Do you deliberately climb steps wehn there is a lift available?

@kalav56 (11464)
India
May 11, 2010 5:03am CST
Of course this discussion is valid only for 1 or 2 floors and not a destination that is on the 10th floor. I had read somewhere that it would be better for one’s health , if people climb steps instead of opting for the lift . [at least for 1 or 2 floors] Do you do this? I admit I don’t . I ought to. A discussion about weight loss prompted me to ask this to you all. Recently someone told me that climbing one step up and down in a stair case continuously for 10 minutes is an effective substitute for walking. I am unable to go for long walks and this person suggested this remedy to me. It seemed a good idea but I am yet to implement it. Please share your views.
18 people like this
64 responses
@ElicBxn (63652)
• United States
11 May 10
I don't because my knees give me so much trouble. If I have no choice, I'll climb stairs, but I really do avoid them.
1 person likes this
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
16 May 10
True.Long walks are anyday better than staircase for our knees.THanks for the response.
1 person likes this
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
19 May 10
Sorry I did not see thsi earlier.How are you now? Have a hot water fomentation andalso sit with your knees stretched in front of you. Keep your feet on a stool and keep your legs as straight as possible without bending it.Try this and you may find some relief.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63652)
• United States
20 May 10
I had fractured my heels and my feet have never fully recovered from that. I do feel better, I never know when something is going to hurt, because of the fibro
1 person likes this
@SViswan (12051)
• India
13 May 10
Before my younger son was born (a little more than 3 years back) I would regularly use the stairs to get to my 6th floor apartment. When I was 6 months pregnant with my first son, we moved to a flat on the 4th floor. The lift was not functional and we were told the lift would be functioning by the time of my delivery. And guess what? I never saw it working and we moved out when my older son was 3 years old. So, we used the stairs all those years. Recently my husband started working out...and he has been using the stairs even when we use the lift. We come in the lift and he comes up the stairs...and often reaches before we do!
1 person likes this
@SViswan (12051)
• India
14 May 10
Oh no...I had my son when we lived there. I didn't go to my mother's. I got my labour pains at around 4.30 am...walked down the stairs...found that someone had cross parked behind our car...so, ended up walking to the hospital which was close by and had my son within the next hour and a half. When we came home from the hospital, 7 people pulled us up in the lift. After that I always used the stairs again.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
13 May 10
God ! So, you kept climbing 4 floors when you were pregnant? You are a real sport I should say!And I shudder to think what would have hapened if you had started your labour pain at home[with the lift not working]but you would have gone to your parents' place if I am not mistaken isn't it?
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
17 May 10
My God ! it was cutting it so fine; in hindsight it would seem very adventurous. But who escorted you Sandhya? Was it your mother or husband? Or did you do it alone too?
@Roseo8 (2947)
• India
19 May 10
Hi Kala I live on the 11th floor of my apartment complex......Even though there are two lifts ,when there is a power failure I have to call and tell the security to switch on the generator which they often forget to do......But sometimes when I am in a mood to exercise,I promptly climb down the stairs instead of waiting for the generator....he..he...
1 person likes this
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
19 May 10
You climb down 11 floors!!!!!!!!
1 person likes this
@Roseo8 (2947)
• India
19 May 10
sssshhh...not everyday...only once in a blue moon........its the secret of my good health..........
1 person likes this
• United States
13 May 10
My childrenofte ask me to climb the stairs intead of using the lift.My son clims the six floors to hs offic .Nowadas I also try to cimb up but no more tha a floor .I is a good exercise .
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
13 May 10
Your son seems to be very sensible.What with their sedantory jobs, nowadays, boys themselves feel the lack of exercise and behave this way.
@allknowing (138148)
• India
20 Aug 10
My computer is on the first floor and so I need to climb steps umpteen number of times in a day. But when I am say in a mall I would rather climb all those steps than use the escalator or the lift not for health reasons but I am mortified of the likelihood of these 'contraptions' giving way. I have heard of so many gruesome stories about lifts stopping half way, or they just don't come but the door opens and one just steps into a vacuum. And escalators too are not that innocent!
1 person likes this
@allknowing (138148)
• India
21 Aug 10
I have been on several foreign package tours and there as you know these lifts and escalators can be seen at every nook and corner. My movement was quite restricted as I used to wait for someone else to be there in these contraptions whenever I felt the need to use them!
1 person likes this
@udayrao2 (781)
• India
13 May 10
Hi Kalav Yes , I always climb ( up/down) if it is not more than 5 floors- never use the lift as much as possible as this makes the legs stronger and good for the health- that is probably the best exercise along with swimming and walking especially for an elderly person.
