Calories Burned Taking the Stairs

People rarely climb stairs when an escalator or an elevator is available. However, taking the stairs is a good way to burn extra calories and live a healthier lifestyle.

Walking Up the Stairs

The number of calories burned when taking the stairs differs depending on your weight. A 150-lb. person will burn an average of 7 calories per minute walking up the stairs, as opposed to 1 calorie per minute when taking the elevator. A person who weighs less will burn fewer calories, while a person weighing more will burn more calories.

Walking Down the Stairs

A 150-lb. person will burn 6 to 7 calories per minute walking down the stairs -- almost as many calories as he burns walking up the stairs.

Weight Loss

By taking the stairs for five minutes a day five days a week, the typical person can expect to lose about 2.5 pounds in a year.

References

• National Institute for Fitness and Sport: Taking the Stairs: A Small Step Toward Workplace Health. 2010.
• University of California, Los Angeles: Getting Physical. 2005.