Climbing stairs can significantly improve heart health. Here are 5 ways how the aerobic exercise can reduce hypertension, lower high cholesterol and reduce other cardiac concerns.
Climbing stairs is one of the most affordable and effective ways to stay fit. In most cases, it has been called more beneficial than walking. Climbing stairs especially is the best aerobic exercise that can significantly improve your heart health. It can also enhance cardiorespiratory fitness and indicate if anything is wrong with your heart. According to the Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, just half an hour of stair-climbing a week, broken up into 10-minute sessions three times a week, can improve high blood pressure and reduce the risk of other cardiovascular health problems. So, in this article, we will share 5 ways taking stairs can be healthy for your heart.
How Climbing Stairs Can Boost Heart Health?
- Increases Cardiovascular Endurance: Climbing stairs is an aerobic exercise that elevates your heart rate and helps improve cardiovascular endurance. Regular stair climbing can enhance your heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Burn Calories And Promote Weight Management: Stair climbing is a calorie-burning activity that can help you maintain a healthy weight or lose extra kilos. Maintaining a healthy weight is extremely important for heart health, as it reduces the risk of conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which can strain health.
- Lowers LDL Cholesterol: Regular stair climbing can help lower levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as bad cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol levels are a risk factor for heart disease, and reducing them can improve your heart health.
- Increases HDL Cholesterol: Stair Climbing also helps increase levels of HDL (High-Densiy lipoprotein) cholesterol, often known as ‘good cholesterol’. Higher levels od LDL can help remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries, reducing the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.
- Improves Blood Pressure: Climbing stairs can help regulate blood pressure. Regular aerobic exercise, like stair climbing, can lead to lower resting blood pressure and improved blood vessel function, reducing the risk of hypertension.
It’s important to note that before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have existing heart conditions or concerns, you should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that stair climbing or any other physical activity is safe and appropriate for your health.