by Beatrice Chan

Did you know that taking the stairs, rather than the lift, torches calories and tones the lower body? Try this staircase workout…

Benefits of a staircase workout

With so many different workout routines out there, it can be daunting to decide which one to adopt. Moreover, work, family responsibilities and a social life may leave little time to get everything done.

This is why a staircase workout is a fabulous and smart idea. Firstly you can easily find a staircase, whether it’s at the office or at home, and it’s a great way to tone your lower body. Here are a few reasons to give it a try:

1. Burn fat

During a staircase workout, you can expect to increase your heart rate and reap fat-burning benefits.

2. Tone legs and butt

Climbing up and down stairs engages your glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps. Taking the stairs regularly will help tone your legs and build that all-important lean muscle.

3. It’s a great aerobic workout

When you go up and down the staircase, you get the blood flowing in your lower body in the same way you would during an intense aerobic workout.

4. No equipment required

There is no special clothing or equipment required for a staircase workout. It is preferable to wear comfortable exercise clothes and shoes, but, even with flats and work pants, it is possible.

5. Not weather or gym reliant

There is no need to check what the weather is like – you can easily find a staircase indoors, when it’s cold and rainy, or outdoors, when you feel like a workout in the open air.

The workout

Here are five quick and easy stair workout exercises you can try: