If you’ve ever seen people at the gym on the stair climbers and possibly been intimidated by the machine they are standing on; you aren’t alone! Regardless of the possible intimidation factor, climbing machines have many benefits! From strengthening the lower body and core, increasing coordination and balance, and improving cardiovascular endurance, climbing machines are powerhouse equipment that can get you on track to achieving your fitness goals in no time.
Both novice and elite athletes can utilize climbing machines. Current versions even allow you to keep your feet on the pedals (without actually taking a physical step) the whole time, which has less impact on your knee and hip joints. Other machines boast the ability for the arms to cycle back and forth during movement, giving your upper body the opportunity to be engaged too!
Because there are so many different types of climbers on the market today, it’s often difficult to narrow one down that can work for you and your fitness goals. So today, we’ll compare and contrast the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 and the Sole Cardio Climber, and then you can decide what’s best for you!
ProForm Pro HIIT H14
The Pro HIIT H14 from ProForm currently retails for $1,299. This price includes the machine and an iFit membership for the whole family! This membership is good for 30 days from purchase (and then retails for $39 a month afterward).
Within the iFit community, you’ll have access to online and streaming workouts at any time of day – perfect for the early bird exercisers and night owls alike. With activities ranging from interval training and strength to yoga and meditation, you’re sure to find exercises that can fit your health goals.
These interactive training sessions can be viewed on a 14” high definition touchscreen. At the same time, you can listen to your virtual trainers with the dual Bluetooth speakers. This elliptical-style climber has a stride of 10” vertical and 5” horizontal, while providing 26 levels of resistance. With multifunctional handlebars and cushioned pedals to let you climb in comfort, the Pro HIIT H14 can support users up to 325 pounds.
Sole Cardio Climber
The CC81 Cardio Climber from Sole currently retails for $1,399.99 (on sale). There are multiple levels of cost in correlation with this climber, and the different prices all relate to the membership to Studio (which can be broken down annually or monthly, or you can purchase the climber by itself).
The Studio membership allows you to access multiple workouts to help you reach your goals and join a like-minded community and corresponding competitions. This membership can be viewed on your iPhone or tablet, which can fit in the holder of the climbing machine.
This climber combines just that – climbing and stepping! The handles can be adjusted, as is the knob that controls resistance, while the foot pedals are designed in such a way as to take pressure off of the knee and ankle joints. The Sole CC81 Cardio Climber has a weight capacity of 400 pounds.
The Bottom Line
Both pieces of equipment are high-quality machines offering an immersive experience. Many people love the iFit community, so Proform will be the only way to go. And you can’t go wrong with that–especially with the reasonable price point!
