Reminder: Take The Stairs

Earlier this year shocking reports came out that taking the stairs is a healthier, more slimming alternative to, say, taking an elevator. Now USA Today is pretty much calling stairs the next exercise trend. The American Council on Exercise claims that stair climbing is one of the more effective ways to strengthen the glutes and leg muscles—it also provides a good calorie-burning cardio workout (better than walking or jogging).

One woman training to climb the 103 floors of Chicago's Willis Tower during a competition next month told the paper that stair climbing can help reduce stress—she also "dropped a full dress size to a size 6. I definitely lost weight on my hips." Though you won't benefit too much unless you do cardio 3 to 5 days a week, warns an exercise physiologist, adding, "And it has to be a habit to get the full health benefits."

In 1977 an annual stair running event kicked off at the Empire State Building—if you want to competitively climb the 1,576 steps to the observation deck, you have until February to get in shape. (Those at the top of a 6th floor walkup, you've got a head start.) [via Pat's Papers]

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By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on October 18, 2010 10:35 AM

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Leonard Christensen

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Marble Cleaning

One woman training to climb the 103 floors of Chicago's Willis Tower

LaliP

i am so sick of hearing (from various sorces) to "take the stairs." i've worked in over 10 different office buildings in nyc and in ALL the buildings, the stairs have been for emergency only - meaning you can only open them from the office hallway, not the stairwell. i have found myself trapped in a stairwell more than once and having to walk all the way to the ground floor for exit. it's ridiculous. i would prefer the stairs btw. i hate elevators, esp. all these tiny cramped ancient ones that seem so common here. i've talked to building managers about this and they say the stairs operate in this way for "security purposes." so yes, understood it is healthier. i wish i could follow this advice. i can't believe it's only me that have worked in buildings like this (or that the buildings i've worked in are the only ones in nyc that don't allow stair usage.)

Rocknrope

It's important to note that you have to apply to run in the Empire State Building Run-Up - they don't let just in any schlub who wants to do it. You have to apply through NYRR in mid-november.