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Not only is stair climbing a great workout, it’s actually an amazing calorie burner and has a whole host of benefits. Did you know that climbing a flight of stairs (10 stairs) is the equivalent calorie burn of taking 38 steps on level ground? – Dr Bassett, Dept. Kinesiology Recreation and Sports Studies, University of Tennessee.

So what are the health benefits of climbing stairs?

Stair climbing is an excellent way to build cardiorespiratory endurance and lower body muscular endurance and strength. It can be done either indoors on a stair-climbing machine or stairwell, or outdoors on a series of steps such as in a stadium. Because you are using your legs to propel your body upward, against gravity, you’re building strength, increasing your heart rate, which in turn enhances blood flow to all areas of your body. Your body releases natural pain relievers, or endorphins, during a stair climb, so you’ll feel better and have less tension once your climb is over.

But wait, there’s more…

Like many aerobic exercises, stair climbing can improve your energy and quality of sleep, increase the function of your immune system and lower your risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and heart disease – www.livestrong.com.

For the person looking to lose weight, stair training is an excellent, time efficient way to achieve results fast (coupled with a healthy diet). The heavier the person the more calories that person will burn. For example: A person weighing 68kg will burn up to 72 calories in 10 minutes, an 81kg person would burn around 86 calories in the same amount of time.

And stair climbing doesn’t just work the ol’ legs. It’s great for targeting all those traditional trouble spots – thighs, hips, tummy, butt and calves – it works them all! Throw in the use of any handrails during your stair workout and you also get a great arm workout.

For a great stair climbing event you can register for, checkout this website. We’ve got events in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney at some of Australia’s greatest sporting stadiums.

In the mean time, you should go out, find some stairs and start climbing your way to a healthier, stronger you.

NOTE: Stair climbing offers a variety of health benefits, but it may be unsafe for people with heart conditions or those with knee, hip or ankle problems. Be sure to discuss stair climbing with your doctor in advance of any activity.