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Going up the stairs on all fours: am I the only one?

99 replies

FunnyItWorkedLastTime · 05/02/2023 13:11

This is a bit of a weird one.

When I was a kid, say 6/7/8, I'd always scamper up steepish flights of stairs on all fours.

Now I'm in my fifties I've suddenly started doing it again on my home stairs (not in public, although that's a hilarious image). Stairs are steepish, but no steeper than they've been for the last ten years I've been living here, and have got newish nice soft carpet. It suddenly seems like the natural thing to do if my hands are empty.

Does anyone else do this? Should I contact the HRT manufacturers to report a strange side-effect? Is it the sign of a hitherto unsuspected neurological condition?

OP posts:
CheeseDreamsTonight · 05/02/2023 13:12

I do this and so does my Mum who is 63. Hurrah for speed clambering with joy!

RubiesandRose · 05/02/2023 13:13

I do this too! There was a post exactly the same as this a few months ago and until then I thought I was a bit of a weirdo, but it appears I'm in good company!

FunnyItWorkedLastTime · 05/02/2023 13:18

Oh I missed the previous thread, despite trying a quick search.

That's quite cheering. I have visions of loads of middle-aged women happily embracing their inner gorilla/toddler.

OP posts:
Blagdoon · 05/02/2023 13:18

I did it as a child because my arms and legs were shorter, so it was easier. Now it’s really hard because I’m bigger in proportion to the steps!

BridieConvert · 05/02/2023 13:19

I've always done this! Gutted we now live in a bungalow tbh

spacechimp79 · 05/02/2023 13:22

Haha I do this too! No idea why.

ilovepixie · 05/02/2023 13:24

I used to do this as a child. Now I'm too fat!!

Veryactivenymphomaniac · 05/02/2023 13:25

I do this but we live in a very old house, with very steep stairs!

MrsMoastyToasty · 05/02/2023 13:31

I don't do that going upstairs but coming back down I go down a step, bring the following foot down to the same step and then put the leading foot down onto the next step, bring the following foot down to meet it. And repeat until I'm at the bottom. (I don't do it anywhere else).
I can't decide if I'm getting old or if it's a fear of breaking my leg again (I didn't break it falling on stairs, but on the kitchen floor) a year ago and was reliant on crutches for a ling time.

UnleashMyPicasso · 05/02/2023 13:32

I don’t, but now I want to!

Paq · 05/02/2023 13:33

Is it a function of you losing core strength and balance? If so it's not a good thing!

Msgrieves · 05/02/2023 13:35

I don't, but will start now, sounds fun lol. Always used to like when my parents stored carpet on the stairs, new slide, yay.

AlisonDonut · 05/02/2023 13:37

I did this for a few years because otherwise I'd not get up the stairs. Then I managed to get HRT and in time could walk upright again. I had osteoporosis by that stage.

If you do it through choice then fine but if it is because you can't make it up otherwise then you need some DEXA scans done.

AWaferThinMint · 05/02/2023 13:38

I do this! Just because it's fun Grin

PaulHeymanHairline · 05/02/2023 13:39

I do this when im home alone!

shivawn · 05/02/2023 13:39

No, not unless I'm pretending to chase my toddler up the stairs but it's far more comfortable for me to walk up them normally!

Em3978 · 05/02/2023 13:40

I do it when I'm being silly or chasing DS up the stairs (he's 15 and bigger than me!)

Its just fun!

FunnyItWorkedLastTime · 05/02/2023 13:48

AlisonDonut · 05/02/2023 13:37

I did this for a few years because otherwise I'd not get up the stairs. Then I managed to get HRT and in time could walk upright again. I had osteoporosis by that stage.

If you do it through choice then fine but if it is because you can't make it up otherwise then you need some DEXA scans done.

Don't think it's that, thank heavens, I can stand on one leg, get up from the floor without using my hands etc.

OP posts:
RomeoOscarXrayIndigoEcho · 05/02/2023 13:51

I do it too! For fun. I think it's more like exercise some how.

ChewOnALeaf · 05/02/2023 13:51

I do it for fun not for any need. When Dc2 was little they would say I am a monkey and they would hang off me, with their legs and arms wrapped around me whilst I went upstairs on my hands and feet. It reminds me of that lovely time.

ThinkingOfAWittyUsername · 05/02/2023 13:52

I feel seen

Sandysandwich · 05/02/2023 13:55

As in hands and feet or hands and knees?

SomethingNastyInTheBallPool · 05/02/2023 13:56

I do it for fun. I’m 51.

ConfusedGin · 05/02/2023 13:56

I do this at my parent's house still. Not in the communal stairs of my flat

Icedcider · 05/02/2023 14:02

Ha ha. I do this when I'm dog tired, which is most days after work. I'll be 50 this year.