There is an endless choice of equipment for cardio training. Everything ranging from rowing machines, cross trainers, steppers, and a host of others are available for your choosing. Of late, there has been a machine receiving countless attention, owing to its reported ability to improve cardio fitness, muscle tone, and strength levels. This machine is referred to as a Maxi Climber.
Not much is known about it, except for the ads on TV. So, in today’s post, I will be highlighting on everything you need to know about the Maxi, including a comparison between it and some of the available vertical climber alternatives.
Contents
What is Maxi Climber?
The Maxi Climber is a vertical climber that you can use for muscle toning, burning of fat, sculpturing your body, and losing weight. It is affordable and can be installed in your home so that you work out at your own privacy and comfort.
This training equipment simulates the climbing actions of rock climbers, thus engaging all the major muscle groups used in climbing. Consequently, users get a whole body workout, from the head to the toes.
As a fitness device, it accommodates virtually all age groups as well as fitness levels. You can opt to walk, jog, run, or even sprint in a vertical direction, by altering the speeds and lengths of the strides you make. Because of the working principle of climbing against the resistance of both your body and gravity, the manufacturer claims that it probably burns more calories than both treadmills and exercise bikes.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Maxi Climber
Benefits of Maxi Climber
- Comes with five adjustable heights for different fitness goals and user heights
- Fitted with an automatic timer
- Bio X technology allows for the special exercising modes
- Ergonomically designed, thus not strenuous on joints
- Collapsible design is great for limited space
- Versatile enough to target specific muscle groups
- Burns more calories than treadmills for the same amount of time
- Ideal for those rehabilitating from illnesses and injuries
- Great non-slip handles
- Produces moderate noise
Drawbacks of the Maxi Climber
- The head clearance is quite short
- It wobbles about at times
- You cannot increase resistance levels
- The fitted console is poorly designed to provide feedback
- Can potentially strain your heart
- The probability of pulling muscles, spraining, or dislocations are high
Who Could Use It?
In plain language, the Maxi Climber is designed in such a way that it can be used by anyone looking to get in shape and stay in shape. You also have to weigh a maximum of 240 pounds (110kg) to be able to comfortably use a Maxi Climber. It is that simple. On a broader perspective, getting fit entails various accompanying aspects.
There is weight loss, building strength, and any other aspect that may be in between. Classified as a High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) equipment, it is a great training tool for those with busy schedules, but still, find time to maintain their fitness.
Typically, HIIT incorporates intense workouts performed for short periods of time, and then a less intense and faster recovery period follows thereafter. These workouts are done for an average of between 10 and 30 minutes. 30 minutes is usually the maximum permissible time.
Therefore, if you are looking to lose weight by increasing the rate of fat metabolism, then having a Maxi Climber could be a good idea. Secondly, Maxi Climber is meant for people intending to gain muscles, especially those around the legs and trunk areas of your body.
Thirdly, HIIT training increases the rate of production of human growth hormone. As a result, the aging process slows down, making you appear younger.
Maxi Climber Review: The Element Makes It Great
It is not by chance that the Maxi Climber is one of the popular choices for a vertical climber. An ergonomic design that’s both comfortable to use and compact for small sized homes are some of the great features you will love about this training equipment.
First up, I think to understand just how great the Maxi is, you need to take a keen look at how it functions. As I had stated earlier, Maxi Climber is a great option for daily fitness routines within a very short period of time.
Your body is then allowed to recuperate for as long as possible after a workout. In this way, the Maxi becomes a low-impact exercising machine, alleviating the risks of excessive strain on your joints and muscles.
The small amount of space required too is also another great feature. You don’t have to worry about having around bulky equipment that takes too much space. When you are done, you can fold it right back, and store it either in the garage, in the closet, or under the bed.
By using your own body as the only resistance medium, you get an effective workout regime. However, you require lots of ceiling room to adequately engage your back and biceps muscles.
And did I mention the price? Well, it is priced relatively low when compared with most of the vertical climbers currently available in the market. It will cost you less than $250, which to me, feels like good value for your money if you consider the types of workouts and advantages it comes with.
Compare Maxi Climber
Maxi Climber Vs Versa Climber
Based on a functionality basis, the Maxi Climber and Versa Climber are almost similar. Both are vertical climbers, meaning that there are so many things that are somehow similar. They incorporate a combination of stepping and climbing motion.
However, this does not mean they don’t have their differences either. For example, the Versa Climber is costlier than the Maxi. The former is about 20 times more expensive but wins feature-wise in a number of categories.
First, the Versa has a base fitted with a flat plate and a wide body. As a result, it is more stable than the Maxi that’s wobbly on occasions. Secondly, the Versa is heavier, further decreasing the risks of tipping over. Thirdly, there is a huge difference in terms of quality between the two. The Versa uses more sturdy materials, and its bearings are more resistant to wear than those on the Maxi Climber.
Lastly, it is easier for a user to get on or off the Versa. What makes this a possibility is the inclusion of full-length handles that go all the way to the top and the base. The Maxi has its pros, where it beats the Versa. First is the significant price difference. A Maxi Climber is way cheaper than the Versa.
Since it is made of light materials, you have an easier task of moving the Maxi around. Apart from portability, the Maxi also wins when it comes to ease of storability. It folds up quick, easy, and neatly than the Versa.
Compare Maxi Climber
Maxi Climber Vs Conquer Climber
Another common vertical climber is the Conquer Climber. It is the most affordable of the three, but with a host of setbacks brought about by the low cost. While both the Maxi and the Conquer function virtually in the same way, the latter is not so durable.
User reviews indicate that the Conquer frame might fall apart mid-workout, in case your movements are too intense. Despite the fact these two fold up the same, the Conquer is way heavier and bulky. Thus, it doesn’t store up nicely as you would wish.
If you use the Conquer correctly and carefully, it does provide a cheaper alternative to the Maxi and Versa. However, in my opinion, you are better off and safer with either the Versa or the Maxi.
Experience When Using Maxi Climber
Whenever you are buying any fitness gear, the first question you need to ask is whether the gear actually works. In my two weeks of working out on the Maxi Climber, I think it is a great one for those pressed up for time.
After using it for about two weeks (I must admit I wasn’t so diligent with the routine), I shed about 5 pounds, my muscles started bulking up, and body strengthened.
Naturally, you shouldn’t rely on the Maxi to realize the best workout results. Part of the process entails having a sensible diet and being diligent with the routine. If you still cannot draft one on your own, the Maxi comes with a DVD as well as a workout plan schedule. An accompanying fitness app comes in handy too.
Conclusion
The bottom line is; the Maxi is a great option for a vertical climber that you may consider. Apart from being reasonably priced, it is sturdy, compact, portable, easy to use, adjustable to various user heights, and fitness levels.
Like in all the other purchases, it is only you who makes the final decision on whether to buy or not. I hope the information I have provided you within this article has helped you make a better decision on the fitness gear to buy.