When the six weeks were up, researchers found that the stair climbers were fitter and stronger compared to a sedentary control group. They also generated more power during a maximal cycling test – suggesting that climbing stairs could give you an edge in your next spinning class.

Jonathan Little, assistant professor of health and exercise sciences at UBC Okanagan and a co-author on the study, said he was “a bit surprised” to see the “stair snacking approach” was so effective.

“Vigorously climbing a few flights of stairs on your coffee or bathroom break during the day seems to be enough to boost fitness in people who are otherwise sedentary,” he said.

Martin Gibala, a professor of kinesiology at McMaster University and senior author on the study, agreed.

“The findings make it even easier for people to incorporate ‘exercise snacks’ into their day,” he said.

“Those who work in office towers or live in apartment buildings can vigorously climb a few flights of stairs in the morning, at lunch, and in the evening and know they are getting an effective workout.”

Images: Getty Images

Why ‘exercise snacking’ is set to be the next big office fitness trend