Climb Over Fitness Plateaus

“Which cardio machine burns the most fat?” It’s a personal trainer’s least favorite question because there’s no right answer. Still, research suggests there may be a winner in the fat-burning sweepstakes after all, and surprise: It’s the vertical climber (of which VersaClimber is the leading brand). Yes, that odd-looking contraption in the corner of your gym that resembles the Leaning Tower of Pisa may be the most underrated and effective tool yet for getting lean. A Washington State U. study found that subjects’ maximal heart rates were jacked up higher when doing VersaClimber intervals than when running intervals on a treadmill, and their VO2 max—a measure of how fast the body consumes oxygen, which correlates with calories burned—was “significantly greater” when climbing than when training on a treadmill or a rowing machine.

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“The VersaClimber burns more calories than anything else out there,” says Jason Walsh, C.S.C.S., a trainer who teaches cardio classes exclusively with the VersaClimber, dubbed Rise Nation, in L.A. “I’d estimate between 600–800 for a 30-minute session.”

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The body position, at a 75-degree tilt as opposed to seated on a rower or exercise bike is rare among cardio machines; the vertical climber also offers no impact, which relieves the joints. As a result, “it allows greater range of motion, utilizing push-and-pull movements that work the shoulders, torso, hips, and legs,” says Walsh.

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“Sure,” you say. “But can’t the same be said for the elliptical?” Not quite. The vertical climber has no speed limit; the handles and pedals move as fast as you’re able to push, allowing for greater progression and variance in workout intensity. And adjusting your speed down doesn’t have the lag time associated with other machines like a treadmill, on which you hit the down button and five seconds later it slows its pace.

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And therein lies the true magic of the vertical climber: not just its ability to burn calories, but its potential to keep you interested in burning them—safely—workout after workout, until you see results.

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Sample Vertical Climber Workout