MaxiClimber Review: Climb to Physical Fitness on a Budget

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As a certified fitness and vertical climbing instructor, I can attest to the effectiveness of a climbing workout. Utilizing one of the best vertical climbers is going to deliver a highly efficient full-body workout that’s low-impact, meaning easy on your joints.

While a high-end exercise machine like CLMBR Connected is an awesome piece of exercise equipment, it costs upwards of $3,000. When you figure in the monthly subscription services necessary to get all your metrics, it adds up to a significant expense over time. 

That's why users should consider the MaxiClimber XL 2000 to their home gyms. Not only can you bring a MaxiClimber home for under $400, but the companion app where you can take classes and interact with the MaxiClimber community is free. Plus, this vertical climber is lightweight, movable and foldable for seamless storage. 

MaxiClimber XL 2000 At A Glance

• Unfolded Footprint: 25.78 x 41.33 inches
• Folded Footprint: 14.17 x 25.78 inches
• Adjustable Height: Yes
• Adjustable Resistance: 12 levels
• User Weight Capacity: Up to 300 pounds
• Price: $399

What Is the MaxiClimber XL 2000?

The MaxiClimber combines strength training and cardio in one fluid, simple movement that mimics rock climbing or scaling a vertical wall. This climbing simulation targets the upper body, lower body and core for effective total body fitness that burns calories and puts users into prime fat-burning zones.

While more basic vertical climbers, like the MaxiClimber Classic and the MaxiClimber XL 1000, use your own body weight as resistance, the MaxiClimber XL 2000 features 12 levels of built-in hydraulic resistance for added intensity. 

If you’re tight on space, you’ll love this ergonomic workout machine. The MaxiClimber XL 2000 has a smaller footprint than a stair climber or stair stepper and can easily fold, making it one of the best exercise equipment for small spaces.

Benefits of MaxiClimber XL 2000

As a vertical climber, the MaxiClimber XL 2000 has a lot of benefits, especially if you’re short on time and want an efficient, effective workout.

Total body workout

What’s better than resistance training or a cardio workout? A combination of both. And that’s exactly what MaxiClimber provides. This climbing machine delivers a total body workout, targeting the upper body, lower body and core simultaneously in one seamless movement.

High-calorie burn

Richard Roux, M.D., M.S., orthopedic sports medicine specialist, says the vertical climber is a valuable piece of gym equipment if you’re looking to torch calories.

“Not only can you target your upper and lower extremities, but by using both in one workout, you can burn more calories quicker,” Roux says.

As a certified vertical climbing coach, I have found that a 30-minute session on a vertical climbing machine burns more calories for me than a 30-minute session on an indoor bicycle or a treadmill.

Low-impact

The MaxiClimber is a great low-impact alternative to a treadmill for a cardio workout. This means it won’t put stress or strain on your joints, especially your knees.

Space-saving design

One of the things we like about the MaxiClimber XL 2000 is that it won’t take up too much space in your home gym, office or wherever you decide to store it. The unfolded footprint 25.78 inches by 41.33 inches. It also folds up and has wheels so when you're not using it you can store it out of view.

How Much Does MaxiClimber XL 2000 Cost?

The MaxiClimber XL is one of the more affordable pieces of fitness equipment for an at-home, full-body workout. The MaxiClimber XL 2000 costs $399. We like that it comes 90 percent pre-assembled, and many reviews I found highlight how easy the rest is to assemble yourself, meaning there are no hidden assembly costs.

Another bonus is that there is no monthly subscription service to use the MaxiClimber Fitness App. The free app provides coach-led classes, HIIT workouts and a 21-day challenge so you can jumpstart your routine or push past a plateau. You’ll be hard-pressed to find prices like these anywhere else in the realm of in-home fitness machines, which is why I think MaxiClimber is one of the best budget climbers around.

How to Use MaxiClimber XL 2000

Using MaxiClimber XL is simple. First, adjust the climber to the necessary height. Then, step onto the footpads and grab the handles. Once you’re in place, start to simulate a climbing motion; lift the opposite leg with the opposite arm and vice versa. Pro tip: I like to move rhythmically with whatever motivational tune I’m listening to in my workout earbuds. It has always helped me get a better workout when I’m moving on beat with the music.

Working Out with MaxiClimber XL 2000

The MaxiClimber Fitness App functions as your own on-demand personal fitness coach. MaxiClimber recently made an update to include Google Fit and Apple Health connectivity to track and store all of your performance metrics. This means you can sync your Apple watch or fitness tracker with the app to monitor calories burned, steps, heart rate and workout time.

