- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- ActivitiesAwareness
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- 2nd Wednesday of January
- Holiday emoji:
- 🏃♀️
National Take the Stairs Day challenges everyone to choose the healthier path every second Wednesday in January. This day highlights the simple yet profound benefits of stair climbing for cardiovascular and lung health. Ditch the elevator, embrace the climb, and inspire others to take a step towards a more active lifestyle.
Want to sponsor National Take the Stairs Day? Learn how
Expected National Take the Stairs Day Deals
National Take the Stairs Day in 2026 will emphasize community participation and awareness for lung health. While direct sales promotions are less common, expect health organizations like the American Lung Association and the Lung Cancer Research Foundation to launch awareness campaigns, host virtual stair challenges, and encourage donations. Fitness brands such as StairMaster and Peloton may offer free trial classes or discounts on equipment to promote active living. Local gyms and community centers, like the YMCA, often organize group stair climbs or offer free access to their facilities for the day. Look for corporate wellness programs to challenge employees to track their steps and climb counts, sometimes with matching donations to health charities. We will update this page with confirmed live programs as January approaches.
Platform Guide for National Take the Stairs Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalTakeTheStairsDay. Share photos or videos of yourself conquering a flight of stairs, whether at home, work, or outdoors.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalTakeTheStairsDay. Tweet about your stair-climbing efforts, share health facts, or challenge friends to join in.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalTakeTheStairsDay. Post about your commitment to taking the stairs and encourage your community to participate for better health.
National Take the Stairs Day Hero
Kenneth H. Cooper
History of National Take the Stairs Day
The first mention of Take the Stairs Day was in 2016. A dedicated stair-running group likely organized it, although there’s not much documentation on the event.
On the other hand, National Take the Stairs Day is a recent initiative by the American Lung Association. The goal is to improve our lung health by choosing a life of movement over convenience.
Stair walking is excellent exercise and one of the easiest things to do. It’s gentler on our joints and muscles compared to HIIT or gym workouts, with almost similar benefits. It’s an activity to seriously consider if you’re looking to lose weight, tone muscle, and enhance overall cardiovascular health.
Taking charge of our health can sometimes feel daunting. Where does one begin? The good news is you don’t need to make drastic alterations to your lifestyle, unless medically advised. The key lies in little but consistent steps each day. They really do go a long way. Small changes such as choosing to take the stairs instead of an elevator can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
National Take the Stairs Day hopes to encourage Americans to make changes to their lifestyle. By taking part, you also show support for the millions of people who live with debilitating lung disease. If a few minutes of climbing stairs can make your lungs explode, imagine what it’s like for those with chronic pulmonary disease. It can be a humbling reminder of how lucky we are to be alive. We hope everyone takes the stairs today and every other day.
National Take the Stairs Day timeline
As human civilization progresses, the people of ancient Mesopotamia build magnificent staircases in their homes.
The internet first hears of Take the Stairs Day.
Researchers at McMaster University find that short bursts of stair climbing throughout the day can boost cardiovascular health.
On November 18, Ryoji Watanabe from Japan breaks the world record for the fastest vertical mile stair climbing, at one hour, six minutes, and 58 seconds.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Take the Stairs Day
Local businesses can champion National Take the Stairs Day by encouraging employees and customers to make healthier choices. Retailers might place signs near escalators and elevators, gently nudging patrons towards the stairs. Office buildings can host internal stair-climbing challenges, tracking flights ascended and offering small incentives for participation, fostering a sense of community and wellness. Fitness centers and gyms could offer free ‘Stair Workout’ classes or temporary passes, introducing new members to the benefits of vertical movement and promoting their facilities as hubs for active living.
National Take the Stairs Day FAQs
When is National Take the Stairs Day?
In 2027, National Take the Stairs Day is observed on Wednesday, January 13, inviting individuals to make a simple change for significant health benefits. This annual observance promotes a straightforward way to incorporate exercise into daily life.
How many Americans live with chronic lung disease?
Millions of Americans, approximately 3.7 million, are affected by chronic lung conditions such as asthma and lung cancer. National Take the Stairs Day serves as a vital reminder that physical activity can play a role in maintaining respiratory health.
What are the health benefits of taking the stairs?
Regularly choosing the stairs can significantly boost your overall health, enhancing heart and lung function while toning your lower body. This practical form of exercise contributes to better endurance and can aid in weight management.
How many calories can stair climbing burn?
The number of calories burned while taking the stairs varies, but it’s generally considered a vigorous activity. A 150-pound person might burn around 60-80 calories in just 10 minutes, making it an excellent way to add activity to your day.
National Take the Stairs Day Activities
Take the stairs
Wherever you can, choose to take the stairs today. Find opportunities throughout the day: on a lunch break, coffee run, or en route to the break room.
Design a stairs-climbing challenge
The good thing about stairs is you’ll find them everywhere. Gather everyone for a stairs-climbing challenge at the office or apartment complex. It can be a surprising way to bond. Take care to offer support to anyone who may be struggling.
Climb stairs for a killer cardio burn
Start incorporating stair climbing into your workout. Jog up a few flights each day, increasing the pace as you go along. Level up by skipping one step or carrying a heavy backpack on your way up.
5 Facts About Exercising That Will Blow Your Mind
Let the music take control
Listening to music during a workout can improve performance by 15%.
Exercising is good for the brain
Cardio-intensive exercises help create new brain cells, improving brain power and memory.
Bring on the muscles
People with more muscle mass burn more fat amounts while resting.
Slows down aging
Those who exercise for 45 minutes, three times a week can significantly reduce signs of aging.
Variety is super important
Compared to those who cross-train, people who don’t switch up their workouts are more susceptible to injury.
Why We Love National Take the Stairs Day
It challenges us
The comfort of familiar things lulls most of us into complacency. When was the last time you challenged your body and mind? It’s time today to get up and move. If not now, when?
Gratitude for our lungs
Breath is life, but we don’t notice it at all. When we take the stairs, we are reminded of how hard our heart and lungs work. That exploding sensation in the chest? It means we’re alive.
A community endeavor
Staying fit and healthy can be a lonesome road. National Take the Stairs Day recognizes the importance of the community's rallying around better health. It’s easier when everyone’s in it together.
National Take the Stairs Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 8 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January 14 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | January 13 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | January 12 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | January 10 | Wednesday |
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