Climbing stairs is a great cardio workout that helps burn fat effectively. If you have too much fat on your hips then try stairs climbing. As you work your quadriceps and leg muscles to make climbing movements, you also use your hips. Climbing stairs like cycling, running and jogging ensures your lower body gets the perfect workout that it requires. To improve fitness levels you need to do a 20 minute workout by climbing stairs. If you do have a problem with your knees, then stair climbing is best avoided. Exercise alone is insufficient; you need to pay attention to your diet also.