Muscle Insider
New member
Looking for a low-impact cardio workout that still delivers a noticeable sweat? Training with a vertical climber has been shown to increase your caloric burn and maximal heart rate more than cardio machines like rowers or treadmills. (1)(2) The best vertical climbers also boast compact footprints and added resistance levels to generate workouts that engage your full body while taking up less space...
The post The 8 Best Vertical Climbers of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
Looking for a low-impact cardio workout that still delivers a noticeable sweat? Training with a vertical climber has been shown to increase your caloric burn and maximal heart rate more than cardio machines like rowers or treadmills. (1)(2) The best vertical climbers also boast compact footprints and added resistance levels to generate workouts that engage your full body while taking up less space than other home cardio machines.
Like other pieces of home gym equipment, there are a handful of vertical climbers on the market, each with their own characteristics related to training potential, portability, and (of course) price. To help you take your cardio training to new heights, we tested 10 of the top-performing profiles available now, combed through plenty of research, and consulted customer reviews to bring you our favorite vertical climbers available today.
The 8 Best Vertical Climbers of 2023
How We Tested
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. We like to mix up our cardio training as much as we can, which includes hopping on the vertical climber for a few ascents every now and again.
For this round-up, we looked closely at each chosen machine’s footprint, as well as its listed height. We looked for vertical climbers that could fit and operate within eight feet of clearance, the standard ceiling height according to the National Building Code. (3)
We also looked at the available resistance levels of each vertical climber, as well as their listed weight and height capacities. Finally, we examined the machine’s storage capabilities and other factors to round out our findings.
Best Vertical Climber Overall: ProForm Carbon HIIT H10
ProForm Carbon HIIT H10
ProForm Carbon HIIT H10
This impressive ProForm climber-elliptical hybrid allows for vertical and horizontal movement in each stride, which help keep workouts comfortable and less impactful on your joints. Plus, the 24 available resistance levels allow for a good bit of intensity variety, so no training session is identical.
Shop ProForm
Specs
Pros
Cons
Call the Carbon HIIT H10 a vertical climber. Call it an elliptical-stepper hybrid. Regardless of its nomenclature, we love this compact, efficient machine thanks to its 10-inch HD touchscreen, vertical and horizontal stride plane, and its integration with the iFit online workout platform with over 17,000 live and on-demand classes and sessions to choose from.
The ProForm Carbon HIIT 10 takes up just 10.56 square feet of flooring, which can be great for athletes working out in more confined spaces. Our tester also appreciated how the Carbon HIIT H10 moves your feet in both upward and forward strides, which they said created an easier, more fluid motion through training than other climbers they’ve worked out with.
This machine also shares a similar upper-body engagement thanks to the multifunctional handlebars. Rather than an upward climbing motion, you pump your arms forward across the grips, which can be more comfortable for some athletes.
Of course, it’s hard to ignore this machine’s iFit capabilities, too. The impressive platform boasts plenty of fitness courses for HIIT, cardio, yoga, and other disciplines, which can be great for building out a well-rounded week of workouts.
You do need to subscribe to the service for $39 per month, though, so make sure to account for the membership when thinking of your budget. Thankfully, the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 also comes with 50 built-in workouts, so you can still use the machine for training without the additional streaming subscription.
We also liked how quiet this vertical climber was in operation, which we attribute to the Silent Magnetic Resistance system built into the flywheel mechanism. This climber isn’t completely silent, though, especially when using the integrated CoolAire fan. Our tester noted that the breezy feature is quite loud when turned on, so it may be best to save this perk for days when you have the house to yourself.
Best Budget Vertical Climber: MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
This simple, compact vertical climber can be a great budget-friendly option for full-body training. The MaxiClimber classic also folds up neatly to just 3.02 square feet, which can be ideal for storing your equipment in less spacious environments.
Shop MaxiClimber
Specs
Pros
Cons
Purchasing gym equipment for your home is often a “get what you pay for” situation. Still, there are budget-friendly profiles like MaxiClimber Classic that offer a deal without sacrificing quality. At just $299, it’s one of the most wallet-conscious vertical climbers we’ve tested, yet its performance is right up there with the category’s most premium offerings.
