Wellness Wednesday Tip #6: Take the Stairs
/Happy Wednesday Everyone!
This week’s tip involves adding some additional physical activity to your day. I want to first give credit to the University of Salford for sparking the idea. Check out the photos of their elevators and stairs, an awesome way to remind people to move more. I wouldn’t be opposed to having messages like this posted on every elevator.
I know sometimes we feel our day is too busy or cut short, and we find it difficult to find time for exercise. Stairs are an excellent way to give your physical activity level a little boost. In many instances I’ve found the stairs to be faster than the elevator, eliminating that factor of time you may have. The research behind increasing your physical activity and the benefits of exercise is scientifically strong. This post could be pages long if I gave you all the benefits of moving more throughout your day, so instead I’ll I just share with you the CDC’s benefits of physical activity.
- Controls your weight
- Reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and some cancers
- Strengthens your bones and muscles
- Improves your mental health and mood
- Improves your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls
- Increases your chances of living longer
But let’s say you work on the 32nd floor, there’s no need to climb all those stairs if you’re not in a healthy position to do so, start out small and gradually add. Don’t think of the stairs as just a part of the fire escape route, think of them as a way to easily add some exercise to your day. So take the stairs, even if it’s just one flight of them, you’ll be glad you did!
Thanks for reading! Continue to spread the word for #WellfieWednesday and share your healthy lifestyle accomplishments.
- Dr. Patrick Berner, PT, DPT
- Dr. Eric Uveges, PT, DPT