Here are a few reasons why taking the stairs can be beneficial for you!

1. Climbing stairs can relieve stress: It is no secret that exercise releases endorphins, which increase your overall health and reduces stress. The next time you are feeling stressed about an upcoming deadline, take the stairs to reduce the pressure and tension. It will help bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, lowering your stress and helping you focus on the task at hand.

2. Climbing stairs improves cardiovascular fitness: Climbing stairs is considered vigorous physical activity and burns more calories than jogging. If you find yourself out of breath after climbing just a few flights of stairs, it’s because climbing stairs gets your heart pumping and requires 8-9 times more energy than merely sitting.

3. Climbing stairs strengthens muscles: Who doesn’t want to be stronger? Taking the stairs can lead to greater leg strength while maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and joints.

4. Climbing stairs is often faster than an elevator: This one usually surprises people, but if you think about it, it makes sense. By the time you hit the button, wait for an elevator to arrive, and ride up after making multiple floor stops, you could have already reached your destination by taking the stairs. By walking up the stairs, you add a few minutes of exercise to your day, and quite possibly could beat the elevator up too.

5. Climbing stairs combat sedentary lifestyle: When looking at your day, you would be surprised with how many hours you sit, creating a sedentary way of life. Taking the stairs is an easy and quick way to add more physical activity and movement into your day. It is a simple exercise and you don’t even need a gym membership to do.