- Climbing stairs good or bad. However, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of the exercise to avoid injury. Regular stair-climbing was also associated with a lower risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure. I see that I’m as sweaty as I am after my five brisk-walk rounds in the park. While there are a variety of assistive devices that can make stairs easier to climb, simply using good form and technique is oftentimes enough to get you where you are going. Oct 3, 2025 · Taking the stairs might feel small, but it can actually make a real difference for your fitness. However, if you’ve recently undergone foot surgery or experienced a foot injury, navigating stairs can become a daunting challenge. High impact activities can accelerate this, but using the stairs isn’t going to hurt you (unless you trip and fall, then yes it will definitely hurt you). However, you may be able to prevent symptoms from recurring. The stairs revolve around the machine, and all you have to do is hang onto the railing and keep climbing until you’re satisfied with your workout. You may find relief from the pain by straightening your back, or resting on a firm mattress or sitting with the feet on Apr 21, 2025 · New research indicates that stair climbing can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death, with a 24% decreased risk of mortality from any cause and a 39% reduction from cardiovascular issues. However, you should always be careful and take precautions while using stairs. Therefore, you must take care of some things while climbing stairs to stay fit and avoid unnecessary complications. But it doesn’t stop there. Currently the pain is bad in my left leg. Jun 7, 2021 · Sometimes it’s just as important to know what NOT to do as it is to know what to do when you have sciatica. Feb 28, 2025 · Wear Supportive Footwear: Good arch support prevents knee misalignment. Hence, it should be approached cautiously, and alternative forms of exercise may be safer for certain individuals. However, walking on a flat surface and walking at an incline present a few key differences for your spine. Here are a few tips to help you get safely up and down the stairs with crutches or a cane. This is especially great for older pups or those with limited mobility since stairs offer a low-impact workout option. However, steep or slippery stairs can cause injury. An easy way to remember the golden rule is the good go up to heaven and the bad go down to… you get the idea. Discrepancies in stair-climbing May 17, 2024 · It is also worth noting that while stair climbing may be challenging for individuals with hip pain, it is not necessarily "bad" for the hip joints. Stair climbers also had a slight boost in longevity. S. This article describes safe techniques for ascending and decending stairs immedialy after a total hip replacement surgery. In general, a bit of daily low-intensity exercise like walking upstairs significantly improves sedentary people's subjective feeling of wellbeing. It is a simple and effective way to improve cardiovascular health, build leg strength, and improve balance and coordination. But should you push through the discomfort to strengthen your knees, or is it best to avoid stairs altogether? The answer isn’t straightforward. But fear not – with the right approach, you can regain your stair-climbing confidence and mobility. The World Health Organization also recommends adults to accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate intensive aerobic physical activities Climbing stairs is a more intense exercise than walking, and that appears to confer its own benefits. A safe, low-impact exercise for staying independent at home. So, it is better for these patients to undergo some interventions before severe disability occurs. Nov 3, 2023 · Despite the belief that stair climbing is bad for knees, it actually promotes bone health and reduces arthritis risk because of its low impact. You may want to opt for the stair climber instead of the treadmill if you have lower back pain. Does the stair stepper build muscle? Yes! It strengthens your legs, glutes, and core while also supporting spine health. If you have any concerns about your ability to climb stairs, consult your doctor before starting an exercise program. But evidence suggests that regular activity or exercise is unlikely to cause actual knee damage or Mar 4, 2024 · Learn how to walk up and down stairs safely after knee or hip replacement surgery and how to assist others who need a cane or a crutch. Consulting a veterinarian is recommended if unsure about a dog’s ability to use stairs safely. dangerous for puppies, seniors & at-risk breeds. Learn about its impacts on different muscles and health conditions. In the rehab setting we have many sayings to help you remember what to do. Sep 11, 2024 · A blog post written by a physical therapist describing different strategies for navigating stairs depending on different physical limitations. Jan 1, 2025 · A study of 4,50,000 adults suggests that climbing 