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Best Vertical Climber Machines

With so many different kinds of exercise machine on the market, it can be difficult to decide which is the best for you and your needs. If you are looking for a machine that provides a high-intensity, full body workout, then a vertical climber is a great option.

Let’s take a closer look at the features of these relatively new exercise machines. I will also show you some of the best vertical climbers available to buy for your home.

What Is a Vertical Climber?

A vertical climber is an exercise machine that mimics the movements of rock climbing. The movements that you make while using this machine are natural, and relatively low impact.

Imitating the motions of rock climbing will work both your upper and lower body. Therefore while using a vertical climber, your whole body is working and engaged. It will tone your physique, build and strengthen your muscles, as well as improve your cardiovascular health.

As you perform low impact movements on a vertical climber, you will not be exerting pressure onto your joints. This makes vertical climbers great for users of all ages and strengths.

Vertical Climber Versus Other Fitness Equipment

Not only are vertical climbers incredibly effective, but they are also a great space saving solution. They are smaller and easier to store than other kinds of home fitness equipment. In addition to this, they tend to be more affordable, meaning you won’t have to spend a small fortune to see good results.

Vertical climbers may give you a full body workout without needing a large amount of permanent space in your home. With that said, though, how exactly do vertical climbers give such a good workout?

When compared to other kinds of fitness equipment, a vertical climber can be much more effective at burning calories. Using a vertical climber instead of a treadmill or fitness bike can potentially give you much better results and in less time.

Treadmills are used for walking and jogging, which is a slow paced form of aerobic exercise. The benefits of walking on a treadmill are only gained over a longer period of time. This means you would have to spend longer on a treadmill than a vertical climber, to reap the same results. Treadmills do not tend to work your upper body either.

Using a vertical body climber is more engaging and involves an increased amount of muscle activation. You will work multiple body parts at the same time, including legs, back, abs, shoulders and arms.

The intensity of a vertical climber can also help to increase your metabolism, which helps your body burn fat more efficiently. These machines are a great choice for those looking to burn calories and fat very quickly.

However, this form of exercise may not appeal to all users. If you do not have a very good fitness level, or have suffered from injuries in the past, a less intense form of exercise may be a better option.

Things to Consider When Buying a Vertical Climber

Before you buy a vertical climber of your own, there are few things to think about. I want to help you ensure that you make the best purchase possible for your needs, so review the following features before you buy. You may end up regretting your purchase if you have not considered all your options.

Size and Foldability

The size of your vertical climber is a very important consideration. Regardless of the features of the machine, if it does not fit into your house, there is no point in looking at it. Decide where the machine is going to be placed at home, measure the space and know what size limits you have.

If you do not have a lot of space available, you may want to look for a model that is foldable and more lightweight. Most vertical climbers have the ability to fold up, which makes them great to store away. If you are likely to be folding and storing your climber after every use, make sure it is lightweight and easy to move.

Features

Like with most fitness equipment, some vertical climbers come with added features to track and monitor your workout sessions. Consider what features are essential for you and ensure that the machine you choose accommodates your needs. However, you tend to also get what you pay for, and machines with more features are usually more expensive.

Make sure that you stick within your set budget and opt for a machine with options that you can afford. If a machine does not include the features you want in your price range, consider other ways you could achieve that feature. You can use other equipment to track time, heart rate and calories.

Remember the main function of a vertical climber is to get fit, and those extra features are not always essential. These features are not likely to directly impact your final result.

Adjustability

If more than one person is likely to be using the vertical climber in your home, this is an important element to look for. Most machines will allow you to adjust the height of the machine to accommodate users of different sizes. This ensures ultimate comfort and safety for a variety of users while climbing.

Making sure that the machine is adjusted to suit your height reduces the risk of muscle strain or injury. If the machine is not set to the right height for you, then you are in danger of damaging a muscle trying to reach for the grip. You could also risk injuring your back if your posture is hunched over.

