I thoroughly enjoy running. However, running is not always the best thing for my body! So in the last year and a half or so, I’ve started cross-training with the stairs in the parking garage across the street from my gym. It sounds hard, horrible, and boring, but think again!

I’m about to give you my super-secret, ever-interesting, easily-adaptable stairs workout. This workout is incredible for travel because you can do this in a hotel stairwell, a parking garage, or really anywhere you have a set of stairs to use! Feel free to change it up, choose your favorites, and incorporate this into your own workout regime.

*Note: I am not a health or fitness professional. Please consult your doctor before trying a new workout regime.

The Exercises

You can do any of these stairs exercises, in any order. I typically do the first five of these, two times through, on a 6-level staircase in a parking garage, but I’ve also done this in a hotel stairwell! If I’m working out at my preferred parking garage, I often reach the top of the stairwell and run across the top of the rooftop parking deck, only if no vehicles are present, of course! If I want to be very efficient, I’ll do my “Ladder Stairs” all the way up, then back down again. Check it out!

Run Up

This one is pretty easy! Just run up as you would normally go up stairs. You can make this more challenging, however, by going up two sets of stairs, down one; up two, down one; all the way up to the top.

Skater Stairs

If you’re heard of “skater squats,” you’re in luck! You’ll know exactly what to do.

• Go up the stairs with wide leaps
• Leap from side to side on your way up
• (Watch video below for a demonstration)

Right Crossover

Do this slowly the first few times, so your muscles have time to develop muscle memory for this move.

• Stand with your left side facing the stairs
• Cross your right foot over onto the first step
• Step up with your left foot
• Repeat

Left Crossover

Do this slowly the first few times, so your muscles have time to develop muscle memory for this move.

• Stand with your right side facing the stairs
• Cross your left foot over onto the first step
• Step up with your right foot
• Repeat

Two at a Time

I like to take this one at a walking pace, instead of running, which makes this more of a strength move. This will work your thighs and booty! Just go up the stairs, two at a time.

Ladder Stairs

If you want a very efficient workout, this one is the only staircase series you need! I use a 6-level stairwell in a parking garage. Because the stairs “turn” twice for each level, I have twelve “sets” for stairs (two “sets” per “flight”).

• Go up one set of stairs, then back down
• Go up two sets of stairs, then back down
• Go up three sets of stairs, then back down
• Go up four sets of stairs, then back down
• Do this all the way up!

Watch the Video

Not quite clear enough? Watch the video to answer the questions you may have!

Want more travel workouts? Check out my Health and Wellness Page for all of them!

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