5 flights of stairs daily reduces cardiovascular risks by 20%. Jan 29, 2024 · Whether stairs are good or bad for dogs depends on the individual dog and the steps themselves. Nov 26, 2020 · Do you find climbing stairs difficult or painful? Check out these four essential knee exercises to help you climb stairs easier and pain-free. The study involved patients in the climbing group who were instructed Jan 30, 2025 · Why climbing stairs might be the best exercise for you You burn about 20 times more calories going up stairs than walking on flat ground Sep 27, 2022 · Also take extra care while descending the stairs (with weights). Strengthening the knee is one way to prevent knee trouble and deal with a knee condition you already have. Sep 13, 2023 · Find out how regular exercise can boost your physical and mental health. Ensure all stair carpets/floor coverings are adequately fitted. . Jan 2, 2020 · Read about Good Posture Helps Reduce Back Pain The health of your sciatic nerve also improves when you quit smoking, stop using tobacco products, get a good amount of restorative sleep, and eat a healthy diet containing anti-inflammatory foods. Climbing Stairs and Back Pain Climbing stairs is a low-impact exercise that can help improve your posture and strengthen the lower back muscles. To incorporate more stair climbing into your day, take the stairs whenever possible. ” This means that when ascending stairs, lead with your “good” or stronger leg. A study found that climbing stairs was an effective and low-cost option for people with chronic low back pain. Climbing stairs can provide mental and physical stimulation and strengthen muscles and joints. 5. Climbing the stairs can actually help to strengthen the muscles that sit above the knee. Also includes description of a strength exercise to improve leg strength for better ability to climb stairs. But if you’re on a stair machine in the gym, working out for a set amount of time rather than distance, then big steps will burn more calories. It is also advisable to avoid highly processed foods and foods containing high amounts of simple sugars. Make sure you have adequate lighting in halls and stairways. Dec 16, 2022 · Basic safety tips for climbing stairs during pregnancy? Climbing stairs during pregnancy is risky but also beneficial to maintain a healthy weight. Physical trauma to the area may lead to fibrosis in the muscle that puts pressure on the sciatic Feb 3, 2024 · Read on to know more about climbing stairs during pregnancy, when it is safe when it is unsafe and has to be avoided, and what precautions a mother-to-be must take while climbing stairs. Oct 14, 2016 · Is climbing stairs (10+ flights) exercise good or bad? Does it have adverse effect on knees and overall health? Kindly suggest. I'm interested in this sub again because my pain has returned after almost two years, but I guarantee the stair climbing and intense exercise in general does nothing but help. Mar 25, 2016 · I can't imagine why a cat in good health, regardless of age, should find climbing stairs difficult. May 30, 2025 · According to research, climbing stairs can have surprising benefits for both your physical health and your brain without needing to hurtle up two steps at a time or break records. Chyrle Bonk, provides valuable insights into whether stairs are good or bad for dogs. When you are climbing stairs make sure that the staircase is well-lit to see the Nov 25, 2023 · Explore tips on recovery and safety, with expert advice on physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, and steps to ensure a safe and healthy recovery process. Apr 26, 2024 · New research shows climbing stairs is linked to improved heart health and a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Even though the stair climber mimics walking up stairs, some of the mechanics are different, including the ability to lean on hand rails while walking. May 10, 2025 · Stair climbing helps with balance and stability, which are essential for everyday activities and help us avoid falls. There are several activities that may worsen your sciatica pain. Make it a full body workout: Add a few squats/ burpees/ sit ups/ push-ups, etc on each landing as you ascend or/and descend stairs. These include straightening your leg, running, walking, stair-climbing, lifting the leg up from a lying position, or sitting for too long. Learn 6 key benefits today! But it brought to mind: Am I totally screwing myself over here by going up and down these stairs? Is running and skipping steps — which results in more impact — bad for my knees? Or is it possibly good for them? Would walking instead of running be a better option? Am I already doomed to have bad knees, given that I already did this for years? Aug 9, 2013 · Good posture can make or break your stair-climbing workout. Learn when it’s safe, when it may cause harm, and what knee pain might signal. My knees have always been bad- basically they don’t sit right in the joint and can get dislocated really easy- and personally, I don’t have problems at