WEST VANCOUVER resi- dent Sheila Greenberg is walking on air. By Barbara Black News Reporter After coming up empty in her efforts to start up a mall-walking club on the North Shore she wrote a letter to the editor of the North Shore News as a last-ditch effort. Luckily, it came to the attention of Janet King, marketing director of the Lonsdale Quay Market. From there the idea shot off like a runner out of the starting block. ““[ nearly fell off my chair when Janet said ‘let’s make a date!,’ '’ says Greenberg. The idea is simple: people who like to walk meet before opening hours at the Lonsdale Quay and stroll through che second level for exercise and fun. “You walk at your own speed on your own time,’’ says Greenterg, whose T-shirted chest is emblazoned with the words ‘Walkers are good-hearted peo- ple.” While avid ambulators may balk at the idea of strolling the storefronts, Greenberg says it is a very popular activity in the United States. And it is an ideal way for people with health problems, or people who don’t fee! comfortable walking on streets, to get exercise in safety and comfort. “I love walking and it gets me out in the morning,’’ says Rosemary, a Lynn Valley partici- pant, looking radiant after poun- ding the tiles for four miles (that’s 33 times around). She also points out that, because it is indoors, you can’t use poor weather as an excuse to skip it. Greenberg wanted to take up mall-walking because of health problems. **People who have heart or res- piratory problems can walk in a controlled environment,”” she ex- plains. ‘‘There are benches to rest and no obstacles.”’ One woman who comes walks with a cane. Greenberg comes all the way from West Vancouver. Donna Pakulak, project assis- tant for Heart Smart North Shore (HSNS), says mall walking is an ideal activity for rehabilitation pa- tients or people who need to slow- ly bring up their strength. She even suggests it would be ideal for mothers with children. Pakulak will be meeting the club occasionally to show partici- pants warm-up exercises. HSNS and the Heart and Stroke Foundation co-sponsor the walk- ing club with Lonsdale Quay Market in an effort to promote activities that are heart-healthy. Project coordinator of Heart Smart Jean Thompson points out that the walking club would be ideal for people who commute on the SeaBus in the morning and want to squeeze in a bit of exer- cise before work. When walkers join the club they are given an information package that includes a map of the Quay with estimates on mileage (five times around equals one kilometre) and a mileage record to chart distance and time. But Greenberg stresses, ‘'It’s important to say that there’s no competition. Everyone does their own thing. I walk with a tape so | can hear the beat, otherwise I tend to dawdle,”’ she admits. Some walk in groups and chat. Others stroll solo. Ail wear com- fortable shoes and clothing. King says that there is a ‘real The Quay for walking fitness NEWS photo Mike Wakefivid DONNA PAKULAK (fourth from left) of Heart Smart North Shore gives warm-up tips to members of the Lonsdale Quay Market watking club before they set out on their laps. Sheila Greenberg, of West Vancouver, (third from left) started up the club with the cooperation of the Lonsdale Quay. hustle and bustle’’ going on in the market in the morning as shops open, ‘‘so there is lots to watch.’ She says of the club, “It’s a free community activity, and everyone is welcome.’ Greenberg adds that ‘“‘men are welcome,”’ explaining that thus far the group is all women. There is an added perk of “market walker’’ specials from the Quay merchants. The Quay is also considering printing up . Every ‘Blouse 7 '.* Pants.or Skirt” _ Jackets,» . Dresses, =o J Leather Shiri, 7 Coats "_HEATHERINGTONS gi - “Quay walking club”’ T-shirts. The group presently meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 to 9 a.m. on the second level of the market. Membership is free. | | 4 Hl People interested in par- ticipating can register at the in- formation desk at Lonsdale Quay during market hours or call Janet King at 985-2191 or Sheila Greenberg at 922-2601. Announcing a new Decorating Service fo suit any budget. Let me help you avoid an expensive decorating error. Call today! TA SHADE BEI TER d Specializing in Blinds and Draperies for over 7 years 1877 Marine Dr, N. Van. #4-38018 Progress Way, Squamish _Whisiler 984-4104 | 892-5857 932-6617 |