Why am I so out of breath when I walk up stairs?

Question

but I walk and work out on the elipitcal every day with no problem? Are stairs just harder especially because I have 25 extra lbs?

I wouldn't say I was fat. Just some extra weight I was trying to lose. I don't smoke. I just notice my heart pounds and I breath heavy for a few minutes after I walk upstairs, but with no other activity does that happen(expect running, but that is because I am not used to it.)

FYI - I work out twice a day 5 days a week so I work out alot.

Answer 1

It has nothing to do with your weight. Sure, your weight might contribute to the problem, but it's definitely not the root of the problem.

Are you used to walking up the stairs? Do you do it regularly? Some people find it harder to walk up the stairs because they use leg muscles that are not used on a regular basis.

Keep up the work on the eliptical!

Answer 2

Hello!

Depending upon the difficulty factor and speed that you set for your eliptical or how long and vigorously that you walk, walking up the stairs may well be more difficult.

When using the eliptical machine, you're basically just moving your legs in circles. But when walking up the stairs, you're actually climbing them -- lifting your entire body weight up, one leg at a time. That's more strenuous, especially if you're 25 pounds overweight.

Also, without realizing it, you might also be holding your breath as you go up the stairs. This can contribute to being out of breath.

My recommendation is first, get a physical with your MD. Then, add a higher level of tension and elevation to your eliptical machine, and/or walk more briskly when you go walking. Try incorporating gentle hills on your walks, if you have them. This will increase your breath capacity and stamina. You'll find yourself losing excess weight more readily and breathing less hard going up stairs.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Out Of Breath When Walking

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why am I so out of breath when I walk up stairs?
but I walk and work out on the elipitcal every day with no problem? Are stairs just harder especially because I have 25 extra lbs?

Answer 5

Yes, climbing stairs is more strenuous than walking. (I'm not totally sure what the eliptical does, but I think it is a moderate intensity similar to a treadmill except that it works more muscle groups without the impact or jarring.) In those activities, your body is doing easier work for a longer time. Climbing stairs involves a great deal more work (lifting the weight of your body about 12 feet - against gravity) in a shorter amount of time. Shoveling snow is another deceptively strenuous activity, again, moving a weight against gravity in a short period of time.

Being out of breath indicates that your body needs more oxygen for the task than your heart and lungs were providing. Shortness of breath can simply be a sign of not being in very good condition, (and carrying extra weight does make the task more strenuous), but it can also be a sign of a medical problem involving heart, arteries, lungs, or nervous system.
It would be a good idea to mention it to your Dr. either way.

Answer 6

I'm 59, and have been a mountain unicyclist for 10 years. I ride the most technical, steep and rocky trails, and climb a lot on in. I am 5'10 and 148lbs in the best shape of my life. I don't smoke, drink or eat junk food. I ride 5-6 days a week and am in better shape than many people half my age. Yet I still get out of breath after doing steep climbs. I think it's totally normal because we are not machines, we are human and we all have limits. When we push ourselves hard it is simply normal that we would get winded.

Answer 7

Your smoking may have caused irreversible changes in your lungs. I think now would be a good time for a full physical, are you overweight? Congrats on the success with nicotine, one step at a time, get looked at and make sure exercise is recommended, I don't know how old you are or what medical condition you might have. Get cleared by your doctor, then move forward with more exercise.

Answer 8

Yes, stairs are tough on you, especially if you're carrying extra weight. I would see a doctor just in case there is something wrong. Does heart disease or COPD run in your family? Are you a smoker? You didn't mention your age but if you're climbing the age ladder I'd get to one ASAP! You never know. You shouldn't be out of breath climbing stairs. It tells me there may be something amiss.

Answer 9

You Might Need To loose some weight not trying to be mean But that happens to my sister and She just started running up and down the stairs and now she is used to it without it being so hard

Answer 10

I get out of breath after going up the stairs also so it's normal. You are using your muscles more so you need more oxygen so you inhale and exhale faster and your heart pumps the blood faster to your legs as you use those muscles