all with stairs. (Up with the good, down with the bad!) When going up and down stairs with a walker, you also should have a sturdy handrail. So maybe climbing stairs benefits you regardless of your fitness level, or maybe it only benefits you if it forces your body to adapt to the challenge. Engaging in regular stair climbing can improve your cholesterol profile by increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol and decreasing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Learn about the specific benefits for knee health, proper techniques to maximize results, and tips for incorporating stair climbing into your fitness routine safely. Jan 19, 2024 · Why going up and down stairs is different to walking on the flat How to adapt to painful stair climbing / descending How to turn stairs into a rehabilitation tool for your back pain / sciatica Read More About What Do Climbing Stairs Aggravate Sciatica More Things To Know About Do Climbing Stairs Aggravate Sciatica Is It OK To Climb Stairs With Sciatica? If you suffer from sciatica, you may feel uncomfortable climbing stairs. Safety First Before attempting any stair-related activities post-surgery or injury, prioritize safety. Stair climbing can help strengthen the heart and improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. There are times when moving the box would be beneficial - perhaps if they have arthritis or heart issues as you mentioned. GOING UP STAIRS WITH A WALKER Always remember, when climbing stairs, start with your good leg going up, and start with your operative leg going down. Nov 22, 2021 · Is stair climbing bad for your hips? Stair climbing may be detrimental to cemented total hip arthroplasties, because it subjects the reconstruction to high torsional loads. The first thing to remember when climbing stairs with crutches or a cane is always go up with your good leg, and down with your bad leg. Gain strategies, exercises, and alternatives to reclaim your mobility. Climbing stairs is more effective than walking, burning more calories and enhancing Nov 22, 2021 · Are stairs bad for lower back pain? Stair climber can ease lower-back pain. Stair climbing for dogs, while an everyday activity, can have varying impacts on dogs based on their age, breed, and health condition. Strong lower back muscles can help support the spine and reduce pain. But is there scientific evidence that stair climbing is harmful? Jul 16, 2023 · Climbing up and down the stairs can put unnecessary stress on a puppy’s growing joints, increasing the risk of arthritis and hip dysplasia as they age. Fun fact: if you climb 1,576 stairs in a single workout When going up the stairs, put your good leg up first, then bring your other leg up to meet it on that step. Simple, effective tricks to get you up & down stairs with no pain. May 16, 2024 · Is climbing the stairs good exercise? A new study says that not only is it excellent cardio, but it also might lower the risk of death. Sep 10, 2023 · Climbing stairs gives dogs a cardio boost and builds strength. When descending stairs, lead with your “bad” or weaker leg. You can even climb the stairs with a dumbbell or kettlebell (in each hand, for balance) and do a set of strength training exercises (on each landing). When you’re going down the stairs, put your bad leg down first; it will be able to stay straight which is the most stable position for it, and your good leg is the one doing the work to lower you down. Nov 11, 2024 · Stair climbing is a low-impact cardio exercise that burns significantly more calories than walking. Feb 17, 2025 · Stair and hill-climbing are the activities that are most likely to cause a recurrence of your symptoms. On the other hand, a poor walking posture may aggravate your sciatica symptoms. However, experts say that it is good to aim for three to six flights of stairs each day. Knee pain on stairs is a common problem but our top tips will make that a thing of the past. Aug 15, 2024 · Are stairs bad for dogs? Discover the impact of stairs on dogs and how to ensure their safety and well-being. climbing stairs , good or bad? I climb stairs 10 times a day . Sep 19, 2010 · So if you’re climbing a real staircase (e. Does Climbing Stairs Help or Harm Arthritic Knees? For many of my patients, climbing stairs is a dreaded challenge. News and World Report. Nov 22, 2021 · Is climbing stairs good for sciatica? Prolonged sitting, climbing stairs, squatting, or running uphill can also irritate the piriformis. Stairs don’t just improve your cardiovascular health; they build leg muscles and improve . Stair climbing works your legs, core, and bones, building strength and stability over time. Learn more about the benefits. Repeat. Jul 7, 2025 · Are stairs bad for dogs? Find out when stairs are safe vs. Good! When I suffered from severe sciatica two years ago, stair climbing was the one cardio exercise I didn't give-up. Oct 31, 2019 · Such danger factors for degenerative tears include being older than 60 years of age, being a male, having taken part in work associated