Many of us will have made a New Year’s resolution to be fitter in 2014 and visit the gym more and a large percentage have probably already broken that resolution due to not having enough time or willpower. But you don’t have to rely on the gym to get fit! There are plenty of things you can do at home to get or stay in shape and your staircase is a great place to start.
Step aerobics became hugely popular in the 1990s many still use it today to keep fit. But if you don’t have time for the gym or you don’t fancy venturing out into the cold, you can use your staircase! Put some music or an aerobics DVD on and start stepping! It’s really that easy! For a more rigorous workout, you can increase the amount of “step” by going up two steps instead of one. A few minutes of that will really get those muscles burning.
An alternative option is to simply spend some time walking up and down the stairs. Walking up stairs is much more effective than simply walking in terms of exercise and burns between 500 and 800 calories per hour – three times faster than walking over a level surface. It also strengthens muscles and raises the heart rate, making it a great cardiovascular exercise. Combining climbing and descending makes for a great interval workout as it allows the heart rate to drop between climbs, while still keeping the legs moving and burning calories. You can also use the stairs at work if you have time but be careful of other people, especially if you’re moving at speed.
One of the great things about stairs, is they can keep you fit, even if you’re not actually trying. If walking up and downstairs is part of your daily routine at work or at home, you’re going to be fitter than you would be if you use lifts, especially if your job involves carrying things up stairs.
Do bear in mind that you should always consult your GP before beginning a new exercise regime and be aware of your surroundings to ensure the safety of others and yourself. But as long as you’re careful, don’t overdo it and remain active, you can use your stairs as your own stay-at-home gym and un-break those New Year’s resolutions!
With any fitness regime, it’s important to have a good diet and look after your body. A new bed, such as a Dormeo Octsapring, can be purchased from bed stores such as Linthorpe Beds and will help to support your body through the recovery process. There are also plenty of healthy recipes out there that will help you to look after your body.
Written by David Chapman of UK Stair Parts