Sister to Sister

From our Daily Tips: "Fit in exercise by taking the stairs."

We all know that it’s important to get moving. But when I'm tired after a long day, going to the gym can be the last thing I want to do. I was encouraged to realize that hitting the elliptical isn't the only way to get active.

Through Sister to Sister, I've learned that when I can’t face a grueling workout, there are still plenty of ways to get the exercise I need – even on a busy schedule! A few small changes can add up over time, so when I'm looking to squeeze a few minutes of physical activity into my day, I start by taking the stairs.

Here are a few of the great reasons to head for the stairs instead of the elevator:

• It burns calories. Taking the stairs burns seven times more calories than standing in the elevator, and just two minutes of stair-climbing a day may be able to keep you from gaining a pound a year!
• It builds up your muscles. Climbing the stairs regularly gives you a great leg workout, strengthening your quadriceps and your glutes. The more you exercise, the more results you'll see.
• It calms you down. The workplace can be stressful. If you need a few minutes to clear your head, stepping out into the stairwell for a few minutes is an easy way to relieve stress.
• It protects your heart. The authors of a 2007 study estimated that climbing stairs for just seven minutes a day could cut your heart disease risk by 60%. Now that’s motivation!

Your Turn: Do you take the stairs or the elevator? If you fit exercise into a busy day, how do you do it?