My new office is on the fourth floor, and while waiting for a slow elevator the other day, it occurred to me that I was missing a prime opportunity for exercise. So I turned away, and took the stairs. In the days since, I've used the elevators less and less. It's a great way to get some incidental exercise, and it reduces energy costs to run the elevators. Here are some related tips:
* Walk to a park or a more distant cafe for lunch.
* Use the restroom on another floor and take the stairs.
* Leave something important in your car (your lunch, your cell phone, etc.) so you have to run out to get it (and take the stairs).
* Deliver documents or messages to co-workers in person rather than by email.
* Volunteer to meet people in their office, then walk over.
* Stand or walk while you talk on the phone.
* Use a pedometer and keep track of how many steps you take. Aim for 6,000 to 10,000 steps a day.
* Carry comfortable shoes for workday walking.
* Go for a short walk after work (and miss some of the rush hour traffic!)
These are some great ways to get active and walk with a purpose, and remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
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Check out this report about a Yale study on taking the stair. Consider posting signs near the elevator that read, "Why WEIGHT for an elevator? Take steps to save time and burn calories," "Burn some stress; take the stairs," "Bone up to good health; climb the stairs," or "Your heart needs the exercise; here's your chance!" The study suggests that the mere presence of a sign could triple the number of stair climbers. Keep steppin'!
I've been using the stairs to get to my third floor office for the past 5 months. About 2 months ago I started using a pedometer to help me reach my target of 10,000 steps a day. Using the stairs adds significantly to my 10K goal and after using the stairs consistently for months, I've noticed that I am no longer winded when I get to the top (the way I was the first week or so!) That's improvement I notice and use as motivation to keep stepping.
Beronda
I'm right there with you, girl! Have you made it to 10K yet? I plan to get a pedometer so I can keep track of my steps. You'll be my inspiration.
As always, thanks for stopping by, Beronda. And howdy to your family.
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