I am always looking for variety in my workouts - especially cardio. I really don't enjoy working up a sweat and having my heart pound out of my chest but I know it is good for me in many ways. Looking for something new and different to do, I saw The Air Climber. The video on the site that I purchased it from looked like fun and it looked like a piece of equipment I wouldn't get sick of too fast.

I actually like The Air Climber much more than I anticipated. It is very versatile!

The Hype

Want a total-body workout without the jarring impact? Let the AirClimber Stepper with BodyCord and Workout DVD become your favorite exercise routine. This easy-to-use machine lifts your legs to help you work out and is portable, so you can take it almost anywhere.

What You Get

Out of the box, you get the assembled all plastic Air Climber. It has a red base and long grooved black foot pedals. On the front of the climber is a little timer that clocks time exercised, steps, calories burned, and RPMs. I didn't put much credence into the calories burned but, recently, when I used my heart rate monitor while using The Air Climber, the two were incredibly close reporting the amount of calories I supposedly burned.

On the back of the unit is a little wheel. You use it two ways. One is to get air into the chambers. This climber doesn't work like others. This is all air supported. Just push the button to fill the chambers. The footrests will raise up and you're ready to go. The wheel also turns to set the resistance level. There are five levels of resistance with level one being an easy stride and level five being a really tough, muscle blasting workout.

You also get a stretchie body cord with handles. This cable fits in grooves under the machine and comes out of either side. You use it in combination with stepping to work the upper body and raise the calories you burn. The resistance is plenty but if you are very strong, you can choose a heavier personal cord to attach instead.

Very important, and something I did not get from the website that I ordered my Air Climber from and had to buy seperately, is the Easy Air Express DVD that includes Easy Air Express, Super 7 Pump, AirTight Abs, and Platinum Burn & Firm workouts. These workouts are led by Brenda DeGraf and are really challenging. They range from a fast stepping workout to really pushing all your muscles to the limit with the heavy resistance setting and the body cord. The workouts are fun and easy to follow.

You also get a nutrition pamphlet, a little owners booklet, and a quick start diet pamphlet. Some packages also include a DVD that has three workouts done without the Air Climber. I did not get that one either.

My Experience

My Air Climber came completely assembled. I just took it out of the box and set it on the floor. Even the electronic timer thingy was already working. I did not buy mine on the official Air Climber site so I am not sure if the official site packages the Air Climber differently.

Because the unit is made of all plastic, it's much lighter than the heavy steel or metal steppers. Although it is lighter than other steppers, it is NOT a lightweight stepper. It is 19"L x 20"W x 9"H and can hold a 300 pound person. It's extremely well made. I have not had any issues at all in the eight months or so that I have owned mine and I use it a lot.

The body cord is a huge plus. I can really ramp up my stepping using the cord to do arm and chest work. I often don't follow the workouts and just listen to music. When my heart rate monitor says I am not in my fat burning zone, I pick up the cord and start working. My heart rate goes way up at that point!

The stepper makes some sound as the air is pushed down and up. It isn't loud and annoying. I use the stepper when everyone is asleep and no one ever complained or mentioned hearing it.

The resistance wheel is a good tool. You can set it on easy and do a full cardio workout or turn it to heavy resistance and burn those glutes and legs to build muscle. On the included workout DVD, Brenda will have you set the resistance to different levels and explains the benefit each as she goes through the workouts.

One issue for me - and probably anyone - is that there is nothing to hold onto as I step. Although the footrests are large - long and wide - I still feel a little unbalanced because the stepper is quite high off the ground due to the air in the chambers. Well, the stepper is on the ground, the pedals are just higher than usual steppers. You will notice that when you first use the stepper but it quickly becomes a non issue. I have had no issues with falling off or feeling like I was tipping and I have actual balance issues just standing on the level ground.

You can always put a chair on either side or something in front of you if you feel a bit unsteady at first. The body cord actually helps as well. Holding the cord by the handles gave me a feeling of stability when I first started using the stepper.

You can burn amazing amounts of calories using The Air Climber. Because it doesn't jar the knees and is soft when you step down, you can work faster and longer. I have burned 400 calories in 40 minutes using the band for the upper body and the stepper on level three.

The Air Climber is an excellent piece of exercise equipment for the money. It ranges in price from $89.00 to $129.00 on the net. Make SURE you get the DVD with it though. I had to pay an extra $20.00 to get it and it made my great deal a bad deal!

The DVD is really an important part of The Air Climber workout and you should at least go through the workouts once to see the different things you can do for every part of your body. This stepper is not just a cardio/lower body gadget. You can work your arms, shoulders, chest, abs, obliques, and everything else as well as your legs, glutes, and heart!

Conclusion

I really enjoy using my Air Climber. I like that the workouts are versatile and I control the level of work I want to do. I like that I can just step to my own music or follow any of the workouts and get a full body burn that really makes me work.

The unit seems like it may be flimsy since it is made of plastic and uses air for resistance but it is not at all. I have tossed mine around all over the place and it is still pristine. I simply set it down, push the button to pump the air into the chambers, set my resistance, and go! When I am done, I store The AIr Climber away in a closet. Simple as that.

I really enjoy this unit and feel that anyone can get a good cardio and strengthening workout using it. 4 stars. I wish there was a little handle or something to hold onto when I am working fast but that would up the price and make the unit bulkier and heavier. Still, at times something to hold onto would be very welcome. Otherwise, I have absolutely no issues at all with this inexpensive but challenging stepper.










Recommended: Yes