Studies show that climbing just eight ladders of stairs a day can improve your health and lower your risk of death by as much as a third.

Six ways how stairs can benefit you-

Builds Bone and Muscle Strength – Stair climbing is a form of walking. As you have to pull against gravity, it demands greater effort, so you end up doing a kind of workout. This workout is very helpful for your body as it increases your bone density, strength, and muscle tone. Thus, the joints-related diseases reduce considerably.

Good for Your Heart – When you climb, your heart rate increases, thus it helps in preventing congested arteries and elevated blood pressure. This lifts your cardiovascular system and lowers the risk of a serious heart conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, vascular dementia, etc.

Costs Nothing – Unlike in gym or club, where we need subscription fees or the equipment or clothes to buy, climbing stairs costs you nothing. The best part of climbing stairs is that it's free. It’s just you and the steps.

Relieves stress – Climbing stairs also improves your mental state as the physical exertion releases endorphins – a good feel hormone that releases tension and gives a lift to your spirit. Climbing stairs regularly will raise your energy levels and would make you feel better about yourself.

Possible in a busy lifestyle – Climbing stairs is convenient, flexible, and time-efficient. One can start with one or two levels and then increase gradually. In any of the public places whenever you are out, you can use staircases such as in train stations, office buildings, etc.

No special training or skill or ability is required, and you won’t have to share a sweaty changing room with strangers unlike in the gym.

As it is very much accessible, one should be able to incorporate it into one's daily routine without much problem. Just like regular exercising makes a big difference to people’s long-term health, same is with climbing stairs.

Helpful in Weight loss – It's surprising to know that climbing stairs burn more calories per minute than jogging. The heavier is the body weight, the more you will expel. Climbing stairs require double the amount of energy as walking on a leveled ground. So, you may reduce some belly fat if you use stairs regularly.

Stairs with many levels provide a good opportunity for a workout. Wooden stairs are better than metal or concrete ones. Carpeted stairs are much better. Curved or straight both are good. First, start slowly if you are new, perhaps 5-10 minutes of climbing then you can increase slowly to half an hour or one. Aim for 3-5 sessions of climbing stairs a week to get the best out of you.

Contradictions

People with hip or knee problems are not advised to climb stairs as this action can worsen their condition, especially while coming down the stairs as the joints come under extra strain. First, you should have a word with your doctor then only start.