Climbing more than 50 stair steps daily may reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a study published in the Journal of Hypertension.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can provide health benefits similar to those of longer, moderate-intensity workouts, according to a study published in the Journal of Physiology.
Recent studies have suggested that the popular health guideline of walking 10,000 steps a day may not be the only effective way to maintain physical health. Alternatives such as climbing stairs and engaging in short, sharp bursts of exercise have been found to be beneficial as well.
A study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that climbing more than 50 stair steps daily may reduce the risk of heart disease. The study involved 111 participants who were divided into two groups. One group was asked to climb stairs while the other group was asked to walk. The stair-climbing group showed a significant reduction in arterial stiffness and blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.
In addition to stair climbing, short, sharp bursts of exercise, also known as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), have been found to be beneficial. A study published in the Journal of Physiology found that HIIT can provide health benefits similar to those of longer, moderate-intensity workouts. The study involved 34 participants who were divided into two groups. One group was asked to do HIIT while the other group was asked to do moderate-intensity continuous training. Both groups showed similar improvements in cardiovascular health, muscle function, and metabolic health.
While these alternatives to walking 10,000 steps a day are promising, it's important to note that they may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain health conditions or those who are new to exercise should consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen.