Staying Fit: Why Not Take The Stairs?

If you have ever taken April's fitness class, you know how much she loves making you use those legs to do chair squats. Strengthening your legs is important in everyday movement such as balance and getting in and out of a chair.

Nina Buchanan, Director of Health Resources encourages the Holiday staff and residents to look for "health opportunities" during day-to-day activities.

TOP TEN REASONS TO TAKE THE STAIRS

1. It's a FREE WORKOUT!
2. It burns TEN TIMES more calories than taking the elevator. Stair climbing requires about 8-10 kcal (kilocalories) of energy per minute. Just 2 flights of stairs climbed per day can lead to a 5.94 weight loss in a year.
3. It is faster than taking the elevator!
4. It improves your heart health. Physical activity can increase the amount of "good cholesterol" in your blood (HDL).
5. It reduces your risk of osteoporosis. There is a strong association between weight-bearing exercise and increased bone density, especially in post-menopausal women!
6. It helps you to breath better. Be more FIT and increase your aerobic capacity.
7. It lowers your mortality risk. A significantly lower risk of mortality was indicated in studies where participants climbed more than 55 flights per week!
8. It boosts your leg power, and reduces injury.
10. It relieves stress and tension.

Who would have thought that stair climbing would be such a benefit of living at Laurel Grove?