Gonna Fly Now - Steps as exercise

It’s an iconic piece of Philadelphia legend. The Rocky Steps (alright, the Art Museum steps) are a must see attraction for anyone visiting the city. The run to the top has come to signify conquering an athletic challenge and being the underdog who becomes a champion. If you grew up in Philly you’ve done the run at least once.

But perhaps it’s time to do it a few more time.

Steps as Exercise

Running up stairs can be some of the greatest exercises possible. Football coaches have known this for years as they routinely have their players charge up the stadium steps after practice.

Researchers in Canada actually looked into the idea of using stairs as exercise and found that stairs were the most demanding when compared to level walking or weight lifting. In fact the study concluded that stair walking was twice as demanding as a brisk walk over flat ground and fifty percent more demanding than walking up a steep incline of lifting weights.

The researchers included a warming, however, that since stairs are so demanding the exercise should only be attempted by the already physically fit if you’re going to do it often.

Is it really effective?

Although it varies for your age and weight, climbing up a stair burns about 0.11 calories per stair and 0.05 calories down. There are 72 stone steps leading up to the front entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

  That works out to a grand total of, um, well 11.2 calories burned for one trip up and down, excluding the calories you burn doing the Rocky pose at the top, of course. Although not amazing you can do that multiple times to get your heart rate going.  Besides, this exercise isn’t really about the calories anyway, it’s about the motivation of using an amazing Philadelphia landmark and working the city into your exercise routine.

And, as a little extra motivation, I’ll leave you with this: