Will walking stairs help me lose weight?

Question

Hi, well I really want to get fit and lose weight. I'm starting to eat really healthily, drink loads more water, and I want to start excercising more. I'm going to go jogging and have a go on my dance mat, but I was just wondering, if I walk up and down the stairs for ages will this make me lose weight or just gain muscle?! I know that if you have more muscle, you lose weight even when you're not working out, but I don't want my legs to be really muscly(sp?) and bulky! Should I just do more running, or will walking stairs help me burn fat?

Thanks so much if you read this, I tend to go on lol! Thanks! x

Answer 1

Gah muscle is good for you. Healthier than being skinny. I have a BMI of 18 but I am very muscular.
You would fare better by using a step machine, but, yes, it can build muscule.
You would far better with jogging and dancing, but jogging will be the best.
However, you must remember that if you start jogging, you must keep it up even when you lose enough weight, because you will put back on double if you don't keep up the lifestyle.

Answer 2

Stairs are great... but to lose weight you have to get your heart going and keep it going for 45min, at least 3 times a week. Its not the number of stairs you do, in other words, or how hard you push yourself.

Gaining muscle will happen with any exercise....but that shouldn't really be a concern.

When you are doing the stairs be very careful not to overdo it, you should be able to talk as you go, don't let yourself get out of breath, slow down, and and if you start feeling dizzy or sick, stop immediately. Take a water bottle with you.

Hold onto the railing as you go. Your mind will tend to wander and tripping is easier than you might imagine.

*Edit: And remember, when you first start doing this, you might gain 'weight' initially, because muscle weighs more than fat does. But its good weight, the more muscle you have the more fat you burn.... even when you're not working out.

Answer 3

Judging from the information you have in your question....you are on the right track. Stairs will tone your muscles and I wouldnt be to afraid of that.....this also burns calories and only good can come from this. I think the greatest way to lose weight is to go on a brisk walk everyday, especially after a meal. Eating less is always everyones idea of losing weight, but no me....I feel like walking and bike riding will burn sufficient calories to make your exersice and eating habits a nice balance.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Walking up stairs will help you lose weight, and it's not as hard on your joints as running. Plus, this time of year, it's pretty cold out to be running, whereas the stairwells are usually heated to some degree.

Answer 6

Well, it will take a lot of stairs to climb! I think the best way to stay fit is eating healthy and swimming/or running is the best.
I'm a runner, but im also 5'5 and a half and weigh 78 pounds,
so maybe im not the best person to ask about loosing weight when im unhealthly skinny. but i hope i helped a little!!

Answer 7

It will probably burn a lot of fat and add muscle at the same time. But walking up and down the stairs is not that much intensifying unless your doing it for hours or running instead of walking. I say run and do the stairs thing that way you are doing a variety of leg work outs.

Answer 8

Unless you have a genetic predisposition for muscularity, you will not get overly muscular by climbing stairs.
ANY physical activity that you enjoy doing, that gets to your target heart rate is fine.
Just remember: You MUST continue to vary, and increase the duration and intensity of your workouts, or else your body will adapt and you will reach a plateau.
Sounds like you're on the right track.

Answer 9

No doubt,most of us go out of our way to avoid stairs, but using them as part of our exercise routine is a great way to lose weight, improve our fitness and tone and strengthen problem areas, like our legs, tummy and buttocks.you should start from 10 minutes and gradually increase it up to 30 minutes.

Answer 10

walking stairs burns more calories= losing weight.