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@kalav56 (11464)
• India
13 May 10
True Udayrao.But it is highly commendable if you are going to adopt this strategy up to 5 floors.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
11 May 10
i used to when my knees were ok but now that i walk with a cane and have a lot of other health issues, i always take the elevator when its available.
1 person likes this
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
19 May 10
Oh Sorry. Do you have a knee problem , something that needs surgery? Hope you get well soon.Sorry for the late comment.
@Sreekala (34312)
• India
13 May 10
Hi Kala, I don’t mind to climb up, up to the 4th floor occasionally. Earlier we stayed in third floor and there was no lift in that home. We used to climb up/down the steps (my friends had an opinion that I am putting off weight because of the steps). If am in a new place and I am alone then I will opt for the steps than the lift, especially if there is nobody around. But I am not doing to for health benefits but for.. I think you can guess it…
1 person likes this
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
11 May 10
It depends. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I have bad knees, so sometimes I can't take the stairs, but when I can, the exercise is good for them. Another reason is that sometimes it's actually just faster to take the stairs and plus you don't have to be in a crowded elevator. I do like elevators though; I actually think their kind of fun. lol. So sometimes I like to take them when I am in the mood.
1 person likes this
@srganesh (6340)
• India
11 May 10
Oh sure!For one or two floors it is always good to take the steps for the lift as a good exercise.Why should we avoid such simple exercises that come right infront of us?Moreover waiting for the lift for such little heights will be a criminal waste of time.So,quickly implement this as soon as possible.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
11 May 10
Actually I stay in the first floor and there is no lift in my compound at all.I meant it for shops and other complexes.Thsi is also a rare thing for me and I opt for te lift because thee are no stairs but only an escalator here at the relevant sections.
• Philippines
13 May 10
Its true that climbing the stairs would be better for one's health. I used in using the stairs since I was in high school. My old school in high school dont have a lift so I have to use the stairs and it happen that my classroom is on the 5th floor.
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (100664)
• India
11 May 10
Hi kala, I dont, but I dont have any problems in climbing as yet. Touch wood. It is getting down that scares me. I have a problem with my knees, and while getting down, I am not as sure footed, making me limp all the way!
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
13 May 10
Hi Vandana! Sit on a chair and keep your legs stretched while you are relaxing [as a rule];You will find some improvement in your knees.
• Philippines
11 May 10
I'm proud of myself when I don't use the lift but instead I use stairs to climb to 2nd floor. :D And yes it's much better for one's health because it's just like walking but you walk upwards lol. it's more difficult to climb stairs because you're against the gravity when climbing. you exert more effort and heart begins to pump a little faster. It makes your heart stronger and improves blood circulation. If I'm in the mood to use the stairs to get to a 2 digit level then I'd go for it. :D
1 person likes this
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
11 May 10
Actually as I had mentioned I live on the first floor and there is no lift ehre. I have to climb the stairs whether I like it or not.But when I go some people's places where the lift is good I choose this.THanks for the participation.
1 person likes this
@umit_umit (1984)
• India
11 May 10
well it true friend,i use the stair case for climbing even there is a lift as my first thought is some walking body to be shaken if i dont go for the walk in the morning!
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
19 May 10
That is a wise course of action.
@lkbooi (16070)
• Malaysia
12 May 10
Hi kalav, it's good for you to have the steps climbing for regular exercise since you are unable to go for long walks. But to make sure that whether it's appropriate for you. Or you could try to walk up stairs of 2 or 3 floors first. If you find it suits you can try to walk up more floors gradually. I was told before that walking down the stairs from tall building might hurt the cartilage our knees. Or you can try to walk up the stairs and come down using passenger lift. I prefer to use lift unless there is long queue waiting for the lift. but for destination not more than 5 floors. I have my regular physical exercise daily to keep fit and healthy therefore I don't have to have stairs climbing as exercise. But I yet have to climb up stairs of 3 floors twice a week, for my part time work office doesn't have the facility of any lift Take care and happy posting tags: exercise, escalator, climb, climbing steps, elevator
@lkbooi (16070)
• Malaysia
12 May 10
sorry for forgetting to delete the tags, really absent minded eh....
