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Forget the Stairmaster in the basement. What if the house itself was your Stairmaster. Hungry? Climb the ladder to the kitchen. Want a shower? Use the two-story rock wall to get to the bathroom. There's no way around it. These houses were designed to be fat-free, to make you move even if it means having to strap on skis to get there.
Houses that Make You Lose Weight
Step to My Loo
When architect, Peter Anderson, asked the homeowners of this ten-story "Stairmaster" house if they wanted an elevator installed, they replied: "No, running up and down stairs is good for you." Especially when the bathroom is on the fifth level! Each room in the house is its own floor so to get from one area to the next you must take the stairs-two at a time!
Houses that Make You Lose Weight
Onward and Upward
Tucked in the trees of Hyogo, Japan, this 3000-square-foot house is traversed via a thigh-burning staircase that winds here, there and everywhere. The owners have kindly carved out a few stops for those guests who need to rest their weary legs.
Houses that Make You Lose Weight
Step Lively
On this 20' x 20' parcel of land, there was only one way to build-up. In the Ablitt House by Jeff Shelton Architects, the only way to get around is by taking on 72 stairs of cardiovascular punishment.
Houses that Make You Lose Weight
It's A Jungle Out There-And In Here
This rendering shows a "jungle-gym" house with jigsaw components that make you want to climb, explore and work your way to the top. Designed by Owen Moss, the three-floor home's intricate angles and curves keep you moving-and guessing what's around the corner.
Houses that Make You Lose Weight
Bridge Your Gap
Even the Mini Cooper couldn't shimmy down this "driveway" in Boothbay, Maine. So what's a weary homeowner to do after a long, hard day at work? Get out and walk, of course.
Houses that Make You Lose Weight
Ski For All
The only way to get to this house in Zauchensee, Austria, is to strap on those Nordic skis and work your way to the front door.
Houses that Make You Lose Weight
Row House
This neighborhood on the Swedish coast is all about great sea legs. Especially when the only way to borrow a cup of sugar from the neighbors is to paddle your way into their kitchen.
Houses that Make You Lose Weight
Water Works
A strict no-motorboat policy on this lake means rowing is the only way to get home. The good news? You can ditch the gym since your twice-daily workout will keep you in tip-top shape.
Houses that Make You Lose Weight
Walk This Way
A maze of walkways connects the many buidings in this rugged Adirondack-style home in Northern Connecticut, which is exactly what the owners wanted. If you're going to be a couch potato, you've at least got to work to get to the couch.
Houses that Make You Lose Weight
Home On The Range
Getting to this house on San Juan Island, Washington, is quite a hike. Literally. But if that doesn't tire you out, try mountain biking through the 42 acres of steep, mountainous terrain that surround the house.
