Which muscles are worked when you climb the stairs?
When you climb the stairs, the main muscles used are in the legs. The front of your thighs - the quadriceps - and your glutes are engaged to propel you from one step to the next. Your calves - or triceps surae - are also activated, particularly if you climb the stairs on tiptoe or by jumping.
But the muscles that you use when climbing are different to those you use when descending. Coming down the stairs, the backs of your thighs - your hamstrings - act as brakes to stop you hurtling down the stairs and landing on your bum.
As well as strengthening your lower-body muscles, stair workouts help boost your cardio fitness and your breathing.