Take the stairs, they say. It’s better for your health, they say. But did they mean 7343 stairs in a row? Maybe not, but that’s what I’m about to tackle this weekend. I’ve registered to take part in the MCG Stadium Stomp in a bid to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.
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The aim of the event is to navigate every staircase at the MCG in approximately two hours. So it’s fair to say that I’ve been opting to take the stairs a lot lately in anticipation.
In fact, at every opportunity I’ve been stepping rather than standing and waiting for the lift or the escalator to do the work. It’s actually a really great way to get some incidental exercise into your week.
I’ve tackled the tower in Rosalind Park. Weaved my way up and around grandstands throughout Bendigo. Any set of stairs in a public area and I’m on it. But will it be enough to get me through the mighty G? I’m not convinced yet.
Last weekend the Holmes family ventured to Melbourne for school holiday activities. We did the rounds and ended up at Eureka Tower. Looking up from the base, I thought wow, that’s big - imagine the staircase in there! It seems I’ve become obsessed with stairs!
Much to my nine-year-old’s disgust, we took the elevator 88 floors to the top. He believed that we should have taken the stairs. I guess that’s clear evidence that children are like a sponge – they take everything in. For a few months now, my kids have witnessed their parents doing just that, taking the stairs.
The view at the top was outstanding. I can understand why there is a fitness event called the Eureka climb at this building every year. After a run up 88 flights and 1642 stairs, the view is reward enough for your efforts. Let alone the satisfaction of looking down to see the extent of your physical effort – hope you’re not afraid of heights, ‘cause it’s a long way down!
It would most certainly be a challenge, particularly if you were trying to stick it with the front-runners – last year’s winner ran to the top in just over seven minutes! I’m tempted to give it a whirl, I must admit.
You may think I’m a little crazy with wanting to do such events, but I can tell you that I’m not alone. There are stadium stomps taking place all over Australia, and so far they have raised more than $127,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation. And as for the Eureka climb, more than 2400 people completed the event in 2014.
I’m wondering if my new-found love of stepping would have seen the same motivation if I hadn’t registered to take part in the MCG Stadium Stomp? Mmm, perhaps not.
So if you want some added motivation to your fitness routine, maybe you too should get in on one of the stair events. I can guarantee it’ll boost your cardiovascular fitness and strengthen your legs.
Now wish me luck, I’m off to tackle 7300 stairs!
Amy Holmes is the owner of Shape Health and Fitness. You can follow her on Instagram @amy_shapehealthandfitness or via Facebook at Shape Health and Fitness.