Take the Stairs for a Health and Fitness Boost

Whether you are on vacation, shopping at the mall or at work; start taking the stairs instead of the elevator whenever you can to improve your heart and lung function, burn calories and build bone mass. 

Stair climbing can help to improve your general cardiovascular fitness strengthening your heart and lung function.  

Burning extra calories: Depending on your current body weight, how many stairs you climb and for how long, you can burn as little as 20 calories to as much as 50 calories or more, by using the stairs. 

Another benefit from stair climbing is that is helps to build bone mass as it is a weight bearing exercise. Weight bearing exercise helps to prevent Osteopenia and Osteoporosis; one important piece of a comprehensive program that includes (but is not limited to) consuming enough Vitamin D and Calcium.

Start slow if you are not use to taking stairs and work to build up the amount you do over time.  Stair climbing daily during your regular activities is a great way to augment your regular exercise routine to help boost your goals regarding weight control and fitness.

Contact your doctor before beginning any exercise program and for any questions regarding your health.