This simple climber is a great pick for a wide array of athletes, especially those tight on space. The MaxiClimber Classic has a footprint of 7.04 square feet when in use and folds neatly to 3.02 square feet for more convenient storage. Plus, the entire profile weighs just 33 pounds, which can be great for taking your workouts into other rooms.
Our tester also appreciated the partially-assembled makeup of this vertical climber, stating that completing the build was a simple endeavor with only a few steps. Other vertical climbers can be challenging to build once they’ve arrived at your space, often requiring a helping hand or hours of build time.
The MaxiClimber Classic can also be a worthwhile pick for novice athletes, as there aren’t as many moving parts or pre-training settings to adjust. Your resistance depends on your body weight, and adjusting the height to your frame is as simple as clicking into your desired pinion hole. There’s also a discreet display at the center console which tracks your steps taken and potential calories burned during training.
It takes one look at the MaxiClimber Classic, though, to realize that it’s not the most substantial vertical climber on the market. The slim frame can support athletes up to 240 pounds in weight and 6’2” in height. These metrics may limit your workout potential if you fall outside of these ranges.
Additionally, if you want to add more challenging resistance to your workout, you’ll be left wanting more with this cardio machine. You’re only able to work against your body weight, so unless you pair your climbs with a weighted vest, expect the same experience day in and day out.
Best Premium Vertical Climber: CLMBR Connected 02
CLMBR Connected 02
CLMBR Connected 02
The CLMBR Connected 02 features adjustable handles for alternating grip positions, as well as a sturdy frame capable of holding up to 350 pounds. Additionally, there’s plenty of tech strewn across the profile, including an integrated app delivering on-demand classes, challenges, guides, and more.
Shop CLMBR
Specs
Pros
Cons
Budget-friendly fitness equipment is nice, but there’s merit to splurging on feature-rich machines, too. In the vertical climber space, it’s tough to find a more premium silhouette than the CLMBR Connected 02. Not only does this unique profile boast adjustable handles for neutral, overhand, and underhand training, but there’s also an integrated 21.5-inch HD touchscreen display — the largest console we’ve found in the category.
The large screen can be ideal for streaming the brand’s library of online workouts, challenges, and trainer-led courses. Similar to other online workout programs, this app integration can be ideal for keeping your interest throughout your weekly training schedules.
Our tester also appreciated the trackable stats available with the CLMBR Connected 02, which include average tempo, distance traveled, average reach, average power, total time, average pace, average heart rate and calories burned. There’s also the opportunity to link your Bluetooth headphones, fitness tracker, or heart rate monitor before each workout. According to our tester, the machine gives you a prompt before training to see if you’d like to connect an extra device, which they viewed as a nice reminder.
The CLMBR Connected 02 is also built well and can support athletes up to 350 pounds. This indicates a sturdy frame, which we experienced in testing. Even while working out at higher intensities, our tester noted no wobbles or compromises to their balance. The one area that may be left unstable for some, though, is the foot pedals. While our tester’s women’s size 9 fit fine across these slats, they stated that they may be less accommodating for athletes with larger feet, like a men’s size 12 or above.
As impressive (and expensive) as this vertical climber is, though, we do want to point a few items out before you add this machine to your cart. For one, the app integration is not free and costs $39 monthly for the service, so be sure to account for this extra cost within your budget. Additionally, the CLMBR Connected 02 is only warrantied for one year, which we feel is on the shorter end of the spectrum, especially when the machine has an upfront cost of nearly $4,000.
Best Folding Vertical Climber: Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber
Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber
Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber
This compact vertical climber can fold up to a footprint measuring 3.13 square feet, which can be ideal for storage needs. Plus, the five available height adjustments can be excellent for creating a comfortable setup for athletes anywhere from 5’9” to 7’1”.
Shop Relife Rebuild Your Life
Specs
Pros
Cons
Vertical climbers can be great for athletes tight on space thanks to their smaller footprint than other cardio machines. That said, having a profile that can be stored easily when not in use can be useful when trying to make the most of your training area. The Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber folds easily for tucked-away keepings, taking up just 3.13 square feet of flooring when stored.
When in operation, the footprint expands to 7.25 square feet, which is still compact enough for most spaces. Plus, we also appreciate how lightweight this machine is at just 43 pounds, which allows you to tote and transport the climber from room to room without much strain.
