Choose the Stairs! January 8th is Take The Stairs Day

by Bag It Team | Jan 6, 2025 | Educational Articles

Skipping the elevator (or escalator) and taking the stairs is a simple but powerful way to boost your health. Climbing stairs strengthens your heart, lungs, bones, and muscles, and even improves balance and coordination. Even just a flight or two each day can add up to noticeable benefits over time.

If climbing stairs isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other small changes you can make to improve your physical and mental health. The key is to incorporate these activities into your routine consistently.

(Remember to always check with your doctor before beginning any new physical activity or exercise to make sure it is safe for you.)

Here are some easy ideas to up your activity every day

• Walk or bike whenever possible. If you’re heading to a nearby store, restaurant, school, or work, leave the car behind. If you must drive, park farther from the entrance to add extra steps.
• Use public transportation strategically. Get off one stop early and enjoy a brisk walk to your destination.
• Make the most of your lunch hour. Take a walk during your break, either alone for some quiet time or with a coworker for companionship.
• Combine movement with work. Hold walking meetings outdoors or pace around your office while taking calls.
• Turn family time into activity time. Walk your pet, take your partner or child for a stroll, or plan a “walk and talk” with a friend.
• Take movement breaks at work. Studies show that five-minute activity breaks each hour can counteract the effects of sitting all day.
• Stay active during TV time. Use commercial breaks for stretches, jumping jacks, running in place, or even a quick dance.
• Bring energy to chores. Dance or add extra movement while cleaning the house or doing other household tasks.
• Ditch the golf cart. If you’re a golfer, walking the course is a great way to add activity.
• Plan active get-togethers. Instead of centering social time solely around meals, organize outings with friends or family that include a fun activity like a hike, a game, or a walk. Pick something everyone will enjoy doing.
• Turn waiting time into moving time. If you’re waiting for an appointment, picking up a child, or standing in line, do simple exercises like calf raises, stretches, or marches in place.
• Make use of technology. Set reminders or alarms on your phone to prompt short activity breaks throughout the day.
• Take the long way. Choose longer routes when walking inside your home, office, or any building to add extra steps.

Small, consistent actions like these can lead to big improvements in your physical and mental well-being. Start with one or two changes and build from there—your future self will thank you!