Wellness Wednesday

Stairs for Soda When it Comes to a Boost of Energy

Studies show that taking the stairs a few times may give you the same energy lifting effects as a sugary can of soda.

Researchers at UGA College of Education have discovered that walking up and down the stairs for about 10 minutes (the equivalent of about 30 floors of stairs) gave participants a more energized feeling than taking 50 milligrams of caffeine, or about the same amount found in a can of soda. Research lead Patrick O'Connor stated that those who ran up and down the stairs had an actual energy  boost compared to those who took the caffeine or placebo pills, as the latter group had almost no visible effects. O'Connor went on to state that the stairs are ideal for an office situation, as most workers are stagnant throughout the day, and drinking a sugar laden drink only amplifies the poor wellness effects that follow sitting all day. 

Here's some quick facts about the benefits of stair walking:

• Lowered early mortality risk of 33%, by walking eight flights of stairs 
• Two minutes of extra stair climbing a day halts middle age weight gain in men
• Seven minutes of stair climbing a day halves the risk of a heart attack over ten years
• Increased heart, muscle, bone and mind health
• Increases god cholesterol, tightens buns, tones thighs, and aids sleep.