I don't have much time to exercise, so I try to fit in exercise during the day, such as taking the stairs. Does that count as exercise?

Answer From Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.

Yes. Climbing stairs is an example of a practical, everyday physical activity that provides health benefits. It can also burn off calories — about 65 calories in 15 minutes. Going at a faster pace or carrying heavier items can burn even more calories.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following activity levels for adults:

  • Muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week
  • At least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity, 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week, or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous activity

Aim to do physical activity for about 30 minutes on most days of the week. You can break it up into short chunks of time during the day. Some examples of physical activity include walking briskly, jogging or bicycling.

Taking the stairs can be one way to include physical activity into your daily routine. Some other ideas could include parking farther away from your destination, taking short walk breaks during the day, or doing yardwork or housework.

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April 25, 2020 See more Expert Answers

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  8. Buying athletic shoes? Check your arch
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  10. Choose the right walking shoes
  11. Do you need to warm up before you exercise?
  12. Elliptical machines: Better than treadmills?
  13. Exercise: Are you working hard enough?
  14. Exercise for weight loss: Calories burned in 1 hour
  15. Exercise: How much do I need?
  16. Exercise intensity
  17. Exercising? Take it up a notch
  18. Focus on fit when shoe shopping
  19. Walking schedule
  20. How much exercise do you need?
  21. Interval Training
  22. Kids and exercise
  23. Vary your cardiovascular workouts
  24. Exercise and opioids
  25. Interval training
  26. Aquatic exercises
  27. Step it up with an activity tracker
  28. Time for new walking shoes?
  29. Tired of walking alone? Team up!
  30. Walking for fitness: Overcoming setbacks
  31. Walking for fitness: Staying motivated
  32. Walking for fitness: Warm up, cool down
  33. Walking and trackers
  34. Walking for fitness
  35. Walking with ankle weights? Stop!
  36. Want to get more active? Try an activity tracker
  37. Want to maximize your daily walk?
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  39. What's in an athletic shoe?
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