Walkin’ the Floor Before Hitting the Stores - Katy Mills Mall Offers a Cool Way to Get Exercise this Summer

Every morning, Katyites young and old make their way to Katy Mills Mall to start their day with an early morning, air-conditioned walk. Known as the Katy Mills Milers, members have been taking these brisk morning treks since the mall’s opening in 1999. The Katy Mills Milers have had almost 3000 participants at one time or another.
“I figured I would never make it six weeks, much less six years, says long term Katy Mills Miler, Claudia Brisentine. “I found that this is something I just enjoy. I think this is a great thing the mall has brought to the community,”

A Safe, Air-Conditioned Work Out
We offer a place indoors that allows them to walk all year round, despite inclement weather,” says Celena McGuill, Marketing Director of Katy Mills Mall. “It’s a safe, climate controlled environment for the mall walkers and we’re happy to do so because we like to be involved in the community.” McGuill explains that the program is designed to encourage walkers to continue their exercise by giving them certain incentives for the amount of miles they have completed. One trip around the mall is equivalent to about a mile. The prizes may include a mall discount card, a t-shirt, or even a gift certificate for certain participating stores.

Walking with the Family One Mile at a Time
“Really, it’s a family thing,” explains Nancy Petterson, another Miler, who says members often bring their children to walk with them. Petterson has been a member for two years and helps newcomers in the organization. “We’ve been walking at the mall since it opened,” says Kim Upton, who walks with her daughter Aimee, age 15. “The non-humidity, and air conditioned facility is my motivation to come.” Upton says she likes being able to walk even if it’s hot or raining outside.

All Ages Welcome
According to mall representative Celena McGuill, the Milers consist of older people as well as young moms that bring their babies and strollers. “We’ve been working with Stroller Fit, which is a group of moms that have newborns and come and do exercises similar to Sit and Fit, as well as mall walking,”
Many young mothers walk briskly through the mall, wearing babies strapped in carriers. Those we spoke with said they enjoy walking the mall for both exercise and fellowship. “What makes us come here instead of walking outside is the air-conditioning- it’s about keeping the babies warm in the winter and cool in the summer,” Rebecca Philips, a mother of a 1-year-old, says while kissing and combing her child’s hair. Other members may be recovering from illness or injury and need a regular place to walk. “Originally I had back surgery and when I was rehabbing I came here to walk. It’s nice because it isn’t rainy and it’s climate controlled,” explains Dennis Hartman.

Katy Mills Milers
For more information:
Call: 281-644-5000
Hours: Walking Club Hours are
Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Cost: Membership is free!
To Join:
Forms are located at the Information Center in Neighborhood Four

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