Who said stairs were bad? 

Quite often you'll see children running up and down the 16 flights of stairs in Evans House with their parents wearily huffing and puffing along behind them; cursing why there aren't any lifts (there are.. two actually). For all the stair haters out there, we found some interesting 'stair facts' that should make you reconsider: 

• Stair climbing is officially classed as a ‘vigorous exercise’ and burns more calories per minute than jogging.
• You burn about 0.17 calories for every step you climb, so you burn roughly a calorie and a half for every 10 upward steps. 4. You also burn calories going down. Every stair descended burns about 0.05 calories, so you burn 1 calorie for every 20 steps down.
• For buildings with five floors or less, it’s nearly always quicker to take the stairs. Studies show office workers save up to 15 minutes a day by taking the stairs.
• As well as guarding against heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some cancers, stair climbing releases endorphins that produce feelings of wellbeing.
• Just 7 minutes stair climbing a day has been estimated to more than half the risk of a heart attack over 10 years.
• Professional skiers often climb stairs to keep competition-fit. Many models do the same to keep their legs toned for the catwalk.
• The heavier you are, the more calories you burn. You also burn more calories in high heels (careful lads).

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