Why do people run up and down stairs and then when they get to level surface they start walking normally?

Question

I have notice this phenomena in a lot of places especially at train stations- even though there are no trains at the platform

Answer 1

Oh my God!
That's so true. I have a fear of those stairs that are like planks of wood going because I always think I'm gonna fall through (delusions of being slim, you see). So I run up those to get it over with quicker.

But I don't know why I run up regular stairs too. I always make a sort of 'Hup hup' noise as well. And swing my arms.

Interesting question. You should read mine from yesterday -- 'Are you also a freak?'

Answer 2

One possibility is that stairs are boring - they are just pipes with steps in them. When you get on the level, the surroundings are more interesting, so you can slow down and enjoy the view again. Another possibility is that on the level you can get around fast by fast walking, but you can't walk fast on stairs, so you break into a run. A third possibility is that you can't see the train from the stairs, so you run in case it's there waiting for you. But when you get to the platform you can see there is no train so you slow down. If you run for a train when you can see it's not waiting, you look like a fool so you slow down - probably still looking like a fool !!!

Answer 3

Yes it's a funny one. Maybe staircase make us feel insecure? Also in the subway on the way to the platform if somebody start running everybody else does.

Answer 4

This is not hard to figure out, first it's the way to get the heart beating faster, a form of excerise, and just because they may be in a hurry and running up or down gives them a few extra minutes.

Answer 5

People think that walking up or down stairs is a waste of time, unlike walking on flat ground which you need to do...hence you see them 'run' to get it over with!

Also others see it as a challenge, and they feel that they need to put in that extra effort to 'overcome' the hurdle.

Answer 6

I run upstairs for the opportunity of a short burst of exercise and also to get up them quickly but that's as much as I want at the time.

Answer 7

Interesting observation, i run up stairs because walking up stairs is annoying and i wont it to be as quick as possible.

Answer 8

I do that all the time. I've just never thought about it. I guess b/c it's easier to keep in fluid motion than to walk slowly, it minimizes the time your muscles are strained.

Answer 9

people run upstairs as it is less strain on tehre muscles to complete the obstacle quickly, people run downstairs as it requires the same muscle energy as walking but gets them to the bottom quicker.

Answer 10

to get the stairs over with.its better to just sprint up them,than to huff and puff and schlumf ur way up.also,if u run up them,theyre kinda like aerobic excercise.