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3,027 people have taken this step
What
If this sounds like we’re in cahoots with your doctor, there’s two good reasons to pledge this action.
First, by taking the stairs you don’t just save yourself from awkward elevator moments while building your fitness, you also save lift-loads of carbon.
Sound good? Race you to the top!
Benefits
For People
Walking up stairs is great exercise. On average, it burns about 2.5% times more calories than walking briskly. According to the same Harvard study, climbing 8 flights a day can reduce mortality rate by 33.4%. It's also gentler on your joints than most other cardio. Bonus? It releases endorphins and pain relievers, which lift your mood, energy and release tension.
For Planet
Fewer lift trips mean less electricity consumed. On average, one elevator ride uses 0.3kWh1 of energy. That’s a little more electricity than you need to boil three kettles of water.
Your actions have a positive influential impact too. Your small steps normalise these planet- and people-positive behaviours as they encourage others to take the lift.
How
Big stretch
You definitely guessed right. If you’re going up multiple stairs, do your gentle stretches first.
Baby steps
If (at first) there are more stairs than you can handle, you can always climb as far as you can then join a lift. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll get fit enough for the lot.
Buddy up
For bonus points (and extra motivation), buddy up with someone at work and save double the energy while chatting your way to the top!
