Exercise · Walking, stairs and running drills

Stair and hill climbs

  • Cardio
  • Strength

Works: Legs, glutes, heart and lungs.

Add to a routineUsed in 4 timer routines

How to do it

Line drawing of stair climbing: one whole foot on the next step, then standing up on that leg with the other leg coming through.
  1. Hold the handrail if there is one.
  2. Put your whole foot on each step and push up through your front leg.
  3. Stand tall, leaning slightly forward from your ankles, not your waist.
  4. Come down slowly, holding the rail. Coming down is when most trips happen.

Watch out for

Rushing down, and stairs that are wet, poorly lit or busy.

Make it easier or harder

  1. 1Easy stairs: a steady pace, holding the rail.
  2. 2Brisk climb: walk up briskly.
  3. 3Pump your arms and go a little faster on each climb.
  4. 4Two steps at a time, on stairs only if they're dry, well lit and you feel steady.
  5. 5Jog up a hill and walk back down. Not on stairs.

Do the difficulty that suits you.

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Safety and disclaimer

The workouts, exercise instructions and effort guide on this page are general information for adults. They are not tailored to you, they are not medical or professional advice, and they may not be suitable for you. They do not replace advice from a professional who knows you. Although exercise can be good for your health, all exercise carries some risk of injury.

Get advice from a doctor, physiotherapist or other qualified health professional before you start if:

  • you have a heart or lung condition, high blood pressure, diabetes or any other long-term condition
  • you have ever had chest pain, fainting or dizziness, with or without exercise
  • you have an injury, a joint or back problem, or pain when you move
  • you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last year
  • you have recently had an operation, or been ill
  • you take medicine that affects your heart rate, blood pressure or balance
  • you are new to exercise, or coming back after a long break
  • a doctor or other professional has told you to limit or avoid exercise
  • you have any other concern about your health

Stop straight away if you get chest pain or tightness, feel faint or dizzy, become unusually short of breath, feel your heart racing or beating irregularly, or feel sharp pain. Call 999, or your local emergency number, if you have chest pain or tightness, or if any of these does not settle quickly with rest.

Start at a level that feels comfortable and build up gradually. Clear the space around you, use a floor that is not slippery, and make sure any chair, step, bench or equipment is sturdy and will not move.

You choose whether to do these exercises and how hard to work, and you do them at your own risk. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.