Stair climbing reduces heart risk

A large-scale study has found that regularly climbing stairs can reduce the risk of dying from heart problems by 39% and lower the risk of dying from all causes combined by 24%, compared to people who do not climb stairs as often.

Study highlights small physical changes

The findings, based on data from over 455,000 patients, suggest that even small changes in physical activity, such as climbing stairs, can have a measurable impact on health. A 2023 study included in the research indicated that health benefits increase with the number of stairs climbed, with about sixty stairs per day, equivalent to four floors, appearing optimal, though this result requires further confirmation.

Researchers emphasize accessibility of stair climbing

According to Sophie Paddock, one of the authors of the study and a researcher at the University of East Anglia and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, climbing stairs is an activity that can easily be integrated into daily life, whether at home, at work, or during commutes. Researchers have shown that even brief periods of physical activity can make a difference, especially given the problem of sedentary work.

Sedentary work is common in France

The Egym Wellpass barometer, conducted with YouGov in August 2025, found that nearly seven out of ten employees in France practice physical activity at least once a week, but 70% estimate their work routine is too sedentary, a higher percentage than in Germany and the United States. The barometer noted that sedentary habits are a major source of stress, particularly in large companies, with factors such as endless meetings, fixed positions, and closed offices reducing mobility regardless of an individual's will.

Sedentary behavior is shaped by environment

Victor Fersing, author of the book The Chair Kills, argues that the environment plays a significant role in sedentary behavior, with screens directing leisure, cities being organized for cars, and offices structured around chairs and workstations. He calls for changing company culture, noting that the implicit norm in many organizations is that sitting more equates to being more productive, which is false. Creativity, he suggests, often comes while walking, citing Steve Jobs as an example who held meetings while walking.

Employers can promote movement at work

The barometer suggests that when movement is valued by employers, being more active during the day can become easier, through measures such as encouraging micro-breaks, holding walking or standing meetings, and installing pedal desks or sit-stand desks. It emphasizes that physical well-being is not just a matter of sport but of work design. For employees without employer support, taking the stairs instead of the elevator remains a viable solution.