SEATTLE — If you're looking for a healthy athletic competition, why not consider reaching for the top?
"A lot of people don't think of stairclimbing as a low-impact sport," says trainer PJ Glassey. "They think, oh, that's going to be really hard on my knees. But, in fact, it's less impact than walking on flat ground."
Glassey, the founder of the local health club chain, X Gym and a world record stairclimber, tells us how to make the most of a vertical dash like the Space Needle's Base 2 Space.
Step one: Chill.
Glassey says, "The secret is take it slow. That's the top secret, because people always start out too fast. That's the rookie mistake."
Step two: Two steps.
"Double-stepping is faster," Glassey says. "If you care about time, double-stepping is always faster."
Step three: Use your whole body. Glassey says that's what handrails are for, after all.
"I recommend people do use their arms. And if you do it right, when you get to the top your arms are going to be just as fatigued as your legs. If you really want to get torque and use your arms, then nice, grippy gloves is a great thing to have."
Glassey recommends using football receiver gloves.
Step four: Don't forget to breathe.
"You want to fully exhale with every breath, and that'll force you to fully inhale," Glassey says.
Follow these simple rules and you, too, will be standing on top of the world in no time.
"Have a party," Glassey says. "Have a good time."
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