Our tester also noted how accommodating this vertical climber is when taking your height into consideration. The setup can be adjusted to suit athletes from 5’9” all the way up to 7’1”. According to the brand, these height adjustments can also change the intensity of your training session, but it may be best to match your height to these toggles more often than not.
The Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber also features a simplified display unit capable of tracking your time, step count, calories burned, and fat burned. It’s not the most involved console in this round-up, but we appreciate the inclusion as it provides some data-tracking capabilities.
Finally, our tester said that this vertical climber had a good sense of sturdiness to it while in use, which they attributed to the A-frame design of the legs. They did note, though, that the high-density foam across the handles can become slippery during sweat-riddled training sessions. So, it may be best to have a workout towel handy to help you maintain a worthwhile grip.
Best Vertical Climber for Beginners: MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
This simple, compact vertical climber can be a great budget-friendly option for full-body training. The MaxiClimber classic also folds up neatly to...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 8 Best Vertical Climbers of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
Looking for a low-impact cardio workout that still delivers a noticeable sweat? Training with a vertical climber has been shown to increase your caloric burn and maximal heart rate more than cardio machines like rowers or treadmills. (1)(2) The best vertical climbers also boast compact footprints and added resistance levels to generate workouts that engage your full body while taking up less space than other home cardio machines.
Like other pieces of home gym equipment, there are a handful of vertical climbers on the market, each with their own characteristics related to training potential, portability, and (of course) price. To help you take your cardio training to new heights, we tested 10 of the top-performing profiles available now, combed through plenty of research, and consulted customer reviews to bring you our favorite vertical climbers available today.
The 8 Best Vertical Climbers of 2023
- Best Vertical Climber Overall: ProForm Carbon HIIT H10
- Best Budget Vertical Climber: MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
- Best Premium Vertical Climber: CLMBR Connected 02
- Best Folding Vertical Climber: Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber
- Best Vertical Climber for Beginners: MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
- Best Advanced Vertical Climber: Rogue Versaclimber SM Sport Model
- Best Vertical Climber with Resistance: CLMBR Connected 02
- Best Vertical Climber for Streaming: ProForm Carbon HIIT H10
How We Tested
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. We like to mix up our cardio training as much as we can, which includes hopping on the vertical climber for a few ascents every now and again.
For this round-up, we looked closely at each chosen machine’s footprint, as well as its listed height. We looked for vertical climbers that could fit and operate within eight feet of clearance, the standard ceiling height according to the National Building Code. (3)
We also looked at the available resistance levels of each vertical climber, as well as their listed weight and height capacities. Finally, we examined the machine’s storage capabilities and other factors to round out our findings.
Best Vertical Climber Overall: ProForm Carbon HIIT H10
ProForm Carbon HIIT H10
ProForm Carbon HIIT H10
This impressive ProForm climber-elliptical hybrid allows for vertical and horizontal movement in each stride, which help keep workouts comfortable and less impactful on your joints. Plus, the 24 available resistance levels allow for a good bit of intensity variety, so no training session is identical.
Shop ProForm
Specs
- Price: $1,403
- Max User Height: N/A
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
- Resistance Levels: 24
- Product Dimensions: 52? L x 29.25? W x 66.7? H
Pros
- This climber is iFit-enabled for streaming live and on-demand workouts.
- The multifunctional handlebars create an elliptical-esque training motion.
- The vertical and horizontal stride path creates a more fluid motion, according to testers.
Cons
- The built-in cooling fan can be loud during operation, according to our tester.
- The 34-step assembly may be too challenging for a single athlete to handle on their own.
- The machine itself weighs 225 pounds, which can make moving it around difficult.
Call the Carbon HIIT H10 a vertical climber. Call it an elliptical-stepper hybrid. Regardless of its nomenclature, we love this compact, efficient machine thanks to its 10-inch HD touchscreen, vertical and horizontal stride plane, and its integration with the iFit online workout platform with over 17,000 live and on-demand classes and sessions to choose from.
The ProForm Carbon HIIT 10 takes up just 10.56 square feet of flooring, which can be great for athletes working out in more confined spaces. Our tester also appreciated how the Carbon HIIT H10 moves your feet in both upward and forward strides, which they said created an easier, more fluid motion through training than other climbers they’ve worked out with.
