The Complete CLMBR Connected 02 Review

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Deciding what type of cardio machine to buy for your home gym can be difficult. High-quality fitness equipment can be expensive and bulky, so most people have to make choices about what cardio equipment will be best for their at-home workouts from economical, space, enjoyment and effectiveness perspectives. Although treadmills, exercise bikes and elliptical trainers dominate the market for home gym exercise equipment, the CLMBR can be a great compact alternative for users seeking a high-intensity but low-impact workout. It features a unique vertical climbing motion, combining cardio and strength training exercise into one movement. Because the handles and pedals both move, the CLMBR also provides a full-body workout.

In this CLMBR review, we will cover the features of the machine, the pros and cons of the CLMBR, how the CLMBR works, customer reviews and important factors to consider before purchasing a CLMBR.

CLMBR Key Features and Specs

• Dimensions: 35 inches wide (side to side) x 32 inches deep (front to back) x 88 inches high (top to bottom). Requires ceiling height of eight feet
• Footprint: 35 inches x 32 inches
• Machine weight: 180 pounds
• Max user weight: 350 pounds
• Step length: 20 inches
• Resistance: 11 levels of magnetic resistance
• Price: CLMBR Connected 02 Base is $2,795; CLMBR Connected 02 Plus is $3,195
• Display: 10.5-inch Touch Screen Display on Base CLMBR or 21.5-inch Touch Display on Plus CLMBR upgrade
• Subscription required? A subscription is not required for manual use, but is required for classes
• Subscription pricing: Connected membership is $40/month for premium subscription and $10/month for metrics only. Base bundle comes with free 30-day premium subscription and Plus bundle includes 12 months of premium membership
• Types of workouts offered: Hundreds of on-demand low-impact, high-intensity workouts ranging from 15-45 minutes led by instructors available with subscription
• Warranty: One year

What is the CLMBR Machine?

The CLMBR Machine, also called the CLMBR Connected 02, or the CLMBR02, is a vertical climbing cardio machine designed for home use. It features a robust frame with dual uprights, movable handles and foot pedals and a console that displays metrics and can be used to stream instructor-led classes with the purchase of a subscription plan. There are 11 levels of magnetic resistance, and workouts are designed to be high-intensity but low impact to maximize calorie burn without causing excessive joint stress.

Working Out With CLMBR

One of the primary benefits of the CLMBR is that the unique movement pattern provides a high-intensity, total body low-impact workout.

The actual workout experience will vary depending on whether you subscribe to the Experience Membership and choose to follow instructor-led workout classes, or if you have just the metrics or base plan in which you only access free climbs.

With the premium membership, you have access to over 500 on-demand video workouts, that range in length from five to 45 minutes, in difficulty level from beginner to advanced, in muscles worked and in style and training goal. Some streamable workouts involve performing exercises on the machine, or on the floor.

If you subscribe to the premium membership, you can sort and select workouts based on your fitness level. Beginner workouts help build the foundation for proper form and technique as you start to get comfortable using the CLMBR machine. Intermediate classes dial things up a notch with more challenging climbs that will build upon the foundation built with the Beginner classes to help you progress your fitness. Finally, the Advanced workouts are designed for fit and experienced individuals who are ready for longer intervals, longer workouts (20-45 minutes) and more challenging combinations of resistance and speed.

The classes are led by instructors or personal trainers known as “guides.” During a class, the guide will provide a range for both your target reach and cadence (climbing tempo). The reach refers to the range of motion or distance that you move the pedals and handles as you climb. The console screen will display your range in inches as you climb, along with your estimated calories burned, power in watts, tempo in steps per minute, distance in vertical feet climbed and resistance level.

The classes have invigorating music, and some classes have music with certain genres in case you have a preference. During a class, you can adjust the relative volume to hear either more of the music or more of the trainer, or an equal balance. One nice feature is that before you select a class, you can read a quick overview about what to expect and view a diagram that shows the body muscles that will be targeted in the workout.

Unlike Peloton classes, there is no leaderboard to compete against other CLMBR members and there are no live classes as of publish time. However, there are races where you can compete against other members over a given distance or amount of time.

When you are using the CLMBR, you alternate stepping up and down on the foot pedals while simultaneously reaching up with each arm in a reciprocal pattern, unless you are only targeting the lower body. This movement pattern replicates vertical climbing, as if scaling a rocky cliff or endless ladder.