The ability to adjust the size and height of a vertical climber can also add variety to your workout. By adjusting the machine accordingly, you can add an extra challenge to your workout session. For example, lengthening the arm bars will increase the reach, making you work harder during the session.

Be sure to choose a machine that can be adjusted easily if you are likely to be sharing your machine. Adjustment is also a good feature for those at a higher fitness level and looking to add variety to their workout. However, this option may not be a necessity for everyone.

Weight Capacity

Different vertical climbers come with different weight capacities. Generally speaking, these machines have a weight capacity of between 200 and 300 pounds. Take care to check the specific weight capacity of the machine you choose, particularly if you are of a heavier build.

Weight capacities are there for health and safety purposes and should be followed carefully. If you weigh more than the maximum capacity, you may break the machine or injure yourself.

Tips for Using a Vertical Climber at Home

The U.S. department of health and human services recommends that you should be doing at least two hours of cardio exercise a week. In addition to cardio, you should also be participating in muscle building and strengthening activities twice a week. Having a vertical climber at home would help you easily meet these recommendations. (1)

If you are planning on using a vertical climber at home, take note of the following recommendations.

Safety

When it comes to using a vertical climber safely, there are a few things to take into consideration. First of all it is very important to make sure that you set up your machine on a stable and flat surface. Make sure that you do not place the machine on a loose rug, as this may cause the apparatus to move as you use it.

It can be dangerous for you to use a vertical climber if you weigh more than 300 pounds. While vertical climbers are great to work your whole body, if you are overweight they will not be easy to use. if you are overweight and have a lower fitness level, you may want to consider other ways to lose weight before getting your own vertical climber.

Before getting started on your vertical climber, make sure the machine is adjusted correctly to fit your height. If it is the wrong size, you are risking muscle or back injury. Also, stop using the device immediately if you begin to feel dizzy or unwell. Rest and rehydrate until you feel better, before starting again.

Just as with other types of exercise, ensure you stay well hydrated throughout your workout session. Make sure to wear proper shoes and clothing while using a vertical climber as well. Exercise clothes and sneakers are the best option, for both comfort and safety.

Maintenance

Looking after fitness equipment properly is essential to extending its lifespan. There are a few key things you can do to make sure you get the longest life possible from your machine. Here are some of my top tips for caring for your vertical climber at home.

Take Your Time When Assembling

First of all, make sure you really take your time to ensure that your climber is assembled correctly. If you notice anything that looks damaged or out of place when assembling, contact the manufacturer. If you do not have a solid and stable product from the start, it will be more difficult to effectively maintain.

Follow the assembly instructions carefully, to ensure everything is in the correct place. A vertical climber is heavy and dangerous, and can cause injury if something malfunctions when you are using it. While you may be really keen to get started, taking the extra time to correctly construct your machine is worth it.

Keep Your Climber Clean

Keeping your vertical climber clean will also extend its life. As vertical climbers offer such an intense workout, you will most likely be working up a sweat during use. Sweat may drip off onto your machine and get into small openings and grooves.

Excess water and moisture buildup can cause rust damage to the machine. This is easy to avoid by wiping down your machine with a dry towel or cloth after each use. Try to dry it off as much as you can to prevent moisture from developing into rust and corroding the metal of your climber.

Specialized lubricants and oils will also help to prevent the buildup of any rust. Rust may weaken the strength of the frame on your vertical climber, which makes it more susceptible to damage.

If you notice your machine feeling stiff or squeaky, you may need to apply some lubricant to improve the performance. A few sprays of WD40 can quickly solve any issues with tight or stiff connections in your climber. If you continue to use your machine when it is in need of lubrication, you may risk breaking the machine.

If you do not look after your vertical climber properly, you can risk injuring yourself, as well as damaging your machine. By following the easy and simple steps above, you will maintain not only your safety, but the efficiency of the machine.

Include Some Variety in Your Exercise Routine

As a vertical climber gives a great full body workout, it eliminates the need for extra fitness equipment. However, if you already own other fitness machinery, I advise that you continue to use it alongside your climber, when you can. Especially if more than one person is likely to use the climber regularly.

