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Vertical Climber for Cardio

Original Post
Phil Sakievich · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2014 · Points: 131

Anyone ever used a vertical climber machine? Any thoughts/value?

I’d really like to improve my endurance and I also want to shed a few lbs. been dieting a bit but seems like I need to add some cardio to the mix. Not really expecting for this to make me a better climber by any means but don’t really want to do too much leg work through running and biking. 

Kevin Bradford · · Boise · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 228

Any aerobic exercise that you enjoy doing will benefit your cardiovascular system and help you shed a few pounds. If you find the climber machine fun and get motivated to use it, then I would encourage it. Myself, not so much. Keep in mind that if you are trying to improve your capacity to climb routes at your limit, you are talking about power endurance and local (forearm) endurance, which is a different thing all together. For endurance training, the important things to consider, in my humble opinion, are intensity and duration. If the workout is too intense and you find that you are gasping for air, you are using more of your anaerobic system and you will not burn fat as well, not will you be able to sustain it for a long enough duration to build up endurance. Newman and Goddard recommend on page 132 of ‘performance rock climbing’ to hold a conversational pace (65-75% of your max heart rate) for more than 35 minutes per session a few times per week for best results. 

Chris C · · Seattle, WA · Joined Mar 2016 · Points: 407

I've always liked the Versaclimber, good cardio. I haven't used one in a while though!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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