Climbing Stairs to Stay Fitby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 04 Jul 2009 03:09 PM When was the last time you took the stairs instead of the elevator? A new study claims that even a moderate increase in the use of stairs could play a role in helping to solve the nation's obesity problem. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that climbing stairs is a good way to get your heart pumping. So why is it that many people opt to take the easy way out when they could rise to the occasion and lose weight in the process? According to researchers, we shouldn't be blaming our lazy selves; rather, we should be pointing the finger at architects. Researchers at Louisiana State University point to several characteristics of stair design that discourage regular use, including: Stigma: Researchers claim that staircases in tall buildings are generally viewed as a way to exit in case of fire and not tools whereby one can burn calories. Poor location: Steps are typically housed behind heavy spring doors and don't include carpeting. Hot: Most stairwells are not air-conditioned. To make climbing stairs more inviting researchers suggest that architects create designs in which staircases are made a central feature of new buildings to draw people to them. Other ways to encourage people to use stairs include: Add carpet Paint the stairwell's walls Put up artwork Play music in the stairwell Hang motivational signs near stairwells If you are intent on losing weight and getting fit, don't wait for your building's manager to implement the aforementioned recommendations. Instead, make a commitment to use the stairs whenever you have the chance. If you are just getting started climbing stairs, start slow, and gradually increase the number of steps you take as your body gets acclimated to the exercise. Finally, remember to be cognizant of your body while being realistic. When you do more than your body can handle at one time it often leads to injuries. Related Articles: Creating an Affordable Fitness Plan Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevantfitness tags weight loss | parenting | ideas | holidays | family | relationships | Food | Kids | children | pregnancy User Comments Nealoren (15) 08 Jul 2009 02:57 AMyes stairwall reduce obesity and your weight also. Discuss this article
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