For the past year, I haven’t missed a single day of running.
Little did I know, this change would give my fitness a total overhaul.
Stair climbing quickly proved to be a much more intense challenge than I anticipated.
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Read on to learn more.
I quickly discovered however that stair climbing was an intense,full-body workout.
Most sessions lasted between 15 to 30 minutes, with intervals of fast-paced climbing and brief rests.
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The intensity of the workouts immediately impacted the muscles in my legs and core.
It was clear that stair-climbing targeted different muscle groups compared to running.
It builds strength in your legs, improves endurance, and boosts your metabolism all at once."
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Stair climbing also posed mental challenges.
The biggest one was having to embrace the monotony of the exercise.
Strength-Focused Stair Climb
What You Need: A flight of stairs or astair climber machine.
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Benefits of Stair Climbing
Researchsuggests that stair climbing is a fantastic exercise for burning calories andbuilding strength.
It targets several muscle groups in your legs, including the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves.
“Stair climbing is a highly effective way to strengthen your lower body,” says Mohr.
Because stair climbing involves more explosive movements, itburns more caloriesin less time than lower-intensity activities likejogging.
Additionally, stair climbing is easier on the joints than running, especially when done at a controlled pace.
This is excellent news for those concerned about the impactrunningcan have on their knees or hips.
However, stair climbing offers a moreintense workoutin less time.
It’s a higher-intensity workout that provides a more efficient way to burn fat and build strength."
However, stair climbing isn’t without its drawbacks.
For one, the intensity can be overwhelming, especially for beginners or those withjoint issues.
It’s important to listen to your body and adjust your pace accordingly."
Lessons Learned & Takeaways
Stair climbing has been a game changer in my fitness routine.
Avoid rushing the stepscontrol your pace and work on building endurance gradually."
I suggest gradually increasing the intensity of your sessions to match your fitness level.
This approach will allow your body to adjust over time and reduce injury risk.