The height of the handles can be adjusted in one inch increments to comfortably accommodate users of differing heights, and there are three grip positions to choose from based on the muscles you want to work. In addition to the movable handles for vertical climbing, there are also several stationary handles that you can use if you just want to target your lower-body muscles.

The Pros of CLMBR

• Movement pattern provides a high-intensity, full-body low-impact workout
• Workout subscription platform offers more than 500 exercise classes with motivating instructors
• Adjustable handles allow for users of a wide range of heights (five to seven feet tall) to get the right fit and there are three different grip options
• Compact footprint compared to an elliptical machine or treadmill
• Bluetooth enabled to pair with Alexa-enabled devices, Amazon Echo Buds, heart rate monitor and CLMBR app
• Separate stationary ergonomic handles allow you to work just your lower body
• Anti-slip oversized pedals with optional adjustable straps for security
• Transportation wheels for easy moving
• Free delivery and assembly

The Cons of CLMBR

• Operation can be somewhat noisy
• Does not fold up to save space
• Requires a ceiling height of at least eight feet to use
• Premium monthly membership subscription is $40 per month

Who CLMBR is Best For

The CLMBR is ideal for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line cardio machine for home use, particularly if you are seeking a unique workout that will add variety to your fitness routine. Unlike a treadmill or exercise bike, in which you can readily replicate the exercise outdoors, the CLMBR vertical climber presents a different movement pattern and type of physical activity than most of us have access to in our daily lives. This can be enticing for people who get bored with standard cardio machines and want to try something new.

The CLMBR provides a safe, engaging, low-impact and full body workout that will elevate your heart rate while simultaneously working most of the major muscles in your body. In this way, the machine is ideal for people who want an efficient yet intense workout. Therefore, if you have less time to exercise and gravitate towards high-intensity interval training-style workouts, the CLMBR can be a good fit.

Because your feet are always in contact with the foot pedals, the stresses on your joints are minimized, making it one of the best workouts for people with a history of joint pain or arthritis who still want to get a vigorous workout.

Particularly if you enjoy instructor-led workouts and plan to purchase the premium subscription service, the CLMBR can be a motivating tool in your training routine.

Lastly, the compact footprint of the CLMBR is smaller than that of a treadmill or elliptical, making the machine a good fit for people who have limited floor space but who want a piece of cardio equipment for at-home workouts.

Who CLMBR is Not Best For

Although there are many attractive features and benefits of the CLMBR, it is not necessarily the best choice in cardio fitness equipment for everyone.

Vertical climbing is inherently challenging because it inextricably ranks cardio and strengthening exercise into one motion. Therefore, people who are very de-conditioned, elderly, frail or who have balance and coordination issues may struggle to feel comfortable and competent even on the lower resistance levels.

Workouts are designed to be high intensity, so if you are looking for a gentler approach to exercise, you might be better suited with buying a treadmill, elliptical or exercise bike.

It is also important to make sure that you have an appropriate place to put the machine. Your ceilings must be at least eight feet high and you have to have access to an outlet to plug the machine in. If you are interested in streaming the on-demand workout classes, you will also need access to a Wi-Fi network.

Additionally, if you are interested in following guided workouts led by instructors and personal trainers, you will need to be comfortable subscribing to the premium membership on an ongoing basis at a cost of $39.99 per month.

On that note, the CLMBR is engineered to be a premium commercial grade vertical climber. Those who are looking for a budget model or who want a compact machine that is lightweight and folds away, should consider another option.

Lastly, users must be between five and seven feet tall and under 350 pounds to safely use the CLMBR, so if your body size falls out of this range, this workout machine will not work for you.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing CLMBR

Cost

When purchased directly from the manufacturer, the CLMBR Connected 02 Base package costs $2,795, and comes with 30 days of the premium subscription service. The CLMBR Connected 02 Plus package costs $3,195 and comes with a full year of the premium membership plan.

Power

The CLMBR plugs into a standard 120 volt outlet. Just be sure to use a grounded outlet.

Subscription

The Base membership is free. It permits users to participate in open climbs only and there is no access to your workout metrics after your workout is over, though you can see in-workout metrics as you use the machine.

The Metrics+ membership costs $9.99 per month. This basic subscription offers users the ability to access open climbs, but there are no guided workouts. At this membership level, subscribers can view their workout stats and history, workout achievements, basic benchmarks and participate in some basic challenges.

