Stairs, always stairs. So many reasons for that. When I worked on the 51st floor, of course, stairs were not an option, but whenever I go to an office building--fourth floor, fifth floor--stairs.

First of all, I don't like being boxed in anytime, anywhere. Then, I don't like being boxed in with people I don't know (sorry, not anti-social, just like my privacy). Also, I really would hate to be stuck in an elevator. Waiting for an elevator is also not one of my favorite activities. Finally, I was mugged in an elevator. Since then, I hop off if I have to take an elevator whenever I'm alone and a man gets on. Sorry, men. The guy who mugged me looked wonderful. He was so polite. So clean looking and then he blocked the doors and trapped me. Not the kind of experience I hope to repeat.

Stairs---great exercise. I go at my own pace. I don't wait for the contraption, and, as you say, @futuremind, usually have stairs to myself. Sometimes I pass another stair climber and we sort of smile, as though acknowledging our shared preference for walking rather than waiting. It is a subculture 😄