Chained to your desk?

by Becca Krukowski

Only 3,852 steps out of my recommended 10,000, and it is already 4:41 PM.  I never realized just how sedentary “desk jobs” really are.  Last year I was in a patient care-based position where I was forever running around the clinic to greet patients, consulting with physicians, teaching classes and so on. And now, all of a sudden, in a research position, most of what I need to be doing is sitting in front of my computer to type or read.  Granted, there are occasional meetings and the periodic trip to procure coffee, but it definitely doesn’t add up to many steps.

Given my recent transition, I was intrigued to see this recent article discussing the dissemination of Dr. Levine’s Walkstation to the workplace.  Although a less high-tech version, I am delighted that we have a small gym in my workplace where I sneak in some light exercise if I have articles to read. It is interesting to think about how the landscapes of our workplaces could become quite different, were we to implement ways to encourage more physical activity.

Similarly, I have been intrigued to note my own behavior when it comes to the stairs at work—I had never really given much thought to the stairs before.  We have a lovely, open staircase near one end of the building, and I find myself walking out of my way to use this staircase, rather than the darker, enclosed stairwells on the far ends of the building.  I am familiar with research indicating that stairwell use can be promoted by making stairwells more attractive through lighting, art, music and so on.  Yet, regardless of the beautiful staircase, I still see people lined up for the elevator.  Just last week, a colleague who is known to be a fitness nut was late to a meeting and gave the excuse that “the elevator took a long time.” If an airy, large staircase isn’t enough, how do we encourage people to take the stairs?

Comments

[Shefaly]

Becca:

Your workplace offering two staircases is probably unique in the US in many respects. I visited the Rudd Center last summer and its beautiful staircase right near the front is an encouragement, almost enticement to use it.

But at the same time, I stayed in a high rise apartment building in Arlington, VA for 2 months and I could never locate the staircase. Luckily, there was no fire or such alarm, so I did not _need_ to find it.

The design of buildings is extremely crucial in promoting staircase usage. If the first thing people see - which they do in modern buildings - is a lift, they will use it. Humans take the path of least resistance, which explains many other bits in obesity too.

Clearly the Rudd building is much older when lifts were not passé. Time to reclaim some ancient wisdom for us all, perhaps?

[Mara]

Related to this, but concerning the outdoors, is how neighborhoods can be built to either encourage or discourage walking. Ones that encourage it have things like lots of sidewalks, trees and, of course, enough safety. Regarding staircases, one has to wonder if standard corporate wear for women (stockings, heels, ect.) is a barrier to using them. Even men, if in dress shoes and ties, probably would rather use an elevator. That, and lack of time, of course. Stairs usually take longer, especially the less fit one is. I doubt most people want to get sweaty from exercise when they are striving to get to a meeting on time, for instance.

[Anne]

I like the idea of taking stairs but realistically, my knee doesn't allow it. It would be easier if I lose some weight but the damage is already there, so I avoid stairs where I can and do my walking on flat stretches.

Seeing perfectly healthy students in line for the elevator when there are stairs right next it is a bit discouraging in thinking about long term health habits.