All reputable books that talk about physical fitness will tell you one thing - you need to “get your heart rate up” and maintain it for 30 minutes a day, whether it’s an aerobic work out, walking or running.
So why should you walk up a flight of stairs instead of taking an escalator?
Frankly, in my opinion, because it just helps to instill you the idea that yes, your legs were made for walking. Also, it’s a lot faster to walk up ten steps then take an escalator the same distance.
In the same way, try parking your car at the furthermost reaches of the parking lot, walking into the store or mall or whatever it might be, and then walking back to your car again. (And of course, keep your eyes peeled for drivers who squeal through the parking lot as if it were a raceway).
A recent study on how to make people take the stairs took place in England, and the results were reported here: Signs drive shoppers to take the stairs. On the one hand it’s an interesting look at how governments (local or country-wide) and institutions can influence people’s behavior, but it’s also interesting just to see that it works.
Taking the stairs is good for your health. Give it a try.
