5 Reasons You Should Take The Stairs Instead Of The Elevator

Did you know? Taking the stairs takes less time than waiting for the elevator. A flight of stairs might seem quite daunting if you are not used to it, but it can have a positive impact on your overall health. Stair climbing might not seem like much but the benefit it provides can last for years. Besides, it is a quick and convenient way to get your daily dose of exercise.

So, here are some reasons why you should skip out on the elevator and start climbing those stairs. 

1. Keeps You Fit

A lot of us spend many hours sitting down, which makes us lazy and inactive. Taking the stairs can add some movement to our otherwise sedentary lives. You don’t have to structure your life around intense exercising when you can climb up a few steps to keep yourself fit. 

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered that stair climbing has considerable health benefits. They concluded that this form of exercise is good for cardiorespiratory fitness and longevity. Remember, physical fitness can increas your lifespan.

2. Good For The Heart

This simple exercise is also good for your heart as it keeps your blood pumping and lowers cholesterol levels. National Center of Biotechnology Information revealed that those who did not climb stairs daily were at a greater risk of developing metabolic diseases. Another study examined patients who routinely climbed stairs and saw an increase in recovery after a major heart procedure. 

Thus, stair climbing improves cardiovascular health and decreases risk of metabolic syndrome. It ultimately reduces cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and diabetes all of which lead to heart diseases. 

3. Strengthens Muscles

We engage our entire lower body when we climb stairs so it makes sense that it improves our muscuskeletal health. This free workout strengthens all the muscles in our legs and back. It also increases flexibility as our hips and joints are involved. Furthermore,using our legs enhances it’s density by developing power in our calves and glutes, which in turn can also help with muscular pain. 

4. Keeps Your Brain Active

A round of brief exercise boosts brain activity and creative thinking. A Japanese study investigated the effects of stair climbing on divergent thinking. They indicated that subjects who climbed stairs generated 61% original ideas than those who took the elevator. Hence, one can assume that this daily physical activity increases creativity, fluency and originality. 

5. Burns Calories

It is interesting that climbing or descending stairs can help burn more calories than jogging. Approximately, 0.17 calories are burned when you climb stairs and 0.5 upon descending. Therefore, going up the stairs is a good form of exercise for anyone looking to lose weight. It is even recommended for tackling obesity; as the heavier a person is, the more calories they burn when climbing stairs. 

Some Other Ways To Exercise Without Going To The Gym

Exercising doesn’t mean getting a gym membership and working out on all the fancy machines. Lots of people avoid the gym because they find it intimidating but getting physical activity does not equal running on a treadmill or hiring a professional trainer. 

There are multiple ways you can exercise without going to the gym.

1. Dancing

Dancing is such a fun way to keep your body active. Not only does it improve flexibility but gives you a surge of serotonin and reduces stress. You don’t have to be a great dancer to bust some moves. Just play your favorite song and dance your heart out.  

2. Walking

Walking is the most convenient yet underrated form of exercise you can do. Instead of taking a bus or a car, walk if you can. You don’t have to do it for hours, just a couple of minutes can help in building stamina, burning calories and making you healthier. 

3. Home workouts

Working out at home certainly has its benefits. It is efficient, convenient and offers time flexibility. From barre exercises and strength building to yoga and jump rope, the internet is loaded with workouts you can do at home, just take your pick.

4. Keep Active

Another way to promote body fitness is to be productive throughout the day. Whether it involves cleaning the house, gardening, cooking, or doing DIY projects, just keep on moving while doing fun activities. 

Conclusion:

You can easily find stairs wherever you go- at home, at a mall, at work. Hence, there’s no reason for you to take the elevator, unless necessary, when you can get all the physical benefits from climbing up the stairs. The best part of it all is that you don’t have to listen to the elevator music or be cramped up awkwardly with strangers. 

So, next time you see a set of stairs, take courage and make your way up!