The Premium subscription is $39.99 per month. It offers everything from the Metrics+ membership plan plus advanced competitions, the ability to connect with friends through the app and unlimited 24/7 on-demand classes for both on-machine and off-machine workouts via the app. The Premium membership also unlocks access to any additional features that get added in the future.

Size and design

The CLMBR features a sleek design with a compact footprint, measuring 35 inches wide (side to side) and 32 inches deep (front to back). The machine is 88 inches tall. It has oversized foot pedals that can accommodate regular training shoes of different sizes. There are both movable and stationary handles, depending if you want to use your whole body or target just the lower body’s muscles.

The CLMBR weighs 180 pounds, but the base of the machine has transportation wheels to help you move it from one location to another. The frame of the CLMBR is described to be stable and well-engineered. The heavy weight of the machine helps prevent rocking and moving of the frame while in use.

Unlike the design of most vertical climbers like the different MaxiClimber models and the VersaClimber, which have a singular vertical upright that the handles and foot pedals attach, the CLMBR has two vertical uprights on either side of your body from which the console, handles and foot pedals are attached. User reviews note that it is more comfortable and feels more natural because you don’t have to straddle the frame and try to keep your body out of the way as you work out.

Modes and features

You can use the CLMBR in the free climbing mode without a subscription, or you can do a guided workout.

The handles allow you to use three different grip positions: a neutral grip, an overhand grip or an underhand grip. The height of the handles can be adjusted in one inch increments along the length of the uprights, allowing users to get a comfortable fit regardless as to their body size. The CLMBR can accommodate users from five feet to seven feet tall.

If you decide that you just want to do a lower-body workout, you can fold up the movable handles to get them out of your way, and there are stationary handles that you can use instead.

There are also dip bar handles to allow you to target upper-body muscles such as the triceps in the upper arm, deltoids in the shoulders and pectoral muscles in the chest. The console also has a couple of other handles that you can use for targeted training.

Additional CLMBR features include a water bottle holder, transportation wheels, textured pedals, Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate monitoring and a device rack to hold your phone or tablet.

Training programs

There are quite a range of workout classes offered with the Premium Experience subscription. Workouts range from five to 45 minutes and are designed to be immersive and engaging. The primary types of CLMBR workout classes in the Experience membership include the following:

• Rhythm: These vertical climbing workouts use the beat of upbeat, energetic music to guide your cadence (step rate), so that you climb along with music.
• Interval: These whole body workouts, on and off the CLMBR machine, intersperse high-intensity intervals with recovery bouts to boost metabolic rate and burn more calories in a shorter amount of time.
• Bootcamp: The challenging bootcamp workouts take you on and off the CLMBR for a full-body workout that works most of the body’s muscles.
• Cardio Conditioning: Cardio conditioning workouts are low-impact, heart-pumping workouts that aim to increase your aerobic fitness without increasing joint stresses.
• Strength: In addition to CLMBR classes on the machine, there are also strength training workouts that take place entirely off the trainer, and involve functional strength and core training exercises. Some of the strength workouts use dumbbells or other weights, while others are bodyweight workouts.
• Restorative Movement: The restorative workouts focus on flexibility, stretching and recovery. The stretches focus on the muscles targeted in the CLMBR workouts.

The CLMBR Experience classes are also targeted to different fitness training goals, including the following:

• Endurance: Endurance-focused training combines cardio and strength training in one workout to build cardiovascular stamina and muscular performance.
• Athletic Performance: If your primary goal is athletic performance, there are workouts geared towards improving your speed, power and strength to help you improve your personal records over time.
• Strength Training: Although there are specific strength classes that take place entirely off the CLMBR, there are also strength-focused vertical climbing workouts that involve cranking up that resistance to add increased strength training into your cardio workout.

Lastly, you can select and perform CLMBR training workouts based on the muscles you want to target.

• Full Body: The full-body workouts target all the major muscles in the whole body and combine cardio and strength training into a single low-impact workout.
• Upper Body: Upper-body workouts play around with modifying your grip to target different muscles in the body. For example, the overhand grip targets the triceps and upper back. The underhand grip helps isolate the biceps, chest and upper back. The neutral grip is also used to provide a balanced upper-body workout.
• Lower Body: The workouts that target the lower body use the squat grip in addition to the normal handles to help activate the glutes, hamstrings, calves and quads throughout the workout.
• Core: Although all of the CLMBR workouts activate the muscles of the core to support the slight forward trunk lean position, the core-focused workouts use a lighter resistance, which further intensifies the workload on the core muscles.

