The name of the game is to climb the equivalent distance that Sir Edmund Hillary climbed from Base Camp to the summit of Mt Everest within 47 days – that’s how long it took Sir Ed, and he had to contend with frostbite and lack of oxygen!  The total distance is 3486 metres which is represented on a chart as a mountain of boxes.  Each box is equal to 3.5m so there are 996 boxes in all.  The challenge is to start at the bottom (Base Camp) and simply cross-off the boxes as you go until you reach the summit.  It is as easy as climbing a flight of stairs, only 20 steps and you can cross-off one box (20 steps is approximately 3.5m).  Remember, you must climb!  Don’t forget to count the hills on the way home or walks up hills in the weekend.  As a guide, to complete the Challenge we recommend an average of 22 boxes – or 22 flights of stairs – per day.

• Stair climbing is less costly and more accessible than other employee wellness programmes.
• Stair climbing interventions typically result in a 6-15% increase in stair use.
• Absenteeism rates have reduced following an active workplace intervention.
• Workplaces which implement stairway physical activity programmes report improved employee relations, motivation, camaraderie, teamwork and productivity.

• Climbing just two flights of stairs everyday could result in a weight loss of 2.7kg per year. Six flights a day could help you trim nearly 8 kgs!
• Adding stairs to your day can add years to your life. Studies show that risk of cardiovascular disease and other life-threatening illnesses is lower among regular stair climbers.
• Taking the stairs is often faster than waiting for an elevator during peak usage times. Often for trips of seven floors or less, the stairs are the quickest way to your destination.
• Active employees are healthier and more productive employees.
• Using the stairs requires no special skill, equipment or clothing and it burns twice as many calories as walking.
• Stair climbing is a 'green' activity; the only energy source used is what is stored in our bodies.... good for you and the environment!
• People spend more than one-half of their waking lives at work. Therefore, in order to stay healthy, stair-climbing is a great way to incorporate physical activity into our workday.
• Daily living activities like climbing the stairs can make a significant contribution to the 30 minutes of physical activity we all need...everyday.
• Physical activities like stair climbing are a great way to cope with job-related stress.

• That avoiding the lift and walking up and down stairs for three months increased fitness levels dramatically – and it’s quicker
• Decrease in waist size, body fat, blood pressure and cholesterol. All which are risk factors for heart disease
• Improvement in aerobic capacity reduces risk of dying prematurely from any cause