While more research is needed to find out whether climbing the stairs more frequently amplifies these benefits, they believe this could be the case – suggesting it’s important to try to climb the stairs as much as possible when the opportunity arises.

“Based on these results, we would encourage people to incorporate stair climbing into their day-to-day lives,” Dr Paddock added. “Our study suggested that the more stairs climbed, the greater the benefits – but this needs to be confirmed. So, whether at work, home, or elsewhere, take the stairs.”

Of course, the benefits associated with stair climbing aren’t exactly surprising. As well as getting your heart rate elevated (and boosting your cardio fitness as a result), stair climbing is also a brilliant form of resistance training which, alongside helping you to build muscle and bone density, has also been shown to have cardiovascular benefits.

Taking the stairs won’t just make you fitter – it could help you live longer, too