Staying Healthy
Master the stairs
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."
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
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