Faced with stairs or an escalator, what do you use?

Every day we’re faced with small decisions that impact our everyday activity. Choosing whether to take the stairs or escalator, for example. My decision is usually based on what will be faster; more often that not, I opt for the escalator, walking up them, if no one’s blocking the way, to maximize my time.

Researchers at Penn State are looking to better understand how one’s attitude toward such everyday activities impacts leading a healthier lifestyle. It seems that your attitude plays a big role, because if so much of your energy is spent forcing yourself to do it every day, you’ll run out of energy. Once being active in this way is a habit, though, it becomes that much easier to lead a more healthy lifestyle.

Another example they gave was choosing to park your car as close as possible to your destination, which results in less walking. No problem getting more active in this respect for me — I usually park as far from the mall entrance as possible, since there are fewer cars there and parking is not my forte. (But at least now I can look at my parking weakness as a way of getting more fit — sweet!).

6 Comments April 6, 2010