How CLMBR Stacks Up Against Other Vertical Climbers

When you are considering buying a vertical climber machine, there are several notable products to choose from, spending the gamut in terms of price tag and features. Here are some of the main vertical climber exercise machines competitors, along with how they compare to the CLMBR:

CLMBR vs MaxiClimber

One of the most affordable vertical climber cardio machines is the original MaxiClimber. You can typically find it on Amazon for about $150, so it is significantly cheaper than the CLMBR machine.

It is also much smaller, lighter, compact and foldable. However, it is significantly less robust and sturdy. The maximum user weight capacity is only 240 pounds vs. the 350 weight limit on the CLMBR. This substantial difference not only affects the workability of the machine for larger users, but also speaks to the difference in the quality of construction. The MaxiClimber uses hydraulic resistance instead of digital magnetic resistance.

The MaxiClimber Classic also only accommodates users up to 74 inches tall whereas the CLMBR machine is suitable for users up to 84 feet tall. There is a companion app you can use for workouts but no integrated tablet with streaming workout classes.

CLMBR vs MaxiClimber XL-2000

The upgraded version of the MaxiClimber Classic is the MaxiClimber XL-2000. The Amazon price is about $300, making this vertical climbing machine about one-tenth of the cost of the CLMBR. With that said, although it is more robust than the classic model, compared to the CLMBR, it is still far flimsier and has many fewer features. It uses hydraulic resistance instead of digital magnetic resistance, and there are 12 levels of resistance instead of the 11 on the CLMBR.

Hydraulic resistance is typically unable to provide as much resistance as magnetic systems and it is louder and less smooth to operate. The weight capacity of this machine is 300 pounds and it can accommodate users up to 78-inches tall compared to the 350 pound max weight limit and eight-inch height for the CLMBR. The MaxiClimber has a very lightweight aluminum frame.

CLMBR vs RELIFE REBUILD YOUR LIFE Vertical Climber

One of the least expensive vertical climber trainers for those on a budget is the RELIFE REBUILD YOUR LIFE Vertical Climber. It really doesn’t compare to the CLMBR Machine in any way aside from the fact that they are both vertical climbers. This budget vertical climber machine is very lightweight, portable and foldable but is not particularly sturdy. It also lacks onboard technology to stream workouts and only has five levels of hydraulic resistance. It only weighs 43 pounds but it also only supports 260 pounds.

CLMBR vs VersaClimber H/HP Consumer Model

The main competitor of the CLMBR machine is the VersaClimber H/HP Consumer Model. It has a similar price point ($3300) but it has a single upright instead of two. Like the CLMBR, the VersaClimber is designed to be commercial-quality cardio equipment for home gym use, and enables three different grip settings. It also has a fixed resistance instead of adjustable levels. One major difference between the two machines is that the VersaClimber is a lot lighter (65 versus 180 pounds) and is pitched forward more significantly.

CLMBR vs Premium Cardio Climber Machine

The Sunny Premium Cardio Climber Machine is more of a hybrid trainer like a Bowflex Max Trainer than a vertical climbing machine. It combines an upward climb (nine inches) and forward step (five inches) in the striding pattern. This budget machine also has a much lower weight capacity and uses a flywheel like an elliptical machine.

CLMBR User Reviews

Best Buy and Amazon have reviews of the previous version of the CLMBR, which note that the original version was noisy.

The new CLMBR02 has additional features over the original machine. One of the primary enhancements is that the Center Console is now welded to the machine in a simplified way to increase the overall strength of the CLMBR02. The machine can now accommodate much more misalignment between the uprights with jawed couplers. The uprights now distribute the user’s load more evenly to the drive shaft using a spline profile. The resistance system now includes more magnets, allowing the Eddy Current Brake system to provide more resistance to the user during a workout.

The Gearbox in the CLMBR02 uses an entirely different drive system that upgrades the rubber belts on the previous version. The new Gearbox is more durable, requires less maintenance and provides a much higher level of resistance to the user.

