I borrowed the Air Climber Stepper System while I was in Florida. I found that the fitness room was often closed when I had time to use it.

What is this?

This is the new Air Climber made by Brenda DyGraf. I never used the first one but her new one comes with what is called a BodyCord (resistance band); DVDs; and an eating plan.

It claims to work on your cardiovascular system while toning the body.

It can handle (so they say) a person up to 300 pounds; has a limited 60-day warranty; costs about $100; and measures 19 inches long by 20 inches wide by 9 inches high.

My experience

The Air Climber seemed interesting to me because I know step machines are really effective. It works with air power technology which means that the steps (called bellows) get essentially pumped each time I stepped on one and then the other. I found it a bit noisy because of the sound of the air.

It is small, light and portable which is a good thing. The speed and resistance is sort of adjustable. I put it on the highest at 5 and did not feel much difference between 5 and 3, for example.

There is a small computer that showed my workout time, steps taken and calories used.

I got on these black bellows and had no idea how I was going to stay on. It takes practice. My balance is really bad and the Air Climber is really not something I was comfortable using. I watched the videos on my computer since we do not have a DVD player in Florida and followed the directions. I used to be a personal trainer so I have used so many pieces of equipment but my pet peeve are items that I feel may not be safe. If your balance is great (like you can skate or walk a balance beam) then you will not feel as unsteady as I did.

Once I did get Air Climber feet I felt my heart start to pound and found after using it a few times that I could feel it working my lower body. In addition it comes with a Body Cord that I put under the Air Climber and then could work my entire upper body. Really though I was not comfortable on it. I do not think I used it for more than 15 minutes at any one time.

The workouts are designed to meet your goals and where you are so you might start with the 20 minute Easy Air Express for beginners or the Airtight Abs for 20 minutes.

It claims to be low impact. My favorite pieces of equipment are elliptical machines because they offer totally low impact workouts. I felt my feet and knees talking to me after 15 minutes which was another reason I did not like it. I will target this to young people who do not weigh anything near 300 pounds, have limited space and money and good balance. I think if you meet these criteria you will like the AirClimber so I will recommend it. Note the warranty but you can buy an extended warranty which I would suggest because this is a piece of plastic!


Recommended: Yes