Walking or climbing stairs, both are considered very important and healthy workouts. They have many benefits. Both strengthen the lower part of the body and tone the muscles. Many people do morning or evening walks, but very few people do separate exercises of climbing stairs.
However, many people often have this question in their mind that what is more effective in losing weight, walking or climbing stairs? If you also often have this question in your mind, then today we will tell you which of the two is better for weight loss.
Walking or climbing stairs – which is better
1. Increase in calorie burn
You must have often noticed that climbing stairs increases your heart rate rapidly, due to which you can burn more calories in less time. According to a study, by climbing stairs in the same time, you can burn about 30% more calories than walking.
2. Strong muscles
Climbing stairs not only strengthens your leg muscles, but it also strengthens your glutes and core muscles. Strong muscles increase the basal metabolic rate, which means you will be able to burn more calories even at rest.
3. Time savings
You may have to take out more time to walk, for this you need at least 1 hour, and climbing stairs takes much less time. By using stairs instead of elevator in the office, you can not only exercise, but also save time.
4. Not suitable for everyone
However, climbing stairs may not be a suitable task for everyone. Because for many people with knee or joint pain problems, climbing stairs can be very difficult. For such people, losing weight by walking is a better option.
5. How to get more benefits?
If you are able to climb stairs, then it can be very beneficial for you, and to increase its benefits, try climbing stairs faster. Or you can also make the exercise more intense by climbing two stairs together.
6. You will not have knee pain even in old age
Usually, people complain of knee pain in old age. But if you climb stairs regularly from an early age, then it strengthens both your bones and joints. It can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
7. Boosts metabolism
Strong metabolism is necessary for weight loss and climbing stairs makes it easy. This exercise powers the metabolism. If you climb 30 stairs, then you burn about 10 calories.
There are not one but many benefits of climbing stairs
- While walking, the body moves in a straight line, but while climbing stairs, the body stands up and turns at an angle, which puts pressure on the muscles and the leg muscles become stable and strong. While climbing, the body is going against gravity. The pull on the leg muscles due to this makes them stronger and toned.
- While walking, pressure is only on the toes. Whereas, while climbing stairs, pressure is applied on all parts of the feet, toes, knees, heels and they are exercised, which increases the strength of the legs.
- Climbing stairs takes more effort than walking, due to which it comes in the category of an intense workout. This boosts stamina and increases energy.
- People are probably forced to go out to a park or open space for a walk, but you can climb stairs anywhere, be it home or office or a mall.
- Climbing stairs burns more calories than walking and also strengthens the heart, lungs and muscles.
- It is clear from these points that climbing stairs is more beneficial, but if you have any kind of knee or shortness of breath problem, then climb stairs only as per the doctor’s instructions.
Conclusion
Climbing stairs and walking are both great exercises for weight loss. You can include both these exercises in your daily routine according to your fitness level and physical ability. Remember, regular exercise and a balanced diet are the most effective ways to lose weight.