Guys are always on the hunt for the fastest way to torch fat and get lean, preferably without living in the gym. When your calendar’s slammed, nobody’s itching to grind out an hour on the treadmill. That’s why HIIT workouts, a few brutal minutes on the Assault Bike, or a 20-minute VersaClimber session have become go-to moves—short, savage, and calorie-incinerating.
The problem? Most commercial gyms don’t stock a VersaClimber, and dropping one in your home gym can feel like a big commitment. So the question becomes: Is it really worth it?
To find out, VersaClimber let me take one of their machines for a 30-day test drive. I couldn’t say no, and by the end, I knew exactly how tough (and effective) this piece of equipment really is.
Breaking Down the VersaClimber
The VersaClimber is a vertical exercise machine that is designed to help users achieve an aerobic workout by incorporating a full-body movement pattern. The alternating arm and leg action, combined with the chosen resistance, helps users burn calories faster than they may on a more traditional piece of cardio equipment like a treadmill or stationary bike. The VersaClimber will also train the legs, glutes, core, back, shoulders, and arms, which can help the user feel as if they also performed a muscle-building workout.
VersaClimber offers several models, but the exact model that was used for this 30-day program is the TS-Magnetic. This machine offers 11 levels of magnetic resistance and comes with an Android-powered tablet screen. The tablet shows the time, distance climbed, calories burned, and heart rate (if you have a heart rate monitor to attach). There are also programs and courses you can take if you sign up for their Virtual Training membership.
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What to Know Before You Buy
If you consider getting a VersaClimber, double-check your ceiling heights and make sure you have the space for it. According to the TS-Magnetic’s manual, the unit stands seven feet, 10 inches tall. I measured my ceiling to be a little over eight feet, but the unit was still too tall for the space I designated for it. So, we moved it to my garage. Make sure you have at least 12 inches of clearance for the machine if you purchase your own.
Assembly took roughly 90 minutes and required two people. Don’t try to put this together on your own. You should also assemble it where you intend to use it to save time and effort carrying it. Make sure that the space is close to a plug so the cord doesn’t have to run across your room.
The 30-Day Summary
When I first used the TS-Magnetic, I could barely go five minutes on the lowest resistance without having to stop for a break. Even though I knew what the workout was going to take, it was still a surprise how intense and challenging it got so quickly.
Despite the courses and programs offered through their virtual service, I opted to stick to the basic manual workouts because I wanted to gauge my own progress. My goal was to reach 20 minutes of continued work and to move up from the Level 0 Resistance.
I used the VersaClimber three times a week, starting out, but moved up to four after the second week. Once I got used to the pattern and understood the physical challenge, I improved gradually and consistently.
What Changed After 30 Days
On the last day of my 30-day program, I managed to complete a 20-minute session on Level 2 resistance, and my level score was over 2000 feet, a far cry from the 424 I managed on my first go. I also burned over 400 calories, which comes out to 20 per minute. Most cardio machines require you to go as fast as possible on higher levels of resistance to achieve those kinds of numbers.
My goal was to improve overall endurance and perhaps lose weight. I dropped six pounds on the scale over the course of the 30 days without any change in my nutrition or other training programming. The only major difference was the addition of the VersaClimber training.
My overall endurance improved as well, and not just on the VersaClimber. The improvement transferred to my weekly running sessions. My time on my usual 5K HIIT runs/walks improved by over three minutes. On a side note, I’m also now a little better at pullups, a benefit I did not count on.
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The Final Verdict
If your gym has access to a VersaClimber and you haven’t used it yet, consider this your incentive to give it a go. Beginners may need to take a slow approach to incorporating it into their routine, but I feel all athletes could benefit from adding this to their cardio rotation. If your gym doesn’t have one, suggest it to the gym manager because it’s a very versatile machine that could serve members well.
Home gym enthusiasts may be hesitant to invest in a VersaClimber for their own use, but they have several options to choose from. If fitness is a big priority and the budget allows it, it’s worth considering.
Why You Should Trust Me
I’m a Master’s Over-40 powerlifter and certified personal trainer with 25 years of training experience. Over the years, I’ve competed in 5Ks and 10Ks, tested countless training programs, and dabbled in everything from bodybuilding and strongman to functional fitness—and most recently, Pilates. I wouldn’t call myself an elite athlete, but I like to think I’m in pretty decent shape for a mid-40s father of two.
Climbing 101: Smart Tips for Beginners
Warm Up Properly
Warming up properly before getting on the VersaClimber is definitely a good idea. Take a brief walk or stretch, and begin with low resistance and slow speed to prepare your joints and tendons. If you jump right on and go, your session might be less effective and your risk of injury skyrockets.
Use Handles or Pedals Alone
The VersaClimber is designed to provide a full-body workout, but you can use either the upper body handles or foot pedals on their own if you choose to or feel you need to take a break without stopping. Swimmers like to use this option to help them prepare for meets. VersaClimber shared a 20-minute swim-focused workout that called for 80 percent of the session to be upper body only.
Set Incremental Goals
I didn’t start at five minutes and immediately plan to do 20. I made it a goal to improve by at least one minute each time I trained so I could consistently improve. Some days I managed to go up by two minutes, and there was one day I didn’t improve at all. The bite-sized goals helped me get better so I could reach my personal goal of reaching 20 minutes by the end of my testing.
Choose Resistance Based on the Goal
If strength is a priority for you, then you should consider going with higher levels of resistance. If you want to burn extra calories and improve endurance, opt for a lighter resistance and more speed for the majority of the workout, but don’t be afraid to occasionally push yourself with more resistance.
