Tower running for fitness. Walking or a run up steps in skyscrapers as a good cardio workout.
What is tower running?
Tower running is not as commonly assumed, anything like free running or tower climbing and you'll be pleased to know, it's not some crazy combination of the two.
It's not the adrenaline fuelled act of scouring a huge tower block climbing it from the outside of the building with your bare hands, rather scarily unaided by a rope, or indeed any kind of safety equipment at all. Which I may add if indulged in will almost certainly lead to arrest at the least and death at the very worst.
It's not free running and does not involve sprinting through the streets, performing acts of gymnastic feats even an Olympic medalist would struggle to pull off. Yes fortunately it is much easier then that, no cartwheels, no Arab springs, no back or forward flips and no major acrobatic activities are required. (Phew!)
Thankfully tower running is the fitness craze that many people are turning to, to keep in shape, it is far safer then the previously mentioned examples and there is no need of specialist skills or excessive physical ability, thank goodness.
Tower running does involve running, jogging or walking the steps of corporate skyscrapers or large public buildings.
What buildings are appropriate?
So tower running sounds like it might be something you would like to try and a form of exercise that could be fitted into your daily or weekly routine, but where do you go and just what buildings are appropriate?
Skyscrapers in cities are everywhere and most of them are open to the public, chances are you work in one. There are also libraries, museums and even multistory car parks all of which have many hundreds of steps, ready to use as an aid to your weight loss and fitness.
Why is this becoming so popular?
Prefessionals and other city dwellers alike are adopting this aproach to exercize ever more increasingly as time and money restrictions make it increasingly difficult to keep in shape, especially if you live in the city and work a nine to five.
To keep in shape, is difficult at the best of times and in urban areas there is very few places one can go to work out, except maybe the gym. However if for one reason or another you can't make it to the gym or you can't afford the premiums or time just won't allow it, tower running is a valid alternative.
- It is an example of cardiovascular exercise, will build up muscle tone, is a form of resistance training and free.
- It can be done before or after work. In your lunch break or at the weekend (depending on the opening hours of the business and accessibility of the building)
- You can pursue it as a solo activity and really push yourself, or make it a social venture and buddy up with a group of friends.
- You can track your progress by timing yourself or making a note of how many flights you have managed.
- You can even recreate the famous scene from Rocky, by jumping around and punching the air when you reach the top, singing eye of the tiger.
- Once you have slogged it all the way up to the top or even part of the way up, you then get the easy bit. Coming back down!
Stepping up to the challenge.
Free exercise on your doorstep well nearly, on your work step or near your high street. Who can say fairer then that?
So it's not going to be easy, yes I've seen the skyscrapers and they are phenomenally huge, however it does not have to be tackled all at once. You can start with an easy walk, tackling as much of the stair case as you can manage and recoding your progress as you go.
Please note that some buildings are completely private and will not be open for public use, if the building is allowed to be used, you may want to check for restricted areas and opening times.
It is also advised that you wear apropriate exersize gear and stretch before and after undertaking this kind of activity.
Whether you decide to go solo with this or participate as a group, I'm sure you'll be fit in no time, so go grab your trainers and good luck, what have you got to lose except a couple of pounds?
