If you are able, take the stairs.
Did you know that getting more physical activity and limiting the amount of time that you spend sitting can reduce health risks? Scientific evidence shows it is everyday activities like walking and stair climbing that are most closely associated with improved health. Below are benefits seen by adding the use of stairs to your day.
No special equipment is needed.
Stair climbing can be accumulated across the course of the day, making a significant contribution to the recommended 30 minutes of daily physical activity.
There is a significantly lower risk of mortality when climbing more than 55 flights per week.
Stair climbing requires about 8 – 11kcal of energy per minute, which is high compared to other moderate level physical activities.
Active stair climbers are more fit and have a higher aerobic capacity.
Even two flights of stairs climbed per day can lead to 6 lbs of weight loss over one year.
There is a strong association between stair climbing and bone density in post-menopausal women.
Climbing stairs can improve the amount of “good cholesterol” in the blood.
Stair climbing can help you build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints.
Finally, stairs are eco-friendly. When in motion, an elevator can use as much as 250 60 watt bulbs. So, if you can, burn calories, not electricity.
We know that fitting physical activity into a busy lifestyle isn’t always easy. Taking the stairs is just one way to add some physical activity into your work day while delivering healthy benefits.
(1) https://hr.duke.edu/wellness/exercise-fitness/take-stairs/benefits-taking-stairs
(2)