Stair-climbing as a New Way to Lose Weight
If you’re trying to lose weight and want a new way to do it, stair-climbing as a regular exercise might be for you.
It’s accessible, and research shows it’s more effective than walking on level ground.
Stair-climbing Burns Calories — Fast
Research shows you burn about 20 times more calories going up stairs than walking on flat ground.
Even going down stairs you burn roughly five times more, the muscles being worked to slow the body’s descent.
That might be all you need to know if you are trying to lose weight.
A New Way to Exercise
“It is an exercise everybody can do,” Dr. Alberto Minetti, a physiologist and biomechanist at the University of Milan, said.
You always have stairs nearby you — free of charge compared to a gym.
Minetti explained why going up stairs is so effective for burning calories in a short amount of time.
“To move 1 kilogram of body mass over 1 horizontal meter, you expend 0.5 calories. If you move 1 kilogram of body mass vertically on stairs it’s 10 calories. So it’s 20 times the calories moving vertically rather than horizontally,” he said.
Stairs Are Everywhere
If stair-climbing was an Olympic sport, Suzy Walsham would own a handful of gold medals.
She’s won 10 races up New York’s Empire State Building — officially 1,576 stairs.
She’s claimed titles in more than 100 international stair races, and was once regarded as the No. 1 woman in the discipline.
This was all too easy, apparently.
What Are the Advantages of Stair-climbing?
“You get a lot of bang for your buck,” Walsham said.
Many people struggle to run as they age. The impact of running gets harder on the joints. But stair training is a great alternative.
Experts say stair-climbing doesn’t take much time and can improve balance.
Conclusion
Stair-climbing is a new and effective way to lose weight, and it doesn’t require much time or specialized equipment. With the option to use handrails and incorporate arm movements, stair-climbing can be modified to suit all fitness levels.
FAQs
Q: Is stair-climbing good for weight loss?
A: Yes, stair-climbing is a effective way to burn calories and can help with weight loss.
Q: Can stair-climbing improve balance?
A: Yes, stair-climbing can improve balance, as it requires coordination and core strength.
Q: Does stair-climbing take much time?
A: No, stair-climbing doesn’t require a lot of time. You can start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity.
Q: Is stair-climbing suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Yes, stair-climbing can be modified to suit all fitness levels by incorporating handrails, slowing down, or adding rest breaks.
Q: Do I need any equipment for stair-climbing?
A: No, you don’t need any specialized equipment for stair-climbing. You can start climbing stairs at your local park, office building, or home.
