Ready to feel the burn? The 4th Street Stairs stand before you a testament to fitness and social life. These steps are not just a workout they are a cultural phenomenon.
The 4th Street Stairs are located where 4th Street meets Adelaide Drive. They plunge down into Santa Monica Canyon. The bottom of the staircase is at Entrada Drive and Ocean Avenue in Los Angeles.
These stairs have become the ultimate stair machine. They attract exercise devotees from all over. People come dressed in comfortable sweats or snazzy designer workout outfits. They all have determination. They are ready for the definitive workout.
This staircase isn’t a state-of-the-art gym. It is a simple set of 189 outdoor steps. The 4th Street Stairs are free and offer amazing views. You can see the ocean while you slim trim and tone.
James Stewart stated these stairs are five times harder than a StairMaster. Hugh Burns said his thighs felt like spaghetti after six repetitions. He said you need to be in shape to do it.
Most people walk or run up the steps. Some masters turn it into a dance. They sidestep back-step and take the steps by twos or threes. Some even perform ballet moves. They extend a limb after each step. Others swing leg and hand weights. Regulars do anywhere from two to 20 repetitions. The record is 74 repetitions.
The 4th Street Stairs aren’t just for fitness. They are a social venue. Romancing on the steps is not uncommon. Many singles look for dating prospects here. Kirk Miller joked that people come to find their future ex-wives. Pamella D’Pella called it the best pickup place in town. Opening lines range from simple questions to spooky statements. One might ask how many reps are you going to do. Another might say the steps are haunted.
D’Pella heard not to do the steps late at night. She was warned she might be bothered by a ghost. Legend says a man in his 60s did 25 sets every day. One day he finished his last set and had a heart attack. Now his spirit trips people who do the steps too late.
There is camaraderie among those who brave the steps together. The staircase is only 3 feet 11 inches wide. Regulars include bankers lawyers and celebrities. Oliver Stone and Harry Hamlin have been spotted here. Assistants confirmed they like to do the steps. Tom Hanks Daryl Hannah and Sean Penn have also been seen.
The steps are popular around the clock. Rush hour is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Another busy time is from 6:30 to 8 a.m. Some early risers look down on the evening crowd. Fred Alexander said it’s a total zoo. Nilou Salimpour called it a G-string crowd. Haskell Anderson thinks the morning crowd is more driven.
There are unwritten rules of steps etiquette. Richard Michaelsen hates the smell of perfume on the stairs. He said you can barely breathe. Other no-nos include spitting and clanging bracelets. Don’t mess with people’s makeshift counters.
The 4th Street Stairs lie mostly in Los Angeles. The top 22 steps are in Santa Monica. The bottom 167 are in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Public Works Department maintains the staircase.
The staircase dates from about 1940. In 1981 the original timber steps were replaced by concrete ones. For years the steps were a secret. About five years ago traffic began to grow. Suddenly they became an in exercise spot.
Adelaide Drive residents have mixed feelings. Some are troubled by the cars and people. Bill Leyhe said you cannot find a parking spot. Maria Blase worries someone will get hit. Adelya Patterson cheerfully greets regulars. She said most people are very nice. Her strong legs are a tribute to the steps.
Doctors warn the steps are not for everyone. Cardiologist Mark Zatzkis said only people in good shape should do it. Orthopedic surgeon Ken Horacek said those with knee problems should steer clear. Start slowly he advised. Do a set of one and see how you tolerate it.
Some consider the stairstepping fervor a bit silly. Filmmaker Philip Michelson finds it funny. People spend time in traffic to wait in line for stairs.
Remember these rules when using the 4th Street Stairs. Don’t spit or wear perfume. Do wear deodorant. Let faster steppers pass. Watch where you are going. Don’t overdo it. Stop if you have pain or trouble breathing. Don’t hang out on private lawns. Be alert for traffic. Don’t gawk or mess with people’s counters. The 4th Street Stairs a unique blend of fitness and social scene await.