Why are young people of this generation suddenly obsessed with "spending money to climb stairs"? !

More and more young people are aware of the importance of exercise, but they are busy with work and have limited time and energy. Traditional fitness methods often have many venue and time restrictions. They are eager to find a new, more challenging, and more convenient sport to relieve stress and stay healthy. As a result, a sport called "vertical marathon" was born, abbreviated as "vertical marathon".

What is a Chuima?

Chuima, in layman's terms, means "who can climb the stairs faster". Participants need to climb the stairs from the starting point to the top of the building in one breath. Whoever takes the shortest time will win. In addition to basic safety, the main requirement for this type of competition is that the building must be high.

The origin of the vertical marathon can be traced back to 1978, when a group of adventurous running enthusiasts organized a building climbing competition at the Empire State Building in New York, USA. This iconic building with 86 floors and 1,576 steps became the starting point of the vertical marathon.

Schematic diagram of the Empire State Building. From Wikipedia

Since then, the sport has spread rapidly around the world, with similar events being held in places such as the Willis Tower in Chicago and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. With the acceleration of global urbanization, the increase in high-rise buildings has provided more possibilities for vertical marathons, making it gradually become an international sporting event.

Although the development of vertical marathon in China is relatively late, it has rapidly risen in China in recent years with the rapid growth of China's economy and the acceleration of urbanization. It is a national fitness sport that spans all ages and is suitable for both men and women. Because it is carried out in a building, it is almost not restricted by venue, time and weather. Now cities such as Beijing and Shanghai in my country also hold vertical marathon international events every year.

For many people who work in office buildings, waiting for the elevator to go downstairs during peak hours is definitely not a comfortable experience, so the stairwell has become a convenient training place. Compared with outdoor activities, vertical marathons are not affected by weather and seasons. With a pair of comfortable running shoes and a set of sportswear, you can train and compete at any time . This flexibility has made more and more young people willing to try and join this sport.

What are the benefits of hanging horses?

In addition to low threshold and convenience, vertical horse does have many advantages, mainly including the following points:

1

Health Benefits

The core of vertical horse training is stair climbing, which is a high-intensity aerobic exercise with significant benefits to the body. Stair climbing can quickly increase heart rate, enhance cardiopulmonary function, and at the same time make the lungs work more efficiently, increase lung capacity and improve the respiratory system.

In addition, this sport is an excellent fat-burning sport. Climbing against gravity consumes far more calories than running on flat ground, making it an ideal choice for fat loss and body shaping. High-intensity training can also increase your basal metabolic rate and help maintain a healthy weight. Long-term participation in vertical marathons can also strengthen leg muscles, especially the thighs and calves, making the leg lines tighter and more toned.

2

Psychological motivation

In addition to physical health, vertical marathons can also bring strong psychological motivation. For many young people who are used to working in cubicles, this is a platform that can provide a brand new challenge. Vertical marathons not only test physical strength, but also willpower. Every step of the climb is full of unknowns and challenges, and the sense of accomplishment after successfully reaching the top is unparalleled.

Image source: Photographed by Yang Chao, author of Science Popularization China

During the climbing process, participants can also gradually overlook the beautiful city scenery, especially standing on the top of a skyscraper and looking at the skyline, which brings a sense of accomplishment and shock that other sports can hardly provide. In addition, exercise itself can promote the secretion of dopamine, which helps people relieve stress and maintain a good mood.

3

Social Culture Travel

The sport of vertical horse jumping is also full of social attributes. Enthusiasts share experiences, make friends and expand their social circles through communities. In team competitions, participants cooperate with each other, which not only enhances the spirit of cooperation but also adds to the fun of the competition.

The venues for the competitions are mostly located in landmark buildings, such as the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Beijing China Zun, etc. The athletes can not only exercise their bodies, but also appreciate the city culture, giving the sport more connotations.

How to participate in vertical horse riding safely?

Vertical marathons have many benefits, but unfortunately, formal vertical marathon competitions are rare, and this kind of competition requires a lot of physical strength, so ordinary people who are not well trained may not be suitable for participation. However, this does not prevent us from climbing stairs to exercise on our own. Of course, whether it is a formal vertical marathon competition or daily exercise, safety always comes first. In order to enjoy this sport without getting hurt, you might as well take these tips.

1

The venue must be safe

Choose a suitable venue and ensure that the stairwell has adequate lighting. Good lighting can help you see each step clearly and avoid accidents due to unclear vision. Choose stairs with a moderate slope. A reasonable slope can reduce pressure on the knees and ankles and reduce the risk of injury.

2

The right equipment

Just like running, you should choose a pair of running shoes that fit your feet well and have good shock absorption. Professional running shoes can effectively reduce the impact on your feet and knees and protect your joints. Wearing breathable and sweat-absorbent sportswear can keep your body dry and avoid discomfort caused by sweat. You can also carry enough water to supplement during exercise to prevent dehydration. It is very important to replenish water in time during long-term exercise.

3

Correct posture

Keep your steps steady when climbing stairs and avoid swinging too much. Landing on the forefoot can effectively relieve the pressure on the knees and improve climbing efficiency. Lean forward slightly to avoid hunching over. Correct posture can reduce energy consumption and help maintain the state of long-term exercise. Learn the correct breathing method when practicing, such as abdominal breathing. Deep and even breathing can help stabilize the rhythm, improve oxygen utilization, and reduce fatigue caused by shortness of breath.

4

Resting in the right way

Similar to long-distance running, after stair climbing exercise, do not sit or lie down immediately. You can walk slowly for a few minutes to help your body gradually calm down. Afterwards, you should stretch and relax properly, especially the muscles in your legs and back, to relieve muscle tension and promote recovery. After the game, replenish protein and carbohydrates in time to help muscle repair and energy recovery. You can choose to drink a protein shake or eat some fruits and nuts. If you feel muscle soreness, you can use an ice pack for 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation and pain.

5

Safety must be kept in mind

Before climbing stairs, make sure you are in good physical condition. If you have health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, severe arrhythmia or diabetes, it is best to consult a doctor first. People with hip, knee, ankle or other locomotor system problems should be more cautious . After all, this sport is not low in intensity. Although climbing is fun, you should do it within your ability! Beginners are advised to start with short distances and low floors, and gradually increase the difficulty. Do not rush to achieve results, so as to avoid injuries due to excessive fatigue or improper posture.

In short, vertical marathon is more than just "climbing stairs". In addition to physical exercise, for many people, vertical marathon provides them with an opportunity to release stress and challenge themselves. Friends with suitable physical conditions are worth a try.

Planning and production

Author: Li Ge, popular science creator

Reviewer: Ji Gang, deputy chief physician of orthopedics, the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University

Planning丨Ding Zong

Editor: Ding Zong

Proofread by Xu Lai and Lin Lin