Stairs and knees

One of the great features of my new workplace is the stairwell near my cubicle. Five stories, about 135 steps — good exercise.

After straining both knees during the last five weeks (the left one badly), here is what I have learned about being careful taking the stairs:

On the way up, make sure my entire foot lands on each step rather than just the front half of the foot. Having the whole foot on the stair shifts the strain of climbing from my knees to my hamstrings.

On the way down, hold on to the rail, keep my back straight, and walk carefully, rather than bending forward to see where I am going as I race down. I am not sure why that works, but it does.