Sunday, September 15th
2024 Stair Climber Reviews
MaxiClimber
- MaxiClimber XL 2000: $299
- MaxiClimber Classic: $149
- Smallest footprint
- Foldable
- 90% pre-assembled
- Free MaxiClimber Fitness App
MaxiClimber is a vertical stair climbing system that combines weight resistance, muscle toning, and aerobic exercise in one, foldable, easy-to-move-around stair climbing system. There are two models to choose from, and both are quite compact.
Total body workout
With MaxiClimber, you'll get a good workout for your arms, legs, and core. With some steppers, you can get a good "legs day,” but on MaxiClimber, you'll always work the whole body, increasing caloric burn while toning muscles. Your body weight is the resistance.
Good HIIT training, easy on the joints
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is all the talk these days, allowing you to continue to burn calories even after your workout session. HIIT can be done on the MaxiClimber and your body can benefit.
Two inexpensive models
There are two models, each with different features. Both are about the same size, and we'd caution against using it in a home with 8-foot ceilings. And only one will only hold people with a smaller stature:
- MaxiClimber XL 2000, priced at $399, has an adjustable height. Unfolded, it's at 7.74' and folded it's at 6'. The unfolded footprint is 26.78” wide by 41.33” long. When folded, it's 15.7” wide by 25.78” long. This machine can carry the larger user who weighs up to 300# and is no taller than 6' 6” tall. This machine has two pistons with 12 resistance levels.
- MaxiClimber Classic, priced at $149, also has an adjustable height. Unfolded it's at 7.21' and folded it's at 5.5'. The unfolded footprint is 28.3” wide by 35.82” long. It takes up about half the width and length when it's folded. It's the smallest stair climber we've reviewed, and this model is not ideal for tall or heavy people. The user must be 6' 2” or shorter and weigh less than 240#. This machine only works with your body weight; it doesn't have a certain number of resistance levels to help.
Free MaxiClimber Fitness app
You can download MaxiClimber's free app. There's a 21-day challenge, a meal plan, and you can track your fitness progress.
No tablet, no screen
You can download the free app, sure, but on what? You'll need to provide the screen - your own tablet or phone.
Optional protective mat
For $49.95 you can place a protective mat underneath your MaxiClimber to protect your flooring. It's the least expensive one we've seen out there; the MaxiClimber is also the lightest stair climber we've seen as well, so that makes sense.
Optional waist trimmer belt
It's a one-size-fits-most belt to help you retain the heat around your core while exercising. While supporting the lower back, it stays in place during your activity, promoting weight loss and stimulating water loss during your workout.
Monthly payment plan
You can finance the purchase of your MaxiClimber stair climber with interest-free payments. If you make each payment on time, there won't be a negative impact on your credit.
30-day guarantee - sort of
Your satisfaction guarantee starts the day of purchase, not the date you receive your product. This is curious since the order will take 1-2 weeks to process before it's shipped to you. How many days you'll actually have to use it during the guarantee period is a very good question, and we can assure you that you certainly do not get 30 days to try it. And you pay for return shipping.
Free delivery
If your MaxiClimber purchase is over $150, which applies to both stair climbers on offer, they offer free shipping. Free shipping is rare in stair climber purchases, so points to MaxiClimber.
1-year warranty included
Your MaxiClimber will be covered for a year for repairs or replacement. They will provide tools for repairs or may replace your MaxiClimber if they can't repair it.
Optional 1- or 2-year extended warranty
After your 1-year manufacturer's warranty is over, your purchased warranty starts. This zero-deductible warranty covers the parts necessary for repair or full replacement if they can't repair your home-use machine. Remember to purchase the extended warranty ($49 or $67) either at the time of purchase of your stair climber or within 30 days of purchase.
People love some of the features
Consumers like that the MaxiClimber is a smaller machine with a smaller footprint in the home. People like that it's easy to assemble and comes with a holder for a mobile device so you can use the app during your workout. They don't like that customer service can be challenging to reach, and some have complained that their MaxiClimber broke within days or weeks of use. They also would like to see more varying resistance, especially on the Classic model.
