How many times have you actually needed the elevator because your hands were full of groceries? Or you were with an elderly family member who had limited mobility? And how many times did you wait for a long while and when the elevator finally dinged onto your floor, it let out physically able-bodied people carrying nothing? For this reason, always take the stairs.

I’m not sure about you, but the handful of times when this happened to me, I thought, “I’m glad you took the elevator while I held my breath and these grocery bags at the same time.”

We often take for granted what our bodies are capable of doing, just like we do our health.

Studies show that people who take 10,000 steps in a day have lower blood pressure, more stable glucose levels, and better moods. Although more recent statistics show that 15,000 steps a day are a better rule of thumb to live by.

I have integrated steps into my daily life by walking to work every day. Work is about a mile one way, so I tend to use this time to rev up for the day or wind down at the end of the day.

Walking is my thinking time. It’s my time to listen to an audiobook or podcast and let my mind wander. It’s my time to make calls. It’s my time.

The walk is a “two birds with one stone” kind of decision, and it saves me the gas. I rarely need to fill up my tank now.

Early on in our relationship, we agreed to always take the stairs everywhere we went – from department stores to the airport. It is an easy way to “get in your steps” and integrate fitness into your daily life.

At most airports, there is an option to take the escalator or stairs. Always take the stairs. If there are no stairs and just an escalator, make the escalator into stairs. Don’t just stand.

Think of how many hours during work that you’re sitting. It’s probably much of the day (depending on your job). Additionally, what a waste of electricity to use an elevator all the time!

When we are sick with the flu or have a physical ailment that impedes our productivity and comfort, we long for the feeling of painlessness and comfort. Instead of waiting to get sick too long for flexible movement, reach your full potential by challenging yourself today.

Start with seven days of going out of your way to walk and take the stairs. After a full week of implementing this change, examine the differences you feel physically and mentally. It may sound strange, but there’s a mental game at play every time you decide between the easy way and the challenging way.

It’s the same game that kicks in when you are burning out before hitting your goal on a cardio day. “You can’t do it. It would be easier just to stop.” When in life has the easy way been the best way?

Challenge yourself to become better in life. One step at a time.

I truly believe that by always taking the stairs, you will want to challenge yourself in other ways throughout the day. Much like making your bed in the morning sets your mind to continue forward with progression.

There are a lot of reasons to say “no” to the elevator and “yes” to you. Make the choice every day – unless your hands are so full of groceries that they will spill if you breathe 😉 – or if you are with your feeble grandmother.

It boils down to very simple reasoning: Always take the stairs because someday you won’t be able to.

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