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
11 May 10
I climb steps every day - the washer and dryer is downstairs in the basement, and when I can I will climb the stairs in other buildings. I am not able to do it as much now because I usually got with my husband who is in a wheelchair, but when I have to go alone, I try for the stairs. In fact, one of the reasons I wanted to own a large house (ours is just a bungalow) is because I loved going up and down stairs. So taking the stairs would be better. I know when we went on our cruise, we went up three or four flights and I was very tired when I reached the top.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
19 May 10
You like climbing stairs too and that is very good for you if you have no gasping problems. Thanks alot for the participation and sorry for the late comment. CLimbign two or three stiars at a time is strenuous.I have climbed up the stairs of select temples and itwould be quite tough on the legs.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
19 May 10
Oh I get tired and I have to take a break for a couple of seconds when I get to the second or third landing, but then I still keep on since I cannot go back downstairs. Of course, the reverse way is much easier. I am not exactly skinny, far from it, but I am rather solidly built. However I did not lose any weight that way. Darn it.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
25 Jul 10
kalava56 I just wish I could but climbing steps is hardfor me with the clu msy brace on my left leg in fact just walking is hard so I do take the elevator and yes I have a bad weight problem to. The reason I wear a brace is because the tendon that keeps on foot upright was ruptured and did not get repaired when it should have been done. how i ruptured it, trying to lose weight by running in place and my foot twisted and bangdown I went. my quack of a doctor thought I only had a sprained ankle so by the time i got the referral to go to foot specialist he said the only remedy now was the brace and special shoe so i co uld walk. So I can walk and get back and forth but long walks are just not that easy for me to do at my age.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
4 Aug 10
Oh dear ! Sorry for the late comment and it is rather painful to manage with a brace. Doctors sometimes give such idiotic diagnosis; you won' believe it Hatley! In theyear 2000, I was on my way to Nagpur and stopped midway at my sister's place in Tamil Nadu. It was an onward journey with one day halt at my sister's place because I had to attend some family function. Suddenly I could not open my mouth and it was a very peculiar symptom.THe doctor saw me and diagnosed it to be a'locked jaw' and he said that it will be cured in course of time. I took the train still suffering from that 'locked jaw' and by the time I reached Nagpur [nearly 17 hours by train]I was in bad shape[starving and face all puffed up]. It was subsequently an attack of mumps.This just by way of diversion. I feel that if cut our sugar intake our weight may be under better control.I am putting on weight and have a sweet tooth.I try and exercise restraint.[as far as possible ]
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
11 May 10
Hey kalav! Yes, it is a good idea if you can walk the stairs instead of taking the "life" or "elevator" as we call it here in the US! I try to take the stairs as often as I can! It's kind of funny because I make myself do this when I go to see my doctor! He is on the second floor and I could take the "lift", but I take the stairs! I have bad knees and a bad left ankle, but I really try to push myself. Over the last few years it has gotten more difficult for me to walk down my hill to the stores and the bank because of the pain in my knees and ankle! I used to walk all the time, pain or not and I walked fast! Now I can barely make it to the corner of my block! It really upsets me that I can no longer do the things I used to do even if I push myself!
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
19 May 10
Sorry for the late comment.Your response scares me because I had a knee problem earlier and also have varicose veins. Now I am putting on weight, my legs are like tree trunks and i need to reduce.
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
18 Jun 10
Kala, I do it all the time.First of all I hate waiting for the lift and I also like the little bit of exercise it provides me.Here at Mangalore ( we have no lift in our house lol) My flowers pots are arranged on the terrace above the first floor which means I have to climb 2 flights of stairs every day to water the plants.Of course there are times when I feel lazy and ask my maid to water the plants. But generally I do it and enjoy spending time there with my plants...Have a great weekend kala, I saw that there was heavy rains in Bombay( shiv sena will come after me with a hammer, but I like the sound of Bombay, reminds me of old black and white hindi films ...Zara hat ke zara bach ke yeh hai bombay meri jaan...
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
22 Jun 10
Hi Kiran! I thought you were living in your ancestral home and naturally assumed that it would be a single independent construction where you would have a a garden. I am sure you have a tap and a hosepipe there upstairs or do you keep lifting buckets of water? Bombay is indeed lovely when it rains but it is great if we don't go out during very heavy rains.You won't believe it --it takes a person 45 minutes to get an autorickshaw from the station to here because the drivers are all unwilling to come to our area.Traveling time is 20 minutes.
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
22 Jun 10
my house - as seen from the terrace
Kala, the weather is lovely here too except on the days when the rain stops and immediately it heats up.Thankfully such days are rare now....kala, our ancestoral home is 4 kms away from my own home and it is surrounded by paddy fields, small hills etc; but we have our own house in the city, am uploading a recent pic my daughter took from the terrace, though you cannot actually see the house, it is the mango tree, the driveway and part of the bedroom balcony that is visible ....have a nice day kala
@picjim (3002)
• India
11 May 10
Yes i climb stairs to test my fitness.If i can climb without panting i feel i'm in good shape.If your office is within a couple of floors try and take the staircase.Similarly when out on work if the office you are visiting is a short climb,why not take the stairs?
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
11 May 10
I do. But when I go to some malls or complexes where the stairs look deserted I tend to use the lift.THnaks for the response.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
13 May 10
Welcome to the forum alth124.
11 May 10
For me it depends on were the lift is situated. I generally would prefer to use the stirs because if something happens I wouldn't get stuck anywhere.