Take The Stairs - Not The Stares!

We all can relate to that dreaded feeling that overcomes us when we see a long flight of stairs, with no elevator or escalator in sight. The journey up the stairs seems like a never-ending journey to reach our final destination. But the most embarrassing part happens when we finally reach the top, winded and breathless like we just ran a country-wide marathon. The huffing and puffing can attract a lot of weird looks from people passing by, understandably. It’s definitely not a pretty look.

Living a consciously healthy lifestyles means making small changes in our daily routine in order to improve our quality of life and maintain a healthy body. One small change that can be made at any time is to start taking the stairs. Not only will this provide plenty of health benefits, but it will also avoid the judgmental stares received each time you become a winded, breathless mess.

Here are some benefits of climbing stairs, rather than taking the elevator that is sure to motivate you to start climbing!

1. Burns Calories

Did you know that climbing flights of stairs can burn more calories than taking a run? That’s because the movement needed to take each step engages all the muscles in the legs and requires more energy, as you need to pull yourself up against gravity.

2. Great Cardio Exercise

You don’t need to run to the gym and hop on to the treadmill in order to get your cardio work out in; stair climbing is a cost-effective, and easy form of cardio exercise! It is a foolproof way to get your heart pumping, and when regularly incorporated into your daily routine, it will help get your breath steady and in control. This even makes it a great exercise for lung health.

3.  Tones Your Body

As if you needed any more reasons to ditch the elevator, taking the stairs can also help tone your whole body, particularly your calves, thighs, glutes, and even your core! As it engages all your muscles, it will help firm up and tone your body. So, feel free to skip leg day at the gym and walk up a couple flights of stairs instead to get ready for that perfect summer body!

4. Helps Prevent Diseases

Climbing stairs is a great way to burn calories and facilitate heart and lung health. As a result, it is effective prevention from various diseases, including high blood pressure, coronary disease, risks of cardiac arrest, and pulmonary diseases, just to name a few.

Clearly, opting to take the stairs rather than the elevator can help promote overall health and is a great form of exercise. While it may seem like an extremely difficult and painful task at first, eventually you will feel a difference in your breathing and heart rate, and reap the many benefits of this simple yet effective exercise! Your body will surely thank you for this healthy lifestyle change.

How often do you use the stairs? Are you left breathless and drained after climbing a single flight? Comment below!