17 Feb Why We Stand on Escalators and Why We Shouldn’t?
One of the first things we lose as we age is the strength to climb hills and stairs, which is why we should keep the momentum going for as long as we possibly can. Once we start to age, we often exercise less, sit more often, and maybe even move into a bungalow or one level sheltered accommodation, meaning we barely use the stairs at all. We then lose our confidence and before we know it, we struggle to even manage a single step in or out of a building.
Apply bright line rules
One of my Bright Line Rules – a non-negotiable contract I have made with myself – is to always take the stairs, where possible, and if the only option is an escalator, to at least walk up it.
I am always fascinated – and slightly infuriated – by people who stand on escalators – young and old – not because I am always in a rush, but because to me it seems to be the epitome of laziness. They are still stairs after all and whilst we don’t need to do anything once we have stepped onto an escalator, because they do all the work for us, I believe we should put in a little effort at least.
We are inherently lazy
Our ancestors, whose many practices still feature in our minds and bodies today, exercised regularly, but not in the way we do. Exercise was simply a part of their everyday life as they searched for food, built shelters, and fought off predators – keeping them naturally fit and agile. With our lives mostly sedentary we must make a special effort to get up and move
They didn’t waste valuable energy doing strenuous exercise just for the sake of it, that made no sense at all, instead they conserved energy for when they really needed it, often when their life depended on it. Researchers have recently discovered that we’re not naturally inclined or motivated to exercise, in fact we could be said to be habitually resistant to it and unlike our ancestors, we can simply jump in the car and take a trip to the supermarket when we need food,
No need for an expensive gym membership
We don’t need to spend hours at the gym to keep fit, we certainly don’t need to run marathons or play strenuous sports, – although if you like these that’s good. We should, however, make small changes, such as simply walking up the stairs – or the escalator – when they are presented to us to help keep us fit, and more importantly, ensure our stair climbing ability remains alive well into our dotage.
So, when you are next faced with the stairs or escalator/lift dilemma you know exactly what to do. First option – choose the stairs, second option, if you must – walk up the escalator. Make it a Bright Line rule and don’t deviate from the rule.
Maybe others will follow….
Let’s lead by example; it’s time to show others what to do because those who walk onto an escalator and simply stand – this may have been you before now – are following everyone else, it’s probably what they’ve always done so it is an autopilot mechanism, but we can change the autopilot to something new.
Believe me, you will thank me for this one day, when your same aged counterparts, or even those younger than you, can no longer do this and you smugly can. It will surely put a big smile on your face.
Remember ‘you only realise what you’ve lost when it’s gone.’ Don’t let this go.
Feed Good Habits
Kathy Mac
xx
Kathy Mac – author Feeding Good Habits – 12 weeks to rewire your mind, reset your habits and renew your relationship with food for improved health and sustained weight loss.