PUSH YOURSELF, NOT THE BUTTON

Every work day most of us come to work and, out of habit, go straight to the elevator and push the button. But taking the stairs has so many great health and economic benefits such as:

1. improved cardiovascular health;

2. weight loss;

3. enhanced leg strength & muscle tone;

4. better bone & joint health;

5. improved mood & mental well-being;

6. convenience, accessibility & efficiency;

7. low environmental impact;

8. promotion of social interaction;

9. improved cognitive function & brain health;

10. boosts balance & coordination; and

11. no experience required.

And not that we have this problem here but there is zero risk of elevator entrapment when you take the stairs.

Don't feel like you have to walk from bottom to top on day 1. Take baby steps (no pun intended). You could walk up half a flight and walk back down or walk up one flight and then take the elevator the rest of the way. The important thing is that you start. Who knows, you may get so good that you throw on a weighted backpack to make it more challenging.

When walking the stairs, please be sure to:

1. keep to the right;

2. use the handrail;

3. wear proper footwear;

4. plant your foot firmly on each step;

5. take one step at a time;

6. avoid distractions (i.e., cell phone); and

7. report any safety issues to the Cousins Management Office.

See you in the stairwell!