Take a Flight for Fitness

1
Take a Flight for Fitness

• Using Stairs to Increase Physical Activity

2
Benefits of stair use?

• Stair use complements an existing physical
  activity routine
• Stair use can initiate a physical activity
  regimen
• Stair use increases heart rate

3
Employee Benefits

• Can augment a weight loss program
• Can improve physical fitness
• Physically fit employees can make happier
  employees

4
Employer Benefits

• Physical activity programs can lower employee
  absenteeism
• Physical activity programs can help decrease
  insurance cost
• Physically fit employees typically are more
  productive employees

5
Stairwell Use Empirical Data

• CDCs National Center for Chronic Disease
  Prevention and Health Promotion.
• Physical improvements such as motivational
  signs, painting, carpet cleaning increased stair
  use.
• The project showed a 9 increase in stair use
  during a 3 ½ year span.

Source www.cdc.gov
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Stairwell Use Empirical data cont

• British Medical Journal, 1995
• Point of Decision prompts (signs that encourage
  employees to take the stairs instead of taking
  the elevators) were placed where stairs and
  elevators were adjacent.
• Over a period of 16 weeks, there was an increase
  of 15 - 17.

Source www.bmj.bmjjournals.com
7
Stairwell Effectiveness

• Increased stair use has been shown to benefit
  people of all ages.
• Place where heavy traffic occurs (e.g., multiple
  floor office buildings, public places where
  stairs are located)
• Places where stairs are adjacent to elevators,
  and Point of Decision prompts can be placed.

8
Implementation

• Administrative approval
• Purchase and/ or gather materials
• Safety issues (i.e., choose stairwells that are
  safe)
• Stairwell beautification

9
Implementation

• Post motivational flyers, point of decision
  prompts, and theme boards.
• Schedule of topics for theme boards, change of
  motivational flyers, and point of decision
  prompts.
• Evaluation of program.

10
Implementation

• Cost less than 75.
• Most of the materials are reusable.
• A Wellness Champion will enhance chances for
  success.

11
Outcomes

• The desired goal is to increase physical activity
• Variety is essential (e.g., changing the
  motivational signs, theme boards etc.)
• Evaluating the program provides valuable feedback

12
Outcomes

• Increase stair use
• Increased physical activity
• Increase awareness regarding stair use

13
Lessons to Build Upon

• Identify the contemplative employees prior to
  implementation.
• Maintain sustainability.

14
Next Steps

• Review Implementation Checklist sheet
• Review Implementation Tips sheet.
• Get Started!