A new video section in the MaxiClimber Fitness App lets you watch past and upcoming live workouts with your favorite coaches. MaxiClimber also added new HIIT (high-intensity interval training) routines. I think the live sessions and MaxiChallenges really give the user a sense of community and motivation.

What Customers Say About MaxiClimber XL 2000

MaxiClimber XL 2000 earned 4.8/5 stars from more than 55 reviews on MaxiClimber’s site, with over 50 users giving it five stars. Most users rave about the efficient and effective workout they get with this vertical climber. “It kicks my butt. It's definitely worth it for an all-body workout when you can’t get to the gym or don’t want to without it being solely cardio. This will definitely work your muscles,” one customer writes.

Several users also commented that they felt the XL 2000 was an improvement over previous models. “It’s way better than the original and a lot more comfortable to ride. It's a great addition to any workout routine. It’s a total cardio toning exercise,” another customer says.

While customers give the MaxiClimber XL 2000 mainly positive reviews, the app leaves some users wanting more. On the Apple Store, several reviewers complain the app constantly crashes or restarts before they can finish their workout.

MaxiClimber XL 2000 Construction and Durability

Despite its small footprint, the MaxiClimber XL 2000 is designed to be durable and handle a high-intensity workout.

We like that this vertical climber can accommodate most users up to six feet, six inches, with a weight limit of up to 300 pounds. The sturdy aluminum frame comes on wheels and can fold for easy maneuvering and storage. We also like that MaxiClimber XL features full-sized pedals, so you don’t have to worry about losing your footing.

MaxiClimber XL 2000 Pros

• Budget-friendly compared to other pieces of at-home fitness equipment
• Adjustable height can accommodate most users
• Ergonomic footprint saves space in your home
• Delivers a total body workout to save you time
• Free app is compatible with iOS and Andriod and provides guided workouts and challenges
• Provides a low-impact form of exercise that is easy on your joints

MaxiClimber XL 2000 Cons

• The MaxiClimber App only has 1.5/5 stars based on a small handful of reviews Most users complain the app crashes, forcing them to restart their workouts
• MaxiClimber only offers a one-year warranty, which is significantly less than many other pieces of home fitness equipment
• Not the best piece of cardio or strength training equipment for someone looking to add a lot of variety to their routine
• Need at least eight feet of ceiling height to use

Who the Maxiclimber XL 2000 Is Best For

The MaxiClimber XL is best for those looking to burn calories for an efficient in-home, full body workout machine that’s accessible to every budget. It provides high-intensity yet low-impact workouts, making it a great piece of exercise equipment for bad knees or suffer from other joint issues. We like that it’s lightweight  (about 50 pounds) and foldable, making it an excellent compact cardio machine. It’s easy to set up and use pretty much anywhere in your home and store when it’s not being utilized.

Who the Maxiclimber XL 2000 Will Not Work For

In general, a vertical climber is not the best choice for someone looking to build a lot of muscle. While the MaxiClimber provides a total body workout, it won’t help you make gains the way weight lifting will. It’s also not the best option if you want a more versatile piece of equipment for your home gym, for example a treadmill.

Assembly and Installation

All MaxiClimbers arrive at your door 90 percent pre-assembled, and reviewers say that the additional 10 percent is super easy to accomplish on your own. No professional assembly is required.

Warranty and Customer Service

This is where the MaxiClimber falls short in our opinion, providing a relatively limited warranty with several hurdles to get parts replaced. 

MaxiClimber offers a one-year limited warranty for purchases in the USA and its territories only. The warranty states that repairing or replacing the product is the manufacturer’s option and that the buyer must notify the manufacturer of any claimed defect within 30 days of discovery, pay shipping and return the product to the provided address within one year of purchase. The manufacturer will then have to test and find the product defective, as well as ensure it was properly assembled and used by the buyer in order to issue any kind of repair or replacement.

After reading through many reviews, users say customer service is difficult to work with because they can be tough to reach and do not offer refunds of any kind, just a potential repair and or replacement if you jump through all the appropriate hoops to get there. If you read through the entire warranty, you’ll find the process to get a repair or replacement extensive.

MaxiClimber XL 2000 vs. VersaClimber

Both MaxiClimber and VersaClimber offer vertical climbing machines, so you’re performing the same movement on both pieces of equipment. However, they’re on the opposite ends of the budget spectrum. MaxiClimber is a more basic, entry-level machine, while VersaClimber is a heavy-duty machine with a lot more features.

