Engaging in regular aerobic exercise is a vital component of maintaining good overall health, with a significant impact on heart health. It’s a widely recognized fact that dedicating at least 30 minutes a day to physical activity can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and various other cardiovascular issues. Recent research has brought attention to an even quicker path to enhance heart health: stair climbing. Continue reading to discover the benefits of this focused fitness regimen.
Walking is an excellent way to promote heart health, supported by extensive research. The European Society of Cardiology conducted the world’s largest study on this subject, revealing that simply walking 2,337 steps each day significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular-related mortality. Every additional 1,000 steps taken further decreases this risk. Walking is praised for its simplicity and accessibility, making it an ideal choice for those looking to improve cardiovascular health, manage their weight, enhance endurance, strengthen muscles and bones, and elevate overall fitness levels, says Saara Haapanen, a movement motivator and performance consultant.
Climbing stairs, in particular, offers remarkable benefits. According to Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, climbing stairs provides about three times the exercise of brisk ground-level walking in the same time frame. Stair climbing presents a more challenging form of exercise, as it involves moving against gravity, working against resistance, and engaging various muscle groups, particularly those in the lower body, the core, and the lower back.
A recent study published in the journal Atherosclerosis suggests that a daily regimen of stair climbing could be the sole cardiovascular exercise necessary to maintain a healthy heart. The research found that climbing just 50 steps or the equivalent of five flights daily could lead to a 20 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease. Specifically, the study demonstrated a lower rate of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which encompasses prevalent conditions like coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke, among those who consistently climbed stairs.
It’s essential to recognize that while stair climbing is beneficial, it’s not the exclusive path to improve or preserve heart health. Many seniors, in particular, encounter difficulties related to knee and joint pain when attempting cardiovascular exercises like stair climbing. Dr. Chen emphasizes that an inability to perform a particular activity shouldn’t lead to discouragement; even walking on level ground provides substantial benefits, offering an effective way to promote heart health. While stair climbing is more beneficial than walking, engaging in walking is significantly more advantageous than a sedentary lifestyle.
