When Arizona temperatures climb into the triple digits, staying active and connected can feel impossible. To tackle both problems, Blue Zones Project Scottsdale is offering a free, weekly indoor walking program at Scottsdale Fashion Square designed to keep people moving and build neighborhood ties.
What the program offers
The Indoor Walking Moai meets Thursday mornings outside the Capital One Café. Participants split into groups by pace and typically complete two or three laps around the mall for about 45 minutes of walking in air-conditioned space. The series runs for 10 weeks and is free and open to the public; organizers encourage advance registration.
"Indoor Walking Moai is simple on purpose. People come to walk, but what often happens is bigger than that. They start talking, they recognize each other week after week, and real friendships begin to form," said Sarah Kearney, executive director of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale.
First-time attendees receive a complimentary Blue Zones T-shirt, and participants are invited to enjoy free coffee from Capital One Café after the walk. Organizers say last year’s inaugural series led many walkers to form their own regular meet-ups beyond the program schedule.
Why this matters locally
Besides offering a cool place to exercise, the moai model is intended to counter social isolation. Blue Zones Project Scottsdale points to a striking local statistic: about one in three residents say they have only one or no person to call in a time of need. The walking groups are built around small, supportive networks—mirroring the Japanese moai idea—so friendships can grow from a shared, low-barrier routine.
- Who: Blue Zones Project Scottsdale
- When: Thursday mornings (weekly)
- Where: Scottsdale Fashion Square — meet outside Capital One Café
- Duration: Typically ~45 minutes per session
- Cost: Free; first-timers receive a free T-shirt; coffee provided after walking
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Program length | 10 weeks |
| Walking distance | 2–3 laps around mall |
| Accessibility | Various paces welcomed |
For many in Scottsdale, routine social contact is as important as physical activity—especially during summer when outdoor options shrink. The Indoor Walking Moai offers a practical, no-cost way for residents to keep healthy and connected without stepping into the heat.
Advance registration is suggested. For more information, contact Blue Zones Project Scottsdale or visit the group’s website and social channels for schedule updates and registration links.
