Is it okay to climb stairs at work?

Instead of taking the elevator, some office workers often take advantage of climbing stairs as a way to exercise while working.

Taking the stairs also offers many health benefits - Photo: CN

The choice between taking the stairs or using the elevator depends on one's health condition, personal goals, and specific circumstances. Dr. Vo Chau Duyen (Head of the Trauma and Orthopedics Department at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital) offers the following advice regarding using the stairs:

The benefits of taking the stairs

Improved cardiovascular health: Climbing stairs helps increase heart rate, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

Effective weight loss support: This activity burns a lot of calories, helping to reduce belly fat and improve body shape.

Strengthening muscles: Climbing stairs engages major muscle groups such as the thigh, glute, and calf muscles, helping to improve strength and flexibility.

Improving mental health: Physical activity such as climbing stairs helps release endorphins, reducing stress and improving mood.

Improve endurance and fitness: Regularly climbing stairs helps improve endurance, which is especially beneficial for those with sedentary lifestyles.

Improved lung function: Climbing stairs helps increase lung capacity and improve respiratory function.

But on the other hand, there are also many cases where climbing stairs is contraindicated:

People with bone and joint problems or cardiovascular issues: Using elevators helps reduce pressure on joints and the heart, which is especially important for the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions.

When carrying heavy items: Elevators are a safe option when you need to move furniture or heavy objects between floors.

Overwork: On tiring days or when you need to conserve energy for other activities, using an elevator helps save your body's energy.

How to use stairs in a way that's good for your health.

Here are some effective and safe stair-climbing techniques recommended by doctors:

1. Correct posture

Keep your back straight and your eyes looking forward: Avoid bending over or looking down excessively to maintain balance and reduce pressure on your spine.

Place your entire foot on the step: Don't just put your toes on it to avoid putting pressure on your knee and ankle joints.

Step gently and steadily: Avoid stomping to reduce impact on the joints.

Use the handrails when necessary: ​​This is especially helpful for older adults or those with balance problems.

2. The technique of "Going up on the strong leg, coming down on the weak leg"

When climbing stairs, start with your stronger leg to reduce pressure on your weaker leg. When descending, start with your weaker leg for better control of your movement.

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HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/co-nen-leo-cau-thang-o-cho-lam-20250416130307501.htm