in October 2004 to fight obesity, the number one health risk in America today. Be Fit Westchester’s goal is to encourage people of all ages to eat smarter and incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines. The county holds activities throughout the year to help people focus on their commitment to getting fit. Past events include “No Junk Food Week” in county schools.

Be Fit Mobile
Westchester County’s own fitness center on wheels, the Be Fit Mobile van is equipped with fitness accessories and is staffed by recreation experts. During the summer months, it travels to parks, pools and beaches to show kids and people of all ages how to have fun as they learn how to get – and stay – fit and healthy. It is also available to day camps and local recreation departments. To schedule a visit, visit the County Parks Department or call (914) 864-7057.

How do I start?
Meet at the horse fountain on retail level 2 (between Crate and Barrel and Restoration Hardware) on Tuesdays and Fridays between 8 and 10 a.m. Enter parking garage at Paulding St. Pedestrian entrance at S. Broadway. Walkers are free to walk individually at their own pace or with a group. One loop is equal to approximately 1/2 mile. Wellness programs featuring special guest speakers are held on the first Friday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Food Court. Talks on nutrition and fitness will be held at 9:30 a.m. on the first Friday of the month. For more information on Be Fit at the Westchester, call (914) 864-7077.

What if I want to walk more?
The White Plains Hospital Center and Galleria Mall offers a walking program Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 .a.m on Fashion Level 2 at the Galleria Mall. It is facilitated by a health care professional from White Plains Hospital. Joining is easy. Simply register at the mall on the day you decide to walk. It is a free walking program. Lectures, blood pressure screenings and trips are offered through this program. The Galleria Mall also has many merchants who offer discounts to walkers.

For more information call White Plains Hospital’s Health Access Program at (914) 681-1249.

Walk at the Westchester in White Plains, Tuesdays and Fridays. You can walk Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, too, at the Galleria.