Affordable but limited
Especially if you're a beginner stair climber or don't have a lot of room in your house for a clunky machine, consider either of the MaxiClimber models. They're the smallest and least expensive of the stair climbers we recommend, and they're also the easiest to assemble. If you're more experienced, looking for a sturdier machine, want more features, want more resistance levels, are heavy or tall... and you're willing to spend a couple of thousand dollars more, we recommend looking at the more highly-rated machines in that category instead.
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Stair climbers, often known as "stair steppers,” have been around fitness centers for about 40 years. They're a refreshing change to the treadmill and exercise bike, and offer an intense workout. Depending on factors such as your fitness level, age, weight, and chosen resistance level, you could burn an impressive 500 calories in about half an hour on a stair climber.
There are a variety of reasons why stair climbers are so popular. For example, stair climbers are renowned for their effectiveness in calorie burning and weight loss. The rhythmic movement engages major muscle groups such as the legs, glutes, and core, leading to an efficient way to burn calories. This makes stair climbing an attractive option for individuals aiming to shed excess weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Stair Climber FAQ
Continued from above...
Another reason why stair climbers are popular is their efficiency in providing a cardiovascular workout. The repetitive motion of climbing stairs elevates the heart rate, enhancing blood circulation and promoting cardiovascular fitness. This aerobic exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and lungs, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and improving overall endurance. Stair climbers offer an alternative to high-impact cardiovascular activities like running, making them accessible to a broader demographic, including individuals with joint issues or those seeking a gentler form of exercise.
The low-impact nature of stair climbing is another key factor contributing to its popularity. Unlike high-impact exercises that can put stress on the joints and increase the risk of injury, stair climbing provides a challenging workout with minimal impact. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals with joint concerns, older adults, or those recovering from injuries who still want to engage in effective exercise without compromising their joint health.
Are you wondering which stair climber or stepper suits you best? There are a few styles available. There's a "stair mill” where you literally climb stairs that resemble a rotating staircase like an escalator at the mall. The intensity of the workout is determined by the speed you choose. These machines are the heaviest yet sturdiest of the stair climbers, and although they can take up more space in your room, they offer pretty intense workouts, just like the stair climbers in the gym.
Another form is the stair stepper. You'll push up and down against foot pedals, and the workout intensifies when you increase the resistance. Some of this type have handles so you can work your arms and upper body as well.
A third type to consider, especially if you have shorter ceilings in your home, is the recumbent, or seated stair stepper. You'll get your great full-body stepper workout, but your head won't approach the ceiling since you're seated.
Which stair climber is the right one for you? Since there are many options to consider, it can feel overwhelming. Here are some factors to keep in mind as you begin to shop. Before you know it, you'll find the stair climber that's best not only for you, but for the space in your home.
- Price. How much are you willing to spend for the stair stepper and any accessories such as the console for tracking your fitness and viewing any classes, or the floor mat to go underneath the machine? Also consider any apps for online subscriptions for classes to participate in while you're working on your step climber. And are the apps free or will you pay a monthly subscription for stepper classes?
- Available space. Where do you plan to place your stair climber? The traditional gym-like machinery will take up more floor space and require a higher ceiling. The stepper versions take up the least amount of floor space. The recumbent style isn't affected by the ceiling space, or lack thereof.
- Fitness goals. Consider if you are new to stair climbing or if you're the gym rat who wants to bring that intensity home. Certain stair climbers are ready for the challenge, and others are built more for a light workout only.
- Return policy. What if the machine doesn't fit in your space, if it's too noisy, or you just don't like it? Check to see if there's a satisfaction guarantee. If so, are you responsible for return shipping? And is there a restocking fee? If so, how much would you actually get back if you returned it?
- Reputation. What do users say about the stair climber? Is it durable? Was it easy to assemble? Are they still motivated to use it, even months later? If they interacted with customer service, was the department helpful?
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the top stair climbers on the market today. We're confident that this information will help you to narrow down the options so you can find the perfect stair climber for your home gym and your stair climbing workout.
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