The CLMBR02 features upgraded handles over the previous version. The ergonomic handles now allow for a greater range of customized positions (you can select from one of three grip positions) to comfortably accommodate users with different preferences and body sizes. To select your grip position and actuate the handles, you pull the handle towards the middle of the machine and then twist it into your desired hand grip position.

The pulleys on the uprights on the CLMBR02 have larger diameter than those on the previous version to optimize belt performance and minimize belt noise. Another modification that has been made to help make the machine run more quietly is a modification to the connecting rods inside the uprights. The connecting rods now provide more clearance as it moves past the adjacent components to reduce potential extraneous noise during use. One final enhancement to the upright is that the handle carriage now meshes with more of the teeth on the belt, which provides a stronger and more secure connection between the interval moving parts as you work out.

The upgraded pedals on the CLMBR02 are twice as strong as they were on the previous version of the machine and only require one press-fit pin to install. There are optional straps on the petals for added security and the textured material of the footbed provides an anti-slip surface.

The touch screen display has also been enhanced to provide high-quality, crisp graphics for a more immersive workout experience.

In terms of the workout itself, one Best Buy customer wrote: “I loved the idea of a new fitness modality that challenged my entire body. The CLMBR delivered. It is unlike any fitness equipment I have tried (Treadmill, Rower, Spin Bike etc.). You can absolutely destroy yourself with 10 minutes of work.”

What is Vertical Climbing?

Vertical climbing is a type of cardio/strength workout that mimics outdoor rock climbing up a cliff or the motion you would perform trying to climb an endless ladder. According to the CLMBR website, this exercise utilizes 86% of the muscles in the body, and studies suggest that vertical climbing workouts increase heart rate and VO2 max more than treadmill and rowing exercise.

CLMBR Warranty and Return Policy

The CLMBR exercise machine is backed by a one-year comprehensive warranty that begins on the date of delivery. The warranty covers any manufacturing defects in materials or construction. There is also 60-day defect coverage for pedals, grips and water bottle holders.

Customers can also purchase extended warranty coverage at checkout when buying the machine or within the first 60 days after your purchase. The CLMBR Extended Warranty Protection Plans cover mechanical or electrical issues with the machine, accidental damage as well as damage due to normal wear and tear. The standard warranty does not cover normal wear and tear repairs nor accidental damage. The Extend Protection Plan can be purchased in a two-year, three-year or four-year coverage period.

Customers can return the CLMBR02 within 30 days after receiving the machine. To initiate a return, you must contact customer service to request an RMA number. In order to return the CLMBR, the unit must not be damaged. Shipping fees are not reimbursed and you will need to pay a minimum return shipping fee of $350, depending on your location.

CLMBR FAQs

How much does CLMBR weigh?

The assembled CLMBR weighs 180 pounds.

Can you use CLMBR without a subscription?

Yes. There are two different subscription levels and also a free base level that can be used without any type of subscription plan. This option allows you to access “reclines“ and view your metrics during the workout, but you will not be able to track your workout history and stats in the app nor will you have access to video workouts.

How tall is CLMBR?

The CLMBR is 88 inches tall, and requires a minimum ceiling height of eight feet to use.

Can you lose weight using CLMBR?

It is definitely possible to lose weight using the CLMBR Machine because any type of physical activity burns calories. However, your weight loss results will depend on your workouts in the overall context of your diet, physical activity and wellness habits. In order to lose weight, you need to generate a caloric deficit, which means that you are consuming fewer calories than you are burning in a day.

You can lose one pound of body fat by creating a 3,500-calorie deficit. Wearing a heart rate monitor during your CLMBR workouts can help increase the accuracy of the estimated caloric expenditure of your workouts. Keeping a food diary and tracking your caloric intake can help ensure that you are following a diet and exercise plan that will facilitate weight loss.

Who owns CLMBR?

The Founder and CEO of CLMBR is Avrum Elmakis who is a Denver, Colorado native. Elmakis founded the company in 2019 after conceiving the idea in 2018. Notable investors include Jay-Z and Pitbull.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the CLMBR Connected Vertical Climber machine is a top-of-the-line home workout machine that offers a whole body, low-impact yet high-intensity form of exercise that strengthens muscles while providing an aerobic workout. It is an expensive machine designed for heavy-duty use, and can be used for different styles of workouts for different training and wellness goals. With that said, in order to enjoy streaming workouts, customers must be willing to pay for an ongoing subscription fee.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.