Get Fit Tip! One Step or Two: Which Gives You the Bigger, Better Burn?

Get Fit Tip! One Step or Two: Which Gives You the Bigger, Better Burn?

 

I hope you’ve been trying the stair climbing workouts I posted on June 20. Have you ever wondered whether climbing one step at a time or two, burns more calories? In December of last year a study published in the Public Library of Science answered this very question. The verdict? One stair at a time burns more calories! Stepping one stair at a time requires more steps and therefore, more muscle recruitment. You can read the details of the study here.

This week, find a set of stairs and time yourself on the way up. Employ an active recovery by walking on the way down–this is also easier on your knees. Repeat 2 – 5 more times and try to improve your time! Record your best time and then challenge yourself again next week. Try this first with a small staircase and then progress to larger staircases for greater difficulty.

Happy climbing!

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