VersaClimbers range from $4,795 to $6,695. The TS-Magnetic, which is the company's flagship model, costs $5,995 compared to $399 for the XL 2000, which is MaxiClimber's most deluxe vertical climber.  The VersaClimber is a more durable, sturdy machine made of steel compared to the MaxiClimber XL's aluminum frame. The VeraClimber provides users with 11 levels of magnetic resistance, while the MaxiClimber XL offers 12 levels of hydraulic resistance.

While both vertical climbers have a companion app, the MaxiClimber requires you to have a smart phone or tablet to use it. The VersaClimber TS-Magnetic has a built-in touchscreen so you can take live or on demand classes without having to connect to another device.

MaxiClimber XL 2000 vs. CLMBR

MaxiClimber and CLMBR are, again, both vertical climbing machines. However, like the VersaClimber, the CLMBR is a heavy-duty piece of fitness equipment. It weighs 180 pounds compared to the MaxiClimber XL 2000 which weighs just over 50 pounds.

While the XL 2000 is the most souped-up model that MaxiClimber offers, the base version of the CLMBR XL has more features, such as a built-in touchscreen display. The CLMBR Connected costs $3,495, and for an additional monthly fee users can subscribe to its membership, which grants access to thousands of on-demand and live classes taught by expert CLMBR instructors.

If you’re big on tech and a connected fitness experience, you’ll be happier with CLMBR Connected. However, if you don’t want to shell out the nearly $3,500 and pay for a monthly membership, MaxiClimber is a better choice for you.

MaxiClimber XL 2000 vs. MaxiClimber Classic

When it comes to which MaxiClimber model is right for you, you’ll want to consider your height, weight and whether you want the option of built-in resistance.

The main difference between the MaxiClimber Classic and the XL 2000 is that the Classic uses body weight as resistance, whereas the XL offers 12 levels of built-in hydraulic resistance for a higher-intensity workout.

At $150, the Classic is a more basic model. It’s no-frills, is not as durable as the XL and it is outfitted with the smaller, bicycle-sized pedals. The MaxiClimber Classic has a lot more plastic in its construction and a lighter weight capacity of 240 pounds.

An important thing to consider is that the Classic model does not have a built-in device holder like MaxiClimber XL. If you want to follow along with the app on your Classic, you’ll have to share screens with a nearby Smart TV, purchase a separate device holder that can attach to the machine or find another clever way to display the classes so you can easily see them and climb along.

MaxiClimber XL 2000 Versus MaxiClimber XL 1000

Like the Classic, the MaxiClimber XL 1000 uses body weight to provide resistance for your workout. The MaxiClimber XL 2000 has 12 levels of resistance to choose from. Personally, I’m a big fan of resistance and like having the option to turn up the intensity, but Roux says deciding which is better for you comes down to your body’s needs and preferences.

“Using body weight as resistance more closely mimics athletic activities, but being able to adjust the resistance manually allows you to access an even more difficult workout,” he says.

The MaxiClimber XL 1000 costs $349, and the MaxiClimber XL 2000 costs $399, but both machines have many similar features. The XL 1000 and 2000 have a 300-pound weight capacity, aluminum frames, device holders and full-size swiveling foot pedals.

MaxiClimber XL 2000 FAQs

Does the MaxiClimber actually work?

Yes, the MaxiClimber targets the upper body, lower body and core simultaneously, making it a highly-effective calorie and fat-burning machine

Does the MaxiClimber help you lose belly fat?

Health experts recommend cardio workouts and strength training to lose belly fat, combined with following a healthy diet. The MaxiClimber offers a full-body workout targeting your core, upper body and lower body, plus it provides aerobic exercise.

How long should you work out with the MaxiClimber?

As a certified fitness trainer, I recommend starting with short 10-minute sessions and working your way up in five-minute increments to a 30-minute workout. If you do three 30-minute sessions a week, you’ll notice a significant difference in your physical health in two weeks. It is not advised to spend over an hour on this machine at one time.

Is the MaxiClimber bad for your back?

No, the MaxiClimber builds core muscles. Research shows strengthening your core may help protect your back. The climbing movement performed on MaxiClimber emphasizes good posture, core engagement and back support.

The Takeaway: Is the MaxiClimber XL 2000 Right for You?

If you’re looking for a full-body workout that can burn a large amount of calories in a short amount of time, MaxiClimber XL 2000 is right for you. I think it’s a great piece of home gym equipment if you want to to improve your health and physical fitness on a budget. Plus, it’s lightweight and foldable, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save space in their home gym.

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