Better Not Perfect Part 3: The Elevator Is Not Your Friend

Dan Beck

Oct 30

3 min read

Part 3: The Elevator Is Not Your Friend

A Word About Our Shiny Metal Box

The elevator is sneaky. It's always right there, doors open, soft music playing, promising to carry you up one entire floor so you don't have to. How thoughtful.

But here's the truth: the elevator has never once helped you carry the groceries in one trip. The stairs, on the other hand, are quietly training you for exactly that.

Start Embarrassingly Small

You do not need to climb to the 12th floor on day one. In fact, please don't. Start with one flight. Just one.

Going up two floors? Take the stairs for one, the elevator for the other.
Going down? Even easier. Gravity is doing half the work.
Out of breath at the top? Totally normal. Pause, smile, pretend you were checking your phone.

Once one flight feels easy, add another. That's the whole method. No app required.

Why It's Worth It

Stairs work your legs, your heart, and your lungs all at once, in about the time it takes to wait for the elevator anyway. They're strength training disguised as a commute.

Sound Familiar?

Picture someone we'll call Linda. Linda works on the second floor. Every morning she presses the elevator button, waits, rides up for nine whole seconds, and steps out. Some days she waits longer for the elevator than the ride takes.

One day the elevator is out of service. Linda takes the stairs, grumbling. At the top, she's a little winded and a little annoyed. But by Friday, after a week of no elevator, she notices something: the stairs feel easier. She isn't winded anymore.

When the elevator comes back, Linda keeps taking the stairs anyway. Mostly to prove a point to the elevator.

Myth vs. Truth

Myth: "Stairs are only good exercise if you run up them."

Truth: Walking up at a normal pace works just fine. Your legs are still lifting your whole body up, step after step. Save the Rocky impression for later, if ever.

Myth: "Going down doesn't count."

Truth: Going down works your muscles too, just differently. It's also a great place to start if going up still feels like a lot. Hold the handrail, take your time, and count it as a win.

Today's Tiny Challenge

Take the stairs at least once today. One flight counts. Going down counts. Your building, the parking garage, the mall. Anywhere.

Try It Today Checklist

Took the stairs instead of the elevator at least once
Tried going down the stairs if up felt like too much
Took the stairs in a parking garage, store, or office
Noticed how I felt at the top (winded is fine, it gets easier)

Excuse Buster

The excuse: "I'll get all sweaty before my meeting."

The bust: It's one flight, not a spin class. Take it slow. Nobody has ever been fired for being slightly rosy-cheeked.

Simple Plan Pairing of the Day

You climbed the stairs. Now take the easy route at dinner. Today, try our Orange Chicken Bowl. It's a flavorful, zesty dish featuring tender ground chicken breast coated in a fragrant blend of garlic, ginger, and a tangy orange sauce. Served with fluffy jasmine rice with crisp broccoli and topped with toasted sesame seeds. and ready in minutes, no elevator required.

Coming Up Next

Tomorrow: Your Lunch Break Called. It Wants a Walk.

Feeling hungry after all those stairs? Simple Plan has healthy, ready-made meals waiting, so your good choices don't stop at the top of the staircase.

This article is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for individualized medical or nutrition advice. You should talk to your healthcare professional about any planned or necessary changes in your nutrition.