If you alternate the days that you use your vertical climber, you will help reduce, or even prevent, extra wear and tear. It could be a good idea to alternate the type of exercise you are doing as well, to maintain some variety to your workout routine. Why not try climbing one day and then cardio based activities the next?

Vertical Climber Workout Tips and Advice

It is clear that you can see great results using one of these machines. However, what is the best way to ensure these results are achieved? Here is an example of a simple and quick workout you could do at home, using a vertical climber.

Session time: 10 to 20 minutes

  1. Spend five minutes warming up your body by doing a few light aerobic style exercises. (2)
  2. Stretch your whole body once warmed up, and before you begin using the climber.
  3. Start on the vertical climber at a light pace for around one minute.
  4. Push yourself to a higher intensity and maintain this level for about 20 seconds.
  5. Take a 30-second break from the climber and jog on the spot.
  6. Return to the vertical climber for another 20 seconds at a high intensity.
  7. Repeat this cycle for 10 to 20 minutes.
  8. Complete some light stretches to cool down.(3)

If you have a lower fitness level, you may want to begin with a shorter session. I advise trying to do about five minutes on the vertical climber first. Then gradually increase this time, as your fitness level increases.

The key to seeing results with any form of exercise is repetition and commitment. I recommend carving out a set amount of time each day to use your vertical climber. As a climber works your body in an intense way, this does not have to be a huge amount of time.

You only need about 20 to 30 minutes every day to start seeing great results. If you can make it a part of your daily routine, this will ensure you make time to fit it into your day. I find that one of the best times to exercise is first thing in the morning.

Completing your exercise as soon as you wake up has a number of benefits. It kick starts your metabolism, helping you burn more fat throughout the day. Plus, getting your exercise done in the morning means it will not be looming over you all day. (4)

Vertical climbers can deliver real results. How you incorporate it into your day and how often you use it, is key to seeing these results. The more structured you are with your usage, the better the results will be.

The Best Vertical Climbers Reviewed (Our Choices)

Here are some of the best vertical climbers available for those looking to buy one to use at home.

MaxiClimber

One of the most user-friendly vertical climbers on the market is the MaxiClimber. The compact design makes it a good choice for anyone with a limited amount of space. The machine is fully adjustable, making it easy to adapt to users of different heights.

The ability to adjust the height of this machine also enables you to adapt to the intensity of your workout sessions. There is a variety of extra features that come built in with the MaxiClimber, too. These features include a timer to track your activity, as well as a calorie and distance monitor.

If you are looking for a machine that is easy to store, the MaxiClimber is also a great option. It features a foldable design which allows users to easily pack the machine away when it is not in use. This vertical climber is also easy to assemble, so it won’t take long to set up and get going.

The weight capacity of the MaxiClimber is 250 pounds, which may not be ideal for those of a heavier build. Some users have found this climber does not feel one hundred percent stable when exercising, especially if placed on a carpet.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble, making it perfect for home users to access.
  • Foldable design makes it compact and easy to store.
  • Built-in features can monitor and track your time, calories and distance.
  • Fully adjustable for users of different heights.

Cons

  • Weight capacity of users limited to 250 pounds.
  • Not 100 percent stable on rugs or carpets, needs to be set up on a solid floor.

Conquer Vertical Climber Fitness Climbing Machine

The Conquer vertical climber is another great solution for home strength and cardio training. Constructed from durable and top-quality steel, this climber is built to withstand the test of time. In addition to great quality, it is also compact and easy to store.

It features an easy fold design, making it perfect for users that have limited space at home. This climber also adjusts to accommodate users of all heights.

Conquer is said to provide great customer service. This will be helpful if you have any problems or queries about your vertical climber.

In terms of extra features, however, if you are looking to track your workout, this is not the machine for you. There are no built-in timers or trackers. For those wanting to keep a close eye on their progress, you will have to use some extra equipment.

The weight capacity of this climber is not listed so I would advise users no heavier than 250 pounds to use this machine.

