Blue Zones to kick off winter walking moais

Published 9:00 am Sunday, February 8, 2015

The Blue Zones Project winter walking moais will kick off Monday at both the Skyline Plaza and Northbridge Mall.

Moai walking teams are groups of up to 10 people who walk together at least once a week for 10 weeks to different places in the community. Participants in the past have proven to not only get the health benefits from the physical activity but also new friendships while tracking their steps.

The term moai comes from Okinawa, Japan, and originated as a way for villagers to support each other in times of need. Moai walking teams encourage the same social support while adding the physical benefits of walking.

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Community members interested in signing up for a group can do so at 9 a.m. at Skyline Plaza by the Senior Center or at 5:30 p.m. at Northbridge Mall by the food court.

Stacy Palmer, engagement lead with the Blue Zones Project in Albert Lea, said participants do not have to walk at these times to take part in a walking moai group.

There will be a celebration at the end of the 10 weeks.

Participants should first sign up for the Blue Zones Project and then register for the moai at bluezonesproject.com.

There will be a celebration at the end of the 10 weeks.

The Blue Zones Project is a partnership between Healthways Inc. and Blue Zones LLC. During the project, national experts and local leaderes will draw on the city’s prior success and assist the city in developing and implementing a blueprint for making permanent environmental, social and policy changes. The changes aim to lead people into healthier behaviors and improved well-being.