kneeling and squatting, and climbing up stairs frequently. Oct 10, 2023 · Recent PLoS ONE research reveals that female orthopedic physical therapists without Low Back Pain (LBP) climb significantly more stairs weekly than those with LBP. Nov 22, 2021 · Is stair climbing good for arthritic knees? And when knee arthritis or a torn knee ligament strikes, climbing stairs, walking, and even standing can be painful. Step aerobics, running, jogging, hard walking, repetitive stair-climbing, and similar activities are jarring to your lower back and will also make your current condition worse. Apr 23, 2020 · Pros of Stair Steppers (Benefits) A stair climber is essentially a never-ending escalator. In some cases, sneezing or coughing or even laughing may aggravate it. Stair Climbing to Health Studies reveal that 30 minutes of physical activity of moderate intensity everyday is beneficial to health. Definitely, climbing up and down the stairs is very good for your healthy dogs but if your dog is suffering from pre-existing wrist and elbow arthritis. Sep 10, 2025 · Climbing more than five flights of stairs daily was linked to a 20% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Respected veterinarian, Dr. Sep 1, 2022 · Thomas also notes that forward walking and stair climbing primarily use your hamstrings, glutes, and calves, while climbing backwards targets the quads. However, it may increase the risk of injuries in those with mobility issues. Adopting these practices can make stair climbing safer, especially for individuals with pre-existing knee conditions. The key to easier stair climbing lies in this simple phrase: “Up with the good, down with the bad” Nov 22, 2021 · Is climbing stairs bad for herniated disc? However, given the repetitive and inevitable nature of level walking and stair climbing, perpetually elevated loading likely increased the risk of the worsening of lumbar disc herniation. Dr. Leaning heavily on the rails of a stair machine while working out can reduce the effectiveness of your exercise, explains Matthews. Sep 13, 2023 · Yes, climbing stairs can benefit some elderly individuals as it is a low-impact exercise that can enhance leg strength, balance, and overall fitness. Aug 14, 2025 · Climbing stairs is low impact so it's relatively easy on your feet, ankles, knees and hips — ideal if you are overweight or have joint issues normally made worse by high-impact activities like running or jumping. Jul 31, 2025 · Walking up stairs is a common daily task, but pain, injury, or lack of strength can make the climb more challenging. Key Takeaways: Consult your vet to determine if stair Nov 29, 2023 · The golden rule for stair negotiation is “up with the good and down with the bad. Yes, climbing stairs is good for the elderly. Apr 4, 2023 · Learn about the stair climbing benefits that happen to your body when you take the stair every single day as part of your routine. stadium steps), you’ll get a better workout by single-stepping. Sep 8, 2025 · Find out if climbing stairs is bad for your knees. The good news is that there are several effective ways to manage discomfort. It can be even scarier when you have a leg injury. This is under the Jul 4, 2024 · Explore how climbing stairs can help strengthen knee joints, enhance stability, and prevent injuries. These machines typically come with readouts keeping you informed of your progress and heart rate. Doctors often tell people with knee arthritis to limit stair climbing. Does that stress wind up hurting the joints? Certain activities can indeed lead to knee pain or arthritis flare-ups. Prolonged walking and standing, carrying heavy weights, and being obese are additional risk factors for such meniscal tears. In fact, maintaining an active lifestyle that includes regular exercise, such as walking up stairs, can have numerous health benefits for overall joint health and function. Compression of the sciatic nerve results in inflammation that exacerbates pain, leading to a chronic condition. Is Climbing stairs bad for herniated disc? However, given the repetitive and inevitable nature of level Jan 15, 2025 · People who climb stairs more than 5 times a day have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a prospective study. As they strut their stuff up and down those steps, their minds get a workout too. The health benefits include heart health and weight loss. Aug 5, 2025 · Climbing stairs during pregnancy is a good alternative to walking and can help with weight management. Get expert safety tips to protect your pup. Explore tips for easier stairs, proper training, and what to do if your furry friend struggles. Stair climbing helps to activate two muscle groups in the legs, the quadriceps and the hamstring. Feb 13, 2014 · Firstly, any idea why stairs are so unbelievably exhausting, more than other forms of upright exercise?And d'you think that we should avoid them or that we shouldn't because they’re good for building leg muscles? Steps can be a scary place when your balance is not good. Aug 31, 2022 · Is it better