At our local shopping mall there are only escalators and an elevator in the main section of the mall. If you come from one side of the building there are stairs. I don't like the escalators at all and try to use the stairs as often as I can. No, I'm not thinking about how many extra calories I will burn but it's the fact that it's actually quicker than standing in the escalator.

In England a research was carried out in a shopping mall with the conclusion that if the stairs are more attractive and people are aware it is beneficial for their hearts they use it more. Ugly old stairs make people take the escalator but put up a few signs that they are good for your heart and people will start taking the stairs instead. Or at least that's what research shows according to the article from msnbc.com.

You also make your heart stronger and become more than 50% less likely to suffer from any heart disease. Which is a very good reason if you ask me.

Stair climbing is not only a way to get up but also a sport; there are those who compete in stair climbing. Of course that should only be done by those who are in a very good shape and who has consulted a doctor beforehand. Stair climbing is also one of the fastest growing aerobic sports in the U.S according to American Sports Data, thanks to the StairMaster machine that can be found in gyms.

So next time you go to the gym check out the stair climbing machine unless you haven't yet, or take the stairs instead of the escalators at the shopping mall.

How often do you take the stairs? Do you think you would use the stairs more often if they were nicely decorated or would you stick to the escalator?