Hate Climbing Stairs? These People Don't
These are the piano stairs, a fun little experiment by -- who else? -- TheFunTheory.com. The basic idea behind their initiative is that making something fun is the most effective way to change someone's behavior.
Before the stairs were altered, we clearly see the majority of people using the escalator. But when the stairs become a giant, working piano, 66 percent more people used the stairs. Why? Because it's fun!
Are people really so simple? To this I say a resounding, "Yes!" We love to be entertained. How else can you explain 24-hour cable and Facebook?
But for many, exercise feels more like hard work than entertainment. If you're one of those people, the best way to circumvent your excuses is to get creative and put a little fun into your workout.
Hopping on a treadmill for 30 minutes while listening to loud music is my idea of fun. But some people need more variety in their routine. Here are simple ways to shake things up and encourage your exercise habit:
- Get a buddy. Find a friend at your fitness level and walk/run/lift weights together.
- Relive your childhood. Kids get nearly all their fitness in through play, so think like a kid and find a play-based fitness activity. Consider rock climbing, dancing, and team sports.
- Try something new: I was terrified of canoeing until I tried it last summer, now I'm trying to convince my husband we need kayaks! Exercise can challenge you in more ways than one.
- Reward yourself: I swear that new workout clothes make me go farther and faster. Keep track of your stats and set small goals that allow you a new treat now and then.
- Add variety: Sure jogging is the meat of your workout. But eventually your mind will get bored and so will your body. Change things up with a new routine, DVD, or workout style to keep things interesting.
How do you keep your workouts interesting?
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What a hilarious and inspiring video!
ReplyGood share... even I want to take them stairs. Id be on em all day trying to make a song.
I wonder how many people got to work LATE that day because of this haha. "WHY WERE YOU LATE?"
"Dude... I was talking on these stairs and it was like a giant piano! Every step just... sang to me!"
"Lay off the strong cheese dou*hebag!"
ReplyBy "talking" I meant "walking". Cuz you know... it's same damn thing.
ReplyThis is a sign of how hopelessly fat/obese/lazy Americans are if they need gimmicks to climb some friggen' stairs. Stop rationalizing and JUST DO IT.
ReplyWhen I helped may sister move last month we went to this indian casino and EVERYBODY except me and this older gentleman took the escalator. The old man took the stairs for the same reason I was, to fit in a couple extra minutes of exercise. It was a shame that I was the only person half his age taking the stairs. People would rather wait in line to take the escalator then climb stairs.
ReplySwedish Girls = very pretty.
ReplyAnyways, unless you're climbing a skyscraper you're better off just working out at the gym.
ReplyMost of the people that op for the stairs are already working out in a gym or doing some other routine outdoors or in their home.
ReplyThose stairs look so cool! Like the giant keyboard in "Big", sort of. I would definitely be climbing those stairs over and over again.
That being said, I always make my workouts fun. I jump rope because I used to be THE jump-rope and Skip-it champ in 4th grade and it's fun to relive that now. I'm still pretty dang good at it, but I don't do as many rope tricks as I used to. I also love to bike to the store when it's nice out because it's a lot more fun than driving. And when I'm in my home gym working out on my elliptical, I watch my favorite shows on TV so I kill two birds with one stone.
ReplySo you just won't let go of your childish side huh? Grow up already and learn that working out is hellish drudgery.
ReplyArrowSmith, you were complaining on a few posts about people being rude. Hey, if they think it looks fun & it makes them walk the stairs, more power to them. And there are many ways to make your workouts fun if you want to.... classes that are hard but fun & some people thinking running is fun. Many different ways to work out.. there is no one way that is right for all.
Me, I am a gym rat & not crazed about cardio but I do it & I love weights so that is fun to me.
I see no reason for knocking people for having fun & getting a workout OR like Spectra, jump roping is a great workout & if she wants to watch TV while on the elliptical & it makes time go by, what is wrong with that.
I saw this stair video a week ago & I thought it was just plain fun. Nothing wrong with fun in the day.
ReplyOh please. I love working out. Can't live without it. I don't force myself to do it. I'd have to force myself NOT to do it.
Reply"Grow up already and learn that working out is hellish drudgery."
>> What the f**k crawled up your a$$ and died Arrow? Seems to me you're picking on a happy commenter. Two can play that game.
Workouts don't have to be hellsih drudgery... actually if you look closely I think you'll see that it's just your life SUCKING. It's too bad. I can see why that would make a man bitter.
What's so childish about the jump rope? It will knock the living snot out of you. One of the best forms of cardio... IF you can keep up.
Boxers and MMA's use it for a reason douchf**k, so I think it's you that needs a little growing up. Nuff' said.
ReplyI believe workouts should be fun! I love play based workouts. I bought a bike and started riding it because that's one of the things I used to love doing as a kid. I found my bike to be useful beyond play, I use it for errands and for transportation. I haven't quite figured out how to incorporate four square into my workout routine.....
ReplyI loved this video too! My children laughed when they saw it and watched it a few times. Great to see fun for children and the child within the grown-ups.
Reply