This machine also shares a similar upper-body engagement thanks to the multifunctional handlebars. Rather than an upward climbing motion, you pump your arms forward across the grips, which can be more comfortable for some athletes.
Of course, it’s hard to ignore this machine’s iFit capabilities, too. The impressive platform boasts plenty of fitness courses for HIIT, cardio, yoga, and other disciplines, which can be great for building out a well-rounded week of workouts.
You do need to subscribe to the service for $39 per month, though, so make sure to account for the membership when thinking of your budget. Thankfully, the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 also comes with 50 built-in workouts, so you can still use the machine for training without the additional streaming subscription.
We also liked how quiet this vertical climber was in operation, which we attribute to the Silent Magnetic Resistance system built into the flywheel mechanism. This climber isn’t completely silent, though, especially when using the integrated CoolAire fan. Our tester noted that the breezy feature is quite loud when turned on, so it may be best to save this perk for days when you have the house to yourself.
Best Budget Vertical Climber: MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
This simple, compact vertical climber can be a great budget-friendly option for full-body training. The MaxiClimber classic also folds up neatly to just 3.02 square feet, which can be ideal for storing your equipment in less spacious environments.
Shop MaxiClimber
Specs
- Price: $299.00
- Max User Height: 6’2”
- Weight Capacity: 240lbs
- Resistance Levels: Depends on your body weight
- Product Dimensions: 35.82” L x 28.3” W x 86.52” H
Pros
- At less than $300, this is one of the most affordable vertical climbers we tested.
- This vertical climber folds down to a 3.02-square-foot footprint for more convenient storage.
- Our tester said assembly was quick and easy.
Cons
- The 240-pound weight limit is lower than other machines we tested.
- There are no added resistance levels, so you’re only training against your body weight.
- Athletes over 6’2” may find the range of motion to be too short for optimal exercise.
Purchasing gym equipment for your home is often a “get what you pay for” situation. Still, there are budget-friendly profiles like MaxiClimber Classic that offer a deal without sacrificing quality. At just $299, it’s one of the most wallet-conscious vertical climbers we’ve tested, yet its performance is right up there with the category’s most premium offerings.
This simple climber is a great pick for a wide array of athletes, especially those tight on space. The MaxiClimber Classic has a footprint of 7.04 square feet when in use and folds neatly to 3.02 square feet for more convenient storage. Plus, the entire profile weighs just 33 pounds, which can be great for taking your workouts into other rooms.
Our tester also appreciated the partially-assembled makeup of this vertical climber, stating that completing the build was a simple endeavor with only a few steps. Other vertical climbers can be challenging to build once they’ve arrived at your space, often requiring a helping hand or hours of build time.
The MaxiClimber Classic can also be a worthwhile pick for novice athletes, as there aren’t as many moving parts or pre-training settings to adjust. Your resistance depends on your body weight, and adjusting the height to your frame is as simple as clicking into your desired pinion hole. There’s also a discreet display at the center console which tracks your steps taken and potential calories burned during training.
It takes one look at the MaxiClimber Classic, though, to realize that it’s not the most substantial vertical climber on the market. The slim frame can support athletes up to 240 pounds in weight and 6’2” in height. These metrics may limit your workout potential if you fall outside of these ranges.
Additionally, if you want to add more challenging resistance to your workout, you’ll be left wanting more with this cardio machine. You’re only able to work against your body weight, so unless you pair your climbs with a weighted vest, expect the same experience day in and day out.
Best Premium Vertical Climber: CLMBR Connected 02
CLMBR Connected 02
CLMBR Connected 02
The CLMBR Connected 02 features adjustable handles for alternating grip positions, as well as a sturdy frame capable of holding up to 350 pounds. Additionally, there’s plenty of tech strewn across the profile, including an integrated app delivering on-demand classes, challenges, guides, and more.
Shop CLMBR
Specs
- Price: $3,995.00
- Max User Height: 7’
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Resistance Levels: 11
- Product Dimensions: 35” L x 32” W x 88” H
Pros
- This climber has premium features like a large 21.5-inch HD touchscreen for streaming.
- There’s an integrated app subscription that grants access to classes, on-demand guides, challenges and more.
- Our tester reports the machine is very sturdy, with no wobbles during use.
Cons
- The CLMBR Connected 02 is only covered under warranty for one year.
