Thinking back on all the scrapes and bruises I acquired simply from falling down my stairs as an overly energetic kid, I cringe a little. But there was no stopping me, especially on the days (most) when I was late to school. If only my parents had thought to install some sort of no-slip system, I mightn't have been so black and blue.
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At one point in my life, this would be a no-brainer for me. Back when all of my boyfriends (and myself, too) hung out on skateboards and in skateboard parks, this would've been a perfect addition to our homes. Can you see any room for it in yours?
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I see almost every staircase as a personal challenge, and as a result I love to take the stairs. Not only are these brief bits of cardio a great way to burn some extra calories throughout your day, Swiss researchers believe that taking the stairs can prolong your life. Their recent research indicates that taking the stairs regularly can reduce your risk of dying prematurely by 15 percent.
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In Rimrock Ranch, a home near Palm Springs designed by architect Lloyd Russell, which was recently featured in the LA Times, spare modern architecture lends an urban style to the cowboy roots of the desert. Here, the steps to a kitchen set between two suites have a dual purpose. The wood planks were extended to serve as a side table for the rustic couch beside the staircase, relieving the need for additional furnishings.
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It's certainly no secret that I'm a big fan of taking the stairs. And more and more, it seems that architects are becoming fans too. First, I heard about skip-stop elevators, which stop at every other floor with stairs filling in the gaps.
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Look at all those stairs! Many doggies get intimidated when they're too steep for little paws – even with a pal waiting at the bottom, it can be a scary procedure. Check out this little Boxer pup deciding to navigate her way down for the first time.
You all know I am crazy about taking the stairs. Climbing stairs instead of taking the elevator is a great way to add quick bursts of exercise to your day. Well here's a new twist on stair stepping: When climbing up, take the stairs two at a time. 
You all know I am avid about walking up the stairs whenever I can, but I just learned the benefits of going down the stairs. Surprisingly, walking down stairs or even downhill reduces blood-sugar levels more than walking uphill. What a pleasant surprise! 
For many people, when the temperature turns chilly, running outside really is no longer an option. Joining a gym working out on cardio equipment is a viable option, but one of the reasons I love running outdoors is that it doesn't use electricity, so it keeps my carbon footprint just a little bit smaller.
How about using the stairs in your home, apartment or office building? 
You're asking and I'm answering...
Dear Fit,
I've heard that you need to do at least 15 minutes of cardio to reap the calorie-burning and heart benefits. Is that a myth? 
