In this modern world, technological innovation has made it quite easy for us to slip into a sedentary lifestyle with minimal physical activity. With almost everything just a click or a phone call away, it’s becoming more tempting to stay glued to your chair all day long. This has led to a spike in the incidence of lifestyle-related disorders such as diabetes, obesity and ischemic heart disease. In fact, heart disease is now the leading cause of death in the United States, killing more people each year than all types of cancer combined.
This alarming trend has led to an increased awareness of a healthy lifestyle, which includes more exercise and better eating habits. Because of how hectic life can be, more people are now leaning towards home workouts instead of outdoor activities as they are easier to commit to. When we hear the words “at home exercise equipment” the first thing that comes to mind is the all-time famous treadmill. Recently, however, climbing machines are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and their incredible calorie-burning ability.
What are climbing machines?
Climbing machines are simply machines that help your body mimic the act of climbing, which is defined by Merriam Webster as “to go upward or raise oneself especially by grasping or clutching with the hands”. This machine challenges your body as if you’re going up a mountain or a cliff from the comfort of your own home.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_machine#Climbing_machines
Benefits of climbing machines
If you’re looking for a workout that combines cardio, strength training, and coordination, then you should invest in a vertical climber. These machines can give you an intense total body workout in a short amount of time. Here are some of their benefits:
1. An efficient way to lose weight
Most of us have a very busy lifestyle, and one of the commonest excuses we give for not exercising is “I just can’t find the time to work out”. With climbing machines though, this is not a problem. In just 30 minutes, you can burn anywhere between 300 to 800 calories. Think about it, 30 minutes to improve your overall health and lose weight? Not bad at all!
2. Targets all your muscle groups
Let’s face it, no matter how enthusiastic and motivated you are about working out, you will sometimes have “off days” where you just don’t feel like using 5 different machines to target your different muscle groups. This is where vertical climbers come in handy, as they can target your upper body, core, and lower body all at once. Because you’re engaging almost all of your muscles, this machine incredibly boosts your metabolism, which is the holy grail of weight loss.
3. Beginner-friendly
One of the greatest features of climbing machines is their adjustability. You can tailor your workout to your fitness level, and decide how difficult you want it to be. If you’re a beginner, you may find yourself discouraged or even scared to commit to a workout plan because you think it will be too hard. However, you can start at your own pace, and increase the intensity level as your body grows stronger and you become more comfortable with exercising. Don’t feel pressured to rush into it though, as this can lead to injuries and hinder your plans for a long time. Remember, consistency is the key to build endurance and get the results that you’re after.
4. Easy on the joints
If you suffer from joint disease or chronic back pain, climbing machines are a great option to consider. Even though these machines can give you a challenging workout to torch calories, they can also be adjusted to work your muscles and get your heart pumping without putting too much pressure on your joints. It’s also worth mentioning that exercise is a great way to slow the progression of joint disease and even alleviate pain in some patients. Keep in mind that each case is different, and always consult with your doctor before starting a workout program to make sure it’s suitable for your condition.
5. They can be used from the comfort of your own home
There are many reasons why a growing number of people prefer working out at home instead of going to the gym. Some people aren’t comfortable exercising in front of an audience, and would rather have privacy during their workout. Others just don’t feel like commuting to the gym after a long day at work. If you’re one of those people, then a climbing machine can be the newest addition to your home.
There’s a wide array of climbing machines, and a lot of them are compact enough to be stored in your living room. Most of them are designed to be easy to assemble and easy to fold and store. They’re also fairly quiet, so you can use them without worrying about disturbing the neighbours if you live in an apartment.
6. Fun exercise for people who get bored easily
If you often find yourself bored 10 minutes into a workout, then this might be the machine for you. Unlike treadmills and stationary bikes, vertical climbers offer a new form of exercise that we don’t usually incorporate into our daily lives. Most of us walk or cycle on our way to work, but we don’t usually run into cliffs or mountains to climb. Not only that, but climbers can also be used while watching TV or listening to your favourite music to pass time. You can even invest in multiple climbers and turn it into a fun yet useful activity for spending quality time with your family.
Final Thoughts
Regular exercise can turn your life around. Not only does it decrease your overall risk of multiple chronic diseases, but it also has a positive impact on your mental health. It can elevate your mood, improve your quality of sleep, and help you deal with stress. It’s also crucial for controlling your weight and toning your body.
If you’ve lost track and want to get back to exercising, or if you’re bored with your workout routine and want to change things up a bit, you should try a climbing machine. No matter how out of shape you think you are, these machines are relatively easy to use and you will see satisfactory results in a relatively short period.