to walk or rest with sciatica? Walking is a surprisingly effective approach for relieving sciatic pain because regular walking spurs the release of pain-fighting endorphins and reduces inflammation. While there are many ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, one simple step is to climb The answer to "is stair climbing good for osteoarthritis" may surprise you! Stairs can actually be great for you if you have osteoarthritis- you just have to make sure your joints are ready! Learn how to reduce your risk of falls and injury when climbing stairs with joint pain or after recent surgery. Safety points Check that your banister(s) are securely fitted to the wall. Stair climbing improves cardiovascular health and builds bone and muscles. Here's how many flights you need to climb to see benefits, according to experts. Jan 4, 2018 · Strengthening your knees can ease pain and help you manage osteoarthritis — and one simple knee-strengthening exercise is stair-climbing. Jul 6, 2020 · Is climbing stairs good for arthritis? Many people with arthritis wonder whether climbing stairs is good or bad for their knees. g. Conclusion Climbing stairs may not be the ideal exercise for everyone with lower back pain, particularly older adults and those with knee problems. One exercise that’s simple to do is stair climbing. From my research, stair climbing is part of a well-rounded fitness program and Feb 28, 2023 · Whether you’re doing it on a machine or using stairs in your home, at a local park, or elsewhere, here’s all about how to get into it (as well as why this type of exercise is so good for your Jul 12, 2025 · Learn how stair climbing helps seniors improve strength, heart health, and balance. When going up and down the steps with a leg injury, you want to use your strong side to do most of the work. Nov 22, 2021 · Is climbing stairs bad for bulging disc? High-impact aerobic activities. Oct 1, 2023 · Running, squatting, kneeling, stair climbing, bike riding, jumping around in an aerobics class — these activities all require your knees to bend repeatedly and take a pounding. Here's how to build endurance. Read on! May 16, 2024 · People who reported regularly climbing stairs had a 39 percent lower risk of death from heart disease and a 24 percent lower risk of dying from any cause, according to the analysis, which pooled the results of nine studies involving more than 480,000 patients. Feb 28, 2025 · Master stair climbing with knee pain. Sep 13, 2022 · Is Climbing Stairs Good For Spinal Stenosis? Climbing stairs is similar to walking in the realm of physical activity. This can be dangerous for all puppies, but especially those who are predisposed to the conditions. It may increase the risk of falling and increase pain. Wear flat supportive shoes rather than slippers. Jul 29, 2019 · Is stair climbing a good exercise? Read about health benefits and strategies at U. will it help me give a natural birth ? or should i do some walking ? Aug 31, 2022 · Stair Climbing the pros and cons of stair climbing for fitness. While stair climbing does provide some benefits, such as strengthening leg muscles and providing a cardiovascular workout, it can also increase strain on the knees and hips. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of stair climbing with arthritic knees and share tips to make it easier. A new study found that climbing flights of stairs daily can lower your risk of heart disease by 20%. Is climbing good for back muscles? Climbing uses a constant rowing motion, or a downward pulling Apr 29, 2024 · A new study shows people who are in the habit of climbing stairs are less likely to die from heart disease compared to those who don't. “Up with the good, down with the bad” is my favorite. Bad Exercises That Can Aggravate Disc Problems If you struggle with a herniated or bulging disc, the last thing you need to be doing is running, frequent stair climbing, or hard walking. In particular, when people climb upstairs, they tend to lean forward at the waist. It helps you to control body weight, promotes cardiovascular fitness and is good for your psychological and social health. Research shows that this machine can ease lower back pain, since it takes pressure off of the back by activating the glutes. May 8, 2017 · I climb stairs for exactly 15 minutes, do basic stretches and 1 round of pushups. Let’s see that diagram again, in case anyone’s confused: Using crutches or a cane on stairs or steps can be a very scary concept. Sophie Paddock advocates for integrating stair climbing into daily May 8, 2024 · The study did not give recommendations regarding the frequency of stair climbing. Conclusion: Navigating Stairs with Mindfulness Stair climbing has the potential to both benefit and strain the knees. Stairs tickle your dog’s brain cells too. Apr 15, 2025 · How many steps do you need to climb every week to lower health risks? New study Here are some good reasons to take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. qivaoc qqd6l d7kk pi1cw zf1jx aqxsi sea zxwv raqb 2prxe