Walking or Climbing Stairs: If you’re not sure which one will work for weight loss, here’s everything you need to know which one is best for you.
The majority of people have a common goal of losing weight for better health. If you sit for hours at the office, it’s high time you start moving your body to start losing weight, which will help you stay fit and healthy. Walking is considered one of the best weight loss exercises, with stair climbing being second on the list. However, people get confused when choosing between walking or climbing which is better for weight loss. If you’ve been trying to figure this out, here are the pros and cons of walking versus climbing stairs to help you decide which is better to help you lose weight.
Is climbing stairs an exercise?
“Stair climbing is one of the most effective workouts for losing weight, strengthening your lower body, toning your butt, thighs and calves, losing inches from your stomach and developing strong abs. These stairs can be found outdoors at a nearby park or stadium or at a gym. You can also perform this exercise on the steps of your house,” says fitness trainer Dr. Mickey Mehta.
What are the benefits of climbing stairs?
1. Helps Lose Weight
If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to burn calories, taking the stairs can help you lose weight. A study published in Harvard Health Publishing Journal says that compared to walking on a flat surface, you can burn calories three times faster by regularly climbing stairs.
Read also: 7 Health Benefits of Climbing Stairs Daily
2. Improves cardiovascular health
The main benefit of climbing stairs is that it improves your cardiovascular fitness and performance capacity. Climbing stairs for 30 minutes every week was not only good for cardiovascular health, but also increased longevity, according to a study published in the Journal of Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise.
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3. Improves leg strength and tones muscles
Climbing stairs uses almost every major muscle in your body. Your lower body will become toned as your quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings and calves strengthen throughout this exercise. Climbing stairs regularly strengthens your legs, improving your ability to run, lift large weights and play high-intensity sports like cycling and rowing, according to a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science.
4. Promotes healthy bones and joints
If you practice climbing stairs every day, your skeletal muscles will become healthier and your joints will become stronger. Climbing stairs increases bone metabolism (the process of bone formation and bone resorption) by stretching your large joints and muscles. A study published in the International BioMed Research Journal says one of the best exercises you can do to improve bone health is climbing stairs.
Are there any side effects of climbing stairs?
If you have a history of heart problems, taking the stairs may not be the best option. This includes conditions such as high blood pressure, fast heartbeat (arrhythmia), or chest pain. Climbing stairs can increase your heart rate and put a strain on your cardiovascular system.
Read also: 7 Challenging Stair Exercises for Weight Loss You Need to Try!
Is walking an effective exercise for weight loss?
Walking is one of the most popular exercises in the world. It offers many health benefits and requires no specialized training or expensive equipment. Walking is a cardiovascular physical activity that elevates your heart rate. This can reduce blood pressure and increase blood flow. It increases energy levels by releasing hormones such as endorphins and distributing oxygen throughout the body, according to a study published in Harvard Journal of Nutrition.
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What are the benefits of walking?
1. Helps Lose Weight
Walking has several major benefits, including weight loss and muscle toning. When you walk, you sweat. Walking for an extended period of time also requires energy. However, as walking continues, it becomes progressively more reliant on stored fat for sustained energy production. This way excess fat does not remain in the body. Rather, it is used as a source of energy and helps in weight loss.
2. Regulates blood pressure levels
High blood pressure is one of the most common health problems worldwide. The best method to combat it is through moderate exercise and walking is one of the best exercises you can try. Walking benefits the heart because it lowers blood pressure, which stops the heart from working too hard, according to a 2018 study published in Peer Journal.
3. Reduces cholesterol levels
“The most common cause of high cholesterol is being overweight and eating junk food. Walking helps the body stay fit. It reduces the risk of having high cholesterol, which ultimately affects your heart. Walking is therefore good for promoting heart health,” explains the expert.
4. Reduces stress
A study published in the Stress and health journal indicates that walking can be a valuable short-term stress management strategy. The study suggests that combining walking with relaxation techniques could further improve its effectiveness.
Are there any side effects from walking?
Walking is considered a safe and effective exercise for weight loss compared to climbing stairs. It is essential to consult your doctor or health care professional before incorporating walking exercises into your fitness program.
Walking or climbing stairs: which is effective for weight loss?
Depending on your physical condition, health problems or interests, you can choose one or both exercises. People who enjoy climbing stairs and don’t feel tired or have joint problems might prefer climbing stairs to walking because it burns calories more efficiently. However, if climbing stairs exhausts you or strains your knees, walking is undoubtedly the best exercise.
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