Recent Blog Articles

Swimming lessons save lives: What parents should know

Strong legs help power summer activities: Hiking, biking, swimming, and more

What is a successful mindset for weight loss maintenance?

French fries versus almonds: Calorie for calorie, which comes out on top?

Summer camp 2022: Having fun and staying safe

Finding balance: 3 simple exercises to steady your steps

An action plan to fight unhealthy inflammation

How to recognize and tame your cognitive distortions

LATE: A common cause of dementia you’ve never heard of

How to break a bad habit
Staying Healthy
Master the stairs
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Stair climbing is one of the best workouts to help with balance, endurance, and fall prevention.
Your ability to climb a flight of stairs is one of the great markers of health. It’s often used to gauge your mobility and stamina, fitness level after an injury, and whether it’s safe to resume sex after a heart attack. But stair climbing can offer much more.
"Stair climbing is an excellent form of overall exercise for older adults because it challenges multiple muscle groups at once, such as your quadriceps, glutes, and calves, as well as improves cardiovascular strength and endurance," says Michelle Munley, a physical therapist with Harvard’s Spaulding Outpatient Center Peabody. "If you can safely and effectively navigate up and down stairs, you can stay more active in life."
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
You might also be interested in…

Mobility and Independence
Mobility and Independence, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School, will help you maintain your mobility and safeguard your independence. It will give you recommendations for exercise, diet, preventive care, and lifestyle choices that will keep you stronger and steadier with fewer aches and more stamina. Plus, you’ll get advice for aging in place, adapting and fall-proofing your home, choosing services, and more.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!