Why You Should Choose to Take the Stairs
By Genevieve Cunningham
Before elevators and escalators, taking the stairs was the only option to get from one floor to another. At the invention of either of these, the general public most certainly cheered. No longer did you have to climb stair after stair, legs burning the whole way. But as time has gone on, we’ve become incredibly dependent on taking the easy way up. While this helps us greatly in skyscrapers and when we’re in a hurry, it may have contributed to our overall decline in health. If you’d like to reverse the negative effects of our advanced (but much appreciated!) living, take a look at why you should take the stairs as often as possible.
It Improves Stamina
Taking the stairs, especially when you’re not used to it, is hard work! You may find that after just a few steps, you’re beginning to huff and puff. While this is going to be annoying at first, over time it will significantly improve your overall stamina. This might mean everyday tasks become easier as your cardio improves and you can last longer before needing a break.
It Tightens the Legs
There are very few people out there who aren’t looking to tone up the legs just a little bit. This tends to be a problem area for everyone, and getting rid of the extra jiggle is tough work. But taking the stairs requires massive amounts of work on the bottom half of your body. After even a short time, you may notice that your bottom half is a bit more toned and smaller than usual. Stick with it, and this area may even become one of your favorite areas of the body.
It’s an Easy Way to Work Out
Making time to work out can be a challenge. There’s work, family, house chores, and a million other things to worry about first. But the thing about taking the stairs is that it takes very little extra time, and yet it gives you a great workout. Plan for an additional five minutes or so to get to your destination on time, and you’ve added a workout into your day without having to carve out a special time slot.
Taking the stairs probably doesn’t sound very appealing. In fact, it probably sounds like something you’d very much like to avoid! But give it a shot. If you can fight through the additional effort, you may find it quite beneficial in your personal efforts for a healthier life.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Clifton Park, N.Y.