Stair Climbing Reduces Heart Disease Risk by 20%, Potentially Surpassing the Benefits of Walking

I have stair climbing as part of my exercise routine at work, it’s just something easy I can fit into my workday that hopefully counteracts the unhealthiness of just sitting in an office chair all day. I work on the 4th floor and take the stairs everytime, but I’ll add on multiple laps whenever I need to go up. I’ve been doing it for years, but I’m still worn out and a sweaty mess after 3 laps up and down. It takes a bit of discipline to stick to, but the hardest thing is just getting a routine established, start small and just do something repeatable, then build up from there.

When I'm in the office I always take the stairs even if it's on the fourth floor.

It simply feels good, it's like you've achieved a small goal even before you start your work day. And it carries over for the rest of the day.

And of course going home, I also take the stairs, because why not.

I take care to walk up the stairs slowly if possible, so as not to overly stress my knees.

No one is suggesting that 5 minutes of stairs is overall the same as walking for 60 minutes.

What they are suggesting, is that by incorporating 50 stairs, you activate lots of muscles and make your heart work more, and could "cut down" on the walking while achieving the same amount of work.

No. Everyone can't do everything. Your observation is correct. But for those that can take stairs. It's going to be very beneficial. Especially for your heart. Which isn't surprising at all since interval training is the most efficient type of training for working your heart