Stair Climbers Persist Despite Security Concerns

Fitness enthusiasts find creative ways to access stairwells for exercise, even when building managers restrict access.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:03pm

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Stair climbing has become an increasingly popular form of exercise, but many people who regularly climb stairs face challenges from building managers who restrict access to stairwells, citing liability concerns. Some stair climbers have been kicked out of hotels, while others have negotiated access by signing waivers or finding alternative locations like parking decks. Despite the obstacles, dedicated stair climbers continue to find ways to get their workouts, highlighting the benefits of this efficient and accessible form of exercise.

Why it matters

Stair climbing provides significant health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and mental well-being. However, the growing trend of restricting stair access in many buildings poses a barrier to those looking to incorporate this exercise into their daily routines. The story highlights the need for building owners and managers to find ways to balance liability concerns with the public health benefits of allowing stair access.

The details

Many stair climbers, like Tom McGee and Lisa Bai, have faced challenges accessing stairwells in hotels, office buildings, and other public spaces due to security concerns and liability issues raised by building owners. Some have been kicked out of buildings, while others have negotiated access by signing waivers or finding alternative locations like parking decks and hills. Experts like Dr. Luis Rodriguez and Stella Volpe emphasize the significant health benefits of stair climbing, which can be more efficient than walking and improve both physical and mental well-being.

  • Tom McGee has been climbing stairs for exercise for the past 20 years.
  • In 2018, federal physical activity guidelines were updated to promote short-burst activities like taking the stairs.

The players

Tom McGee

A 69-year-old market researcher from near Chicago who has been climbing stairs for exercise for the past 20 years as part of an effort to stay off cigarettes.

Dr. Luis Rodriguez

A semi-retired pediatric pulmonologist who participates in stair-climbing events and advocates for the benefits of the exercise, which can be more efficient than walking.

Stella Volpe

An exercise expert at Virginia Tech who notes that short-burst activities like taking the stairs can be effective for improving health, even if they don't constitute a 30-minute workout.

Jennifer Gay

A public health researcher at the University of Georgia who says stair climbing has the potential to improve mental health and 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, despite it seeming like an easy way to get exercise.

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What they’re saying

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

— Tom McGee

“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

“You don't realize that they don't have to exercise all in one bout for it to be effective.”

— Stella Volpe, exercise expert, Virginia Tech

“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 suggest that building owners and managers should work to find ways to balance liability concerns with the public health benefits of allowing stair access, potentially by improving stairwell conditions and safety features.

The takeaway

Despite the challenges posed by building restrictions, dedicated stair climbers continue to find creative ways to incorporate this efficient and accessible form of exercise into their routines, highlighting the significant physical and mental health benefits of stair climbing.