Vertical climber

Tall and narrow, a vertical climber uses moving handholds and foot pedals to create a steady climbing motion. You stand upright and move your arms and legs together, while the machine stays in one place. The movement can feel smooth and rhythmic, though coordinating your hands and feet may take a little practice at first.

You can use it for steady, whole-body sessions that make you breathe more deeply and keep several areas moving at once. By changing your pace and step height, you can make the climb gentler or more demanding. It involves your legs, shoulders, arms and the muscles around your middle, while also giving you practice with balance and coordinated movement.

It can suit you if you enjoy continuous movement without jumping and want an indoor option that does not require a long floor area. Its tall frame needs enough ceiling height and clear space around it. Resistance and handle settings are usually simple to change, so you can begin gently. A staircase offers a familiar alternative, though it will feel less contained.