Stair Climbing - A Free and Effective Workout

by Maggie Vink (Subscribe to Maggie Vink's posts)
Feb 23rd 2009 8:00AM

Categories: Fitness

Don't have the time or the money to go to the gym? Don't worry ... a great workout is waiting for you in the nearest stairwell.

Jennifer Hudson credits the 23 flights of stairs in her building for helping her get into shape. Stairs can work their magic on you, too. The activity is quite simple, though far from easy. If you're just starting a fitness routine, try climbing the stairs at a slower, comfortable pace. You can pick up speed as your fitness level improves. If you're going to climb faster and climb many flights of stairs, be sure to wear a glove that gives you a better grip on the handrail.

Want some more recession-friendly fitness tips? Check out Bev's post on how you can get fit for zip.

Have you ever tried stair climbing? If so, what did you think about it? If not, what is your favorite (and free) form of exercise?

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Comments (3)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Tony 2-23-2009 @ 8:33AM

I just started climbing the stairs in the school that I work in. I'm a physical education teacher and I'm always looking to find a a good workout before or after school. Wearing a glove is a great idea. After a while I did get pretty sweaty and slippery. Great idea and post.

sandy 2-23-2009 @ 9:42PM

Boy, let me tell ya -this article has great merit.
I lived in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn for 10yrs of my life and worked as a "floater" for a bank. In N.Y.C. .
I'm not a city girl and found this existance so very limiting.
And then I realized the stairs. Subway stairs .
I used them 6 days a week .
Then I realized "how" I could use them.
Onlookers be damned. I didn't care what who thought what as I passed them running as fast as I could past them and dodging alot of them; all up the stairs.
Leaving them; some smiling as I passed - some just wondering as I looked over my shoulder as to my next path to my goal. Getting above ground as fast as I could and getting that much closer to home.
That was my goal. Then I realized something.
My self respect.
Found it.
Ain't gonna let it go.
Find yours.
GOD bless you .
Sandy

Fitho 2-24-2009 @ 7:37AM

Stair climbing is a phenomenal workout. In my opinion, it is probably the most effective workout- in a short time, its extremely high on calorie burn, builds great muscle in the lower body, and is a great cardio workout.
When I used to take part in stair climbing events, I was at the best shape. In fact, we wrote about it also: http://fitho.in/2008/10/03/dont-like-running-try-stair-climbing/