- Our tester said the foot pedals may be too small for larger-footed athletes.
- Some may not enjoy the $39 monthly subscription cost on top of the $3,995 machine.
Budget-friendly fitness equipment is nice, but there’s merit to splurging on feature-rich machines, too. In the vertical climber space, it’s tough to find a more premium silhouette than the CLMBR Connected 02. Not only does this unique profile boast adjustable handles for neutral, overhand, and underhand training, but there’s also an integrated 21.5-inch HD touchscreen display — the largest console we’ve found in the category.
The large screen can be ideal for streaming the brand’s library of online workouts, challenges, and trainer-led courses. Similar to other online workout programs, this app integration can be ideal for keeping your interest throughout your weekly training schedules.
Our tester also appreciated the trackable stats available with the CLMBR Connected 02, which include average tempo, distance traveled, average reach, average power, total time, average pace, average heart rate and calories burned. There’s also the opportunity to link your Bluetooth headphones, fitness tracker, or heart rate monitor before each workout. According to our tester, the machine gives you a prompt before training to see if you’d like to connect an extra device, which they viewed as a nice reminder.
The CLMBR Connected 02 is also built well and can support athletes up to 350 pounds. This indicates a sturdy frame, which we experienced in testing. Even while working out at higher intensities, our tester noted no wobbles or compromises to their balance. The one area that may be left unstable for some, though, is the foot pedals. While our tester’s women’s size 9 fit fine across these slats, they stated that they may be less accommodating for athletes with larger feet, like a men’s size 12 or above.
As impressive (and expensive) as this vertical climber is, though, we do want to point a few items out before you add this machine to your cart. For one, the app integration is not free and costs $39 monthly for the service, so be sure to account for this extra cost within your budget. Additionally, the CLMBR Connected 02 is only warrantied for one year, which we feel is on the shorter end of the spectrum, especially when the machine has an upfront cost of nearly $4,000.
Best Folding Vertical Climber: Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber
Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber
Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber
This compact vertical climber can fold up to a footprint measuring 3.13 square feet, which can be ideal for storage needs. Plus, the five available height adjustments can be excellent for creating a comfortable setup for athletes anywhere from 5’9” to 7’1”.
Shop Relife Rebuild Your Life
Specs
- Price: $399.99
- Max User Height: 7’1”
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
- Resistance Levels: N/A
- Product Dimensions: 37.5” L x 28” W x 85” H
Pros
- This vertical climber folds inward to a footprint of 3.13 square feet for convenient storage.
- The height can be adjusted to suit athletes between 5’9” and 7’1”.
- The 43-pound frame can be easy to transport from room to room.
Cons
- The foam grips can be difficult to grasp during sweaty workouts, according to our tester.
- There are no true resistance levels, as the difficulty is related to your height settings.
- Some may prefer a more tech-driven center console.
Vertical climbers can be great for athletes tight on space thanks to their smaller footprint than other cardio machines. That said, having a profile that can be stored easily when not in use can be useful when trying to make the most of your training area. The Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber folds easily for tucked-away keepings, taking up just 3.13 square feet of flooring when stored.
When in operation, the footprint expands to 7.25 square feet, which is still compact enough for most spaces. Plus, we also appreciate how lightweight this machine is at just 43 pounds, which allows you to tote and transport the climber from room to room without much strain.
Our tester also noted how accommodating this vertical climber is when taking your height into consideration. The setup can be adjusted to suit athletes from 5’9” all the way up to 7’1”. According to the brand, these height adjustments can also change the intensity of your training session, but it may be best to match your height to these toggles more often than not.
The Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical Climber also features a simplified display unit capable of tracking your time, step count, calories burned, and fat burned. It’s not the most involved console in this round-up, but we appreciate the inclusion as it provides some data-tracking capabilities.
Finally, our tester said that this vertical climber had a good sense of sturdiness to it while in use, which they attributed to the A-frame design of the legs. They did note, though, that the high-density foam across the handles can become slippery during sweat-riddled training sessions. So, it may be best to have a workout towel handy to help you maintain a worthwhile grip.
Best Vertical Climber for Beginners: MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
This simple, compact vertical climber can be a great budget-friendly option for full-body training. The MaxiClimber classic also folds up neatly to...
Click here to view the article.
