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MaxiClimber

Summary

The MaxiClimber is a vertical climber exercise machine that combines weight resistance and aerobic exercise to deliver a full-body muscle toning workout. The available research supports the benefits of performing aerobic and weight resistance exercises. However, the proposed benefits are likely to be achieved with any exercise machine.

Pros

  • Appropriate exercise equipment to promote aerobic exercise capacity
  • Studies link the benefits of aerobic exercise and health
  • MaxiClimber XL-2000 comes with 12 levels of resistance.

Cons

  • There are more cost-effective alternatives that deliver the same benefits
  • The Classic Version does not provide user access to weight resistance as the XL-2000 version

MaxiClimber Review - How Effective Is It?

By Rocklend Davis, Ph. D.

Published on: Sep 15, 2020

What is MaxiClimber?

The MaxiClimber is a vertical climber cardiovascular device that utilizes weight resistance, muscle toning, and aerobic exercise to deliver a full-body workout in your own home's comfort.

The MaxiClimber imitates rock climbing that is alleged to help you burn calories while strengthening and toning your muscles.

The MaxiClimber comes in two versions, the Classic and the MaxiClimber XL-2000, with some key differences.

This article will review the available literature to determine if the science backs the proposed benefits of exercising on the MaxiClimber.

How Do I Use the MaxiClimber?

As a stationary vertical climber, the user will primarily use their arms and legs to move the pedals and handles in an upward motion.

When using the MaxiClimber, it is important to maintain an upright posture parallel to the MaxiClimber with your arms half extended.

You definitely will want to avoid leaning back while holding on the exerciser as it may become unstable.

Proposed Benefits of the MaxiClimber

The MaxiClimber is alleged to promote increased aerobic exercise capacity, muscle toning, and provides resistance training. We’ve broken down the three areas below.

Improve Aerobic Exercise Capacity

Aerobic exercise is an activity that requires oxygen to meet the demands needed by the body during exercise.

The aerobic exercise performance is measured by maximal oxygen consumption (Vo2max), which is used as an index to measure cardiorespiratory function or aerobic fitness.

Cardiorespiratory function is the ability for your heart and lungs to deliver oxygen and blood to your body more efficiently.

Findings from a clinical trial indicate that when progressively performing a whole-body climbing exercise, there was a greater amount of oxygen consumed than graded treadmill running or progressive rowing.

The benefits of performing aerobic exercise on the MaxiClimber are that it will help maintain cardiorespiratory fitness levels.

Aerobic exercise is recommended to be performed five times a week at moderate intensity for 30 minutes.

An eight-week study of patients with type 2 diabetes had improved fasting blood sugar levels, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and quality of life with aerobic exercise training done three times per week.

The participants of the study were required to perform aerobic exercise at 50%-75% of their maximum heart rate.

This suggests that aerobic exercise performed at moderate percentages was not only effective in achieving health benefits but also safe as there were no reported adverse effects.

Weight Resistance to Improve Muscle Toning

The performance of resistance training or using weight resistance is to enhance muscle function.

Additional benefits of resistance training will also facilitate the development of muscle.

Weight resistance or the performance of resistance training may lead to the improved functioning of your core muscles and providing stability to the muscles that support your spine.

Progressive resistance training was found to decrease pain intensity in individuals with chronic low back pain in a review of studies.

A review of the literature was able to confirm that resistance training was effective in improving muscle strength and muscle development, even in the healthy older adult population.

Further, it is suggested that resistance training frequency of three sessions per week with a training volume of two to three sets per exercise.

Even low loads of resistance were found to promote substantial muscle strength increases and led to improved muscle size in untrained individuals.

However, these resistance training principles have not been fully adapted to the vertical climbing machines, such as the MaxiClimber.

What Is the Cost?

There are two versions of the MaxiClimber available on their website, the MaxiClimber Classic and the MaxiClimber XL.

The Classic version: $179 with free shipping

  • Weight limit of 240 lbs.
  • Adjustable user height of up to 6’2”
  • Digital Steps and Calorie Counter
  • Meal plan
  • 90% pre-assembled

The XL-2000 version: $349 with free shipping

  • Bi-Directional Hydraulic Piston with 12 levels of resistance
  • 300 lbs. weight limit and adjustable height up to 6′6″
  • Includes MaxiClimber Fitness App
  • 90% pre-assembled

The purchase of a MaxiClimber comes backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To begin the refund or exchange process, you will need to contact customer service at (888) 433 9083 or customerservice@maxiclimber.com.

The Bottom Line: Is the MaxiClimber Worth It?

The MaxiClimber is a vertical climber that will provide aerobic exercise to support cardiorespiratory benefits. However, the XL-2000 version features 12 levels of resistance.

Meaning, if you are expecting to receive benefits or want to work with progressive resistance, you will have to pay almost double the cost of the Classic version.

The MaxiClimber Classic may still be a suitable machine for beginners or those already performing a resistance training program through the recommended suggestion.

With the MaxiClimber being delivered to your door that is approximately 90% assembled, you can quickly begin to exercise.

Aerobic exercise and weight resistance training is highly recommended, as increased physical inactivity can be detrimental to your overall health.

While the available literature provides support regarding the use of aerobic and resistance training to promote specific cardiorespiratory and muscular adaptations, the type of equipment used in the literature varied significantly.

This shows the versatility and applicability of aerobic and resistance training principles with exercise equipment like the MaxiClimber.

It is of best interest to consult with your doctor regarding if it is okay to increase your levels of physical activity.

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