This study compares the physiological work load between two ascending patterns, single-step (SS) and double-step (DS), when climbing a public staircase at the two different climbing rates, controlled speed (105steps/min) and free speed. The SS pattern involved climbing one step at a time, while the DS pattern involved climbing two steps in a single stride. Thirteen female subjects climbed a typical 7-storey building, giving a total of 168 steps and vertical movement of 27.7 m. The results for perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate level, oxygen consumption and muscle EMG activity were significantly higher (p < 0.05) with the DS than SS pattern at a controlled speed. The results also showed that the ascending speed, heart rate, blood lactate level, respiratory quotient (RQ) and RPE were significantly higher (p < 0.05) with the DS than SS pattern at a free speed. These results clearly indicate the higher physical workload involved with the DS than SS pattern at both free and controlled speeds.