Stair Climbing: The Efficient Path to a Healthy Heart

New research suggests that walking 10,000 steps per day may not be necessary to achieve health benefits. Climbing five flights of stairs per day can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20%, while short bursts of vigorous movement, such as brisk walking or cycling for 20 to 25 minutes, can help increase longevity. Sedentary behavior, with less than 20 minutes of activity, is associated with an increased mortality risk of up to 40%. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, which can be spread out in smaller chunks of time throughout the week.