We all know the scene: elevator dings, door opens, and you step in for the 5-second ride up one floor.
But what if you skip the easy button and take the stairs instead?
It’s a small decision that can make a huge difference over time.
Climbing stairs gives your legs a mini workout, gets your heart pumping, and even helps clear your mind.
And hey, it’s a great excuse to skip the gym if you're short on time.
So next time you see those stairs, think of it as your personal invitation to step up your health game.
One flight at a time, you’re living the 5% life!
A wonderful woman we met years ago is involved in a sport only available in big cities where it is a sanctioned event to climb tall buildings like the Sears Tower. They are events much like a 10K many of us have experienced at ground level including sponsors, t-shirts and fund raising opportunities. She's my age, 73, and has been doing them for more than a decade. That probably puts her in a category smaller than the 5% club.
That being said, we can all make taking the stairs not only the healthy alternative but the fun alternative. Many times the stairwell may have windows. Take the time to check out the view. Test your breathing skills by inhaling on one flight and exhaling on the next (being mindful that you don't overdue).
When the weather outside is less than favorable, take your walk inside by adding a walk through the hallway of each floor and walk from stairwell to stairwell before you go to the next floor. Thoroughly, not as exciting as a walk in the park, but a great alternative when the wind is howling and rain or snow is falling outside. Have fun with in. Happy climbing.
If you're already taking the stairs that's great, but how fast do you go? Sometimes challenging yourself can add additional benefits. Next time let's speed it up a little 5%ers.... push it for more benefits!!