Pros

  • Adjustable to accommodate users of all heights.
  • Foldable and compact, making it easy to store.
  • Great customer service for any queries after purchase.

Cons

  • No tracking or monitoring equipment built in.
  • Weight capacity is not mentioned.

Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber

This vertical climber features a particularly compact design compared to others. Once folded, it can be easily stored in a cupboard or under your bed, making it a great choice for those with limited space. It is also constructed from heavy duty and durable steel, so it is strong and stable.

For those looking to track their workout progress, this vertical climber has some great built-in features. Users can easily monitor the time, speed, fat burns and calories burned via the incorporated LCD screen. However, the monitor is battery powered, and needs to be unbolted to replace the battery, which some find inconvenient.

Users of all heights can comfortably and safely use this climber too, thanks to its easy-to-use height adjuster. Assembly instructions are minimal and quite basic, which can make setting it up a little difficult.

The weight capacity of this machine is up to 300 pounds, making it accessible to users of different sizes.

Pros

  • LCD monitor allows users to track and monitor the progress of their workout sessions.
  • Easy to fold and store, as well as very compact when folded.
  • Strong and durable making it feel stable while using.

Cons

  • LCD monitor has to be unbolted to change battery.
  • Assembly instructions are not very easy to follow.

FEIERDUN Vertical Climber

The new and updated design of the Feierdun vertical climber gives users a quiet and smooth climbing experience. If you live with others who are particularly sensitive to noise, this could be a good choice. This climber also has a generous weight capacity of 440 pounds, making it a great option for users of all sizes.

This vertical climber features a fold-up design, so it is compact and easy to store at any time. It is also built to last, being made of high quality and durable steel.

If you are likely to be sharing your vertical climber with other users, this is a great choice. Height can be easily and fully adjusted to ensure the optimal comfort and safety of all users. A built-in LED monitor also allows users to track time, distance and calories burned during each workout.

The Feierdun vertical climber comes with a two-year warranty, which covers the machine against any damage or breakage.

Pros

  • Built-in LED is great for tracking and monitoring your progress.
  • Foldable design makes it compact and easy to store.
  • Adjustable height makes it great for users of all shapes and sizes.
  • Quiet design is perfect for those sensitive to noise.

Cons

  • Not very easy to assemble at home.
  • Can be difficult for beginners to use.

Merax Vertical Climber

The Merax vertical climber is a good option for those looking for extra grip. It features isometric grip pedals to give users the best grip during a workout. The overall design of the Merax is user friendly and adaptable.

Made for users of all sizes, the height can be easily adjusted on this vertical climber. This is also great for those with limited space at home. Featuring a fully foldable design, this vertical climber is compact and easy to store. However, the overall quality of the machine could be better, as it does not feel very strong or sturdy.

The Merax vertical climber features an LED screen and built-in tracker. This allows users to monitor the time, speed, calories burned and distance of each session.

The weight capacity of the Merax vertical climber is 350 pounds. This high capacity makes it suitable for users of all shapes and sizes.

Pros

  • Easy to fold and store, making it compact for users with limited space.
  • Isometric-grip pedals give users the best grip.
  • Height is easily adjustable.
  • Built-in tracker makes it a great choice for users looking to monitor their progress.
  • Weight capacity of 350 pounds

Cons

  • Frame quality is not as strong as other climbers on the market.
  • More difficult to move around compared to other models.

Conclusion

Now you have all of the information you need to purchase a vertical climber at home. Of my selection above, I would say that the best vertical climber, and my personal favorite, is the MaxiClimber.

Overall, it has a great selection of features, is lightweight and of good quality build. However, ensure that you set it up on a solid floor to be certain that it is stable and secure while using.

Vertical climbers are a brilliant solution for an easy, full-body workout at home. They will help to build strength, stamina and tone your muscles.

These climbers are also easy to store at home and will not need to become a permanent feature of your living room. Be careful to check the weight capacity before use and always use fitness equipment responsibly.

Whichever one you may choose I’m sure you’ll enjoy it—you could be (almost) a professional rock climber in no time!