Embrace the Suck: Why Taking the Stairs Can Boost Athletic Performance

Mighty Oak Athletic Podcast S2:E21 - Embrace the Suck: Why Taking the Stairs Can Boost Athletic Performance

For most of human history, life was hard. Really hard. The simplest tasks—like getting water or cooking a meal—were a struggle that required physical effort. People didn’t just stroll into a grocery store or flick a switch for water. They walked long distances, carried heavy loads, and lived a physically demanding life, often without comfort or convenience. Fast forward to today, and much of that has changed, but not necessarily for the better when it comes to our health and fitness.

We live in a world of escalators, cars, and delivery services, which have turned life into one of ease and comfort. However, this has also made many people fragile. As a student athlete or parent invested in long-term health, it’s important to ask: are we making life too easy for our own good? And, if so, how can we embrace the mindset of making life a bit more challenging to benefit both performance and longevity?

The Disconnect: From Hunter-Gatherers to Soft Suburbanites

In the not-so-distant past, everything was a workout. Hunting and foraging were full-body, endurance-challenging activities. Sitting in a chair? No way—our ancestors squatted or sat on the ground, constantly moving to get comfortable. Today, we’re more sedentary, with every modern convenience designed to keep us comfortable. We rarely face the kind of physical challenges that shape strong bodies and minds.

But here’s the secret: student athletes don’t have to live like our ancestors to reap the benefits of physical challenges. The key is to avoid taking the path of least resistance in daily life. Modern science and technology have given us conveniences, but they’ve also made us physically weaker. It’s time to reclaim some of that toughness for the sake of your athletic performance and your health.

Be the 2%: Add Resistance to Your Day

A recent study found that 98% of people choose the escalator over the stairs. That’s 98% of people missing out on an easy opportunity to challenge themselves. Athletes need to train their bodies and minds to push through discomfort. Parents, your health is important too! By embracing small daily challenges, you’ll be setting an example and improving your own well-being.

Here are a few ways to challenge yourself:

• Skip the escalator and take the stairs. It’s a small change, but it trains your legs and your lungs for the field, the court, or the track.

• Park farther away. Instead of circling for the closest spot, park farther from your destination and walk with purpose.

• Carry your own gear. Whether it’s groceries or sports equipment, carrying heavy loads helps build strength, balance, and endurance.

• Train outdoors. Skip the climate-controlled gym. Experience training in the heat, cold, wind, or rain. Adapting to the elements can improve your performance on game day when conditions aren’t ideal.

Embrace the Suck to Reap the Rewards

Athletes who excel understand that the path to greatness isn’t paved with ease. They embrace the challenges of tough training sessions, long practices, and mental fatigue. Pushing through discomfort builds not only muscle but mental resilience. And parents, the same goes for you. Life isn’t always easy, and adding small daily challenges can help you stay strong, mobile, and capable well into your later years.

So, what’s the takeaway? Make life a little harder, on purpose. It’s time to embrace the suck. Start by doing something that feels just a little too hard every day. Skip the easy way out and find ways to add physical and mental resistance to your life. Not only will it improve your sports performance, but it will also pay off in the long term for your overall health and well-being.

By making life harder, you make yourself stronger. You build the foundation to succeed on the field, in school, and in life. Be the 2%—and watch how that small shift transforms your performance and your health for a lifetime.