Regular physical activity helps improve overall health and fitness, and can reduce your risk of developing many chronic diseases. Despite the many physical and emotional health benefits of regular exercise, many Alaskans struggle to fit physical activity into their daily routines. Understandably, health and fitness often take a backseat to work, school or family obligations.

Finding the time to be active doesn’t have to be a challenging task. There are many creative ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine that are free and require little additional time. One way is by simply taking the stairs. Taking the stairs is often faster than waiting for the elevator, and stair climbing burns more calories per minute than jogging!

Stair climbing allows you to get all the benefits of aerobic exercise without ever stepping foot in a gym. Taking the stairs will not only help you control your weight, build muscle tone, and reduce your risk for stroke, but it can also improve your mental health and emotional well-being. Fitting regular exercise into your schedule may seem daunting at first, but any amount of physical activity during the day can lead to significant health benefits.

Are you interested in helping improve the health of the people you work with? Posting motivational signs is an easy way to encourage people to take the stairs. For more information and/or copies of motivational signs, email octavia.chambers@alaska.gov.

To receive information about worksite wellness efforts, funding opportunities, and other relevant news, sign up to get our free e-listserv. Join by contacting octavia.chambers@alaska.gov.

Author:
Octavia Chambers
Public Health Advisor, State of AK
Phone: 907-269-8072
Email: octavia.chambers@alaska.gov