Stair Climbers Persist Despite Building Security Concerns

Stair climbing has become a popular exercise, but some enthusiasts face challenges accessing stairwells in office buildings and hotels.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Stair climbing has become an increasingly recommended form of exercise, offering cardiovascular and strength benefits. However, many stair climbers, like 69-year-old Tom McGee, have faced pushback from building security guards who are wary of people using the stairs. Experts say stair climbing is generally safe, but building managers often restrict access to stairwells due to liability concerns. Some stair climbing enthusiasts have found creative ways to access stairs, like negotiating after-hours access or seeking out buildings and hotels with more accommodating policies.

Why it matters

Stair climbing provides significant health benefits, but the growing trend faces obstacles as building owners and managers restrict access to stairwells, citing liability concerns. This highlights the need for better policies and education around the safety and value of stair climbing as an exercise.

The details

Stair climbing has been shown to be roughly equivalent to 10 minutes of brisk walking or 20 minutes of slower walking in terms of cardiovascular benefits. Federal physical activity guidelines now promote short bursts of stair climbing throughout the day as a way to improve health. However, many office buildings and hotels have limited access to stairwells, often due to concerns about potential lawsuits if someone were to slip or fall. A study found that over 1 million stair-related injuries occur in the U.S. each year, with broken bones more common in older people. Experts say the risk of injury is actually quite low for most people, and building managers should not make stairs one-way only.

  • Tom McGee began stair climbing for exercise 20 years ago.
  • In 2018, federal physical activity guidelines were updated to promote short bursts of stair climbing.
  • A 2018 study found over 1 million stair-related injuries occur in the U.S. each year.

The players

Tom McGee

A 69-year-old market researcher from near Chicago who has been stair climbing for exercise for 20 years.

Dr. Luis Rodriguez

A semi-retired pediatric pulmonologist who participates in stair-climbing events and touts the benefits of the exercise.

Stella Volpe

An exercise expert at Virginia Tech who says short bursts of activity like stair climbing can be effective for health.

Jennifer Gay

A public health researcher at the University of Georgia who says stair climbing is associated with improved feelings of energy.

Lisa Bai

A New Yorker who works in real estate and is not able to use the stairs in her office building.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've gotten kicked out of about every hotel in the city.”

— Tom McGee, market researcher

“You are working your legs. You are working your heart. You are working your lungs. You can get a lot more benefit than just walking, because gravity is working against you.”

— Dr. Luis Rodriguez, semi-retired pediatric pulmonologist

“If you connect with the right people and tell them what they're doing and agree to the rules, it hasn't really been a problem for us.”

— Carmen Erickson

“You have to really want to do it.”

— Vivian Dawson

What’s next

Experts and advocates continue to push for building owners and managers to provide better access to stairwells for exercise, citing the health benefits and relatively low risk of injury.

The takeaway

Stair climbing is a simple yet effective form of exercise, but enthusiasts often face challenges accessing stairwells due to liability concerns from building owners. This highlights the need for more education and policy changes to promote stair climbing as a safe and valuable way for people to improve their health.