If you read my last post (here) you’ll know that I love the outdoors and love to be physically active.
Last week I took my workout to University of Toronto’s Varsity Stadium to run stairs!
There was an overcast but that doesn’t mean I was protected from the sun.
Always being prepared is key so I brought a few essentials.
I packed my Ombrelle light tinted SPF , my Benefit Cosmetics ka-BROW!, Klorane Dry Shampoo (legit the best dry shampoo I have ever used) and a protein bar by Vector for after my workout.
If you follow me on Snapchat or Instagram, you’ll know that running stairs
is one of my favourite exercises.
Here are 5 reasons why!
| No Membership Required |
This exercise is free and the best part is that you can literally do it anywhere that you find stairs.
One of my go-to’s is Casa Loma’s Baldwin steps located at Dupont and Spadina.
Even while travelling- don’t have a gym? Find yourself some stairs and get running!
| Amazing Cardio |
Everyone and their mothers (except mine) hates cardio.
Running stairs, whether alone or with a friend is a great way to get your heart rate up.
Once you run a few flights of stairs you start noticing that you gain a momentum and you pick up the pace. You are working against gravity, which strengthens your muscles and heart.
Also, running stairs can also burn up to 953 calories per hour!
This full body workout engages all the muscles in your legs (especially your calves) and again, free.
| Improves Endurance |
Walking stairs is challenging but running them? This is what makes you stronger!
Running stairs in intervals is the best way to maximize this exercise, your heart and your body.
By running two stairs at a time, you’re required to literally push yourself upwards. You are exerting more energy but also getting more oxygen into your muscles. This is great for boosting your endurance.
*If you run stairs once a week, you’ll notice that your shortness of breath walking up stairs, disappears!
| Builds Muscle |
Many with a 9-5 job spend most of their 8 hours sitting in a chair and
a new study suggests that sitting in the new smoking (that is scary)!
Running stairs, even if once a week, activates and builds muscles you are literally sitting on all day.
With interval running, you are building your glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves and abs. This is a full body workout.
| It’s Fun |
The best part for me about running stairs is that I can change it up 1000 different ways.
Interval running is even more fun when you’re listening to music that pumps you up,
or if you have a partner that you can challenge.
I always include lunges and squat jumps in my routine and I am never bored.
Plus, exercise is like medicine. If I am ever feeling down or just not feeling well, a 20 -30 min stair run instantly leaves me feeling better. It gives me energy, makes me stronger and happier!
If anyone is down to run stairs, let me know!
Happy Monday!
KM
OD: Adidas Shoes, Mondetta Leggings, New Balance Sports Bra