Why vertical climbing is the next fitness trend to transform your body in 2024 – you could burn up to 800 calories
Basketball player LeBron James trains with a VersaClimber machine to keep fit.
Vertical climbing – is that the same as rock climbing, you ask? Not exactly, as you'll need a special cardio machine to practise vertical climbing, and it doesn't take up more than two storeys to execute the exercise, unlike a climbing wall. Vertical climbing isn't a new trend in the fitness industry – basketball player LeBron James actually spoke about it in 2012, but it only caught on in 2015 when a Los Angeles-based gym opened and taught group climbing classes using the VersaClimber machines. LeBron shared about it again in 2016 and the whole world started to sit up and take notice.
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In comes Clmb Studio, whose founder, Nicholas Chong, claims it's Singapore's first vertical climbing studio located in the heart of CBD. The studio is fitted with VersaClimber machines, which are said to specifically target the posterior chain which helps to improve the muscles that run down the back of your body – shoulders, back, glutes, hamstrings and calves! With just 45 minutes on the machine, it's said that you can burn up to 800 calories in one go.
Yahoo Life Singapore emailed Chong to learn more about the benefits of vertical climbing and why this exercise could be the next fitness trend to transform your body in 2024.
Could you tell us what vertical climbing is, in a nutshell, for those who are unaware of this fitness trend?
Nicholas Chong: It's Singapore's first vertical climbing studio located right in the heart of CBD where you can burn up to 800 calories with just 45 minutes on the VersaClimber!
But that’s not all we have to offer! Clmb also incorporates high-intensity interval training and resistance training to provide our members with a well-rounded and effective workout. It’s a sensational experience coupled with vibrant lights and music pumping through your veins. It’s where you unleash the peak of your potential.
Is vertical climbing suitable for those with fitness levels of all types?
Most definitely! At Clmb, we provide a variety of classes ranging from beginners to advanced focusing on different fitness components.
How many calories can you burn with just 30 minutes/one hour of class?
We are looking at 300 - 800 calories per Clmb class (45 minutes). We burn an estimate of 22.3 calories per minute on the vertical climber.
Why is vertical climbing an effective workout?
Vertical climbing is an effective workout because every second you're on the vertical climber, you're doing a total-body workout. It works the whole posterior chain, which includes your back/latissimus dorsi and hamstrings, biceps, core, and quadriceps. By doing so, it is not only effective but also efficient. Compared to many forms of cardio equipment, you won't need to spend a long period burning a good amount of calories.
What attire should you wear to a class?
The usual sports attire and a pair of your usual sports shoes will do.
Is the movement similar to bouldering or rock climbing?
Indeed, but I will say it simulates more towards crawling.
Why did you choose to open a vertical climbing gym here in Singapore?
As a sports scientist and a former athlete, my vision and goal is to provide and better the fitness industry in Singapore. There is so much more that we have not explored. One would be the vertical climber and introducing a new fitness trend to our fellow Singaporeans.
One of my visions is to also provide safer yet effective conditioning training to the athletes in Singapore and prevent them from injuries as there's no impact on the knees.
What do you love about this fitness trend?
What I love about this fitness trend is that we are the only vertical climbing studio not just in Singapore, but also in Southeast Asia.
For more information, click here, or visit Clmb Studio at Oue Downtown Gallery, #02-04, 6A Shenton Way, 068815
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Do vertical climbers really work?
According to research, a 20-minute workout on a vertical climber is ideal for mountain climbing training. It engages all muscle groups more efficiently than stair-steppers, treadmills, bikes, and cross trainers.
Do climbers reduce belly fat?
Not only does vertical climbing help you burn calories and get your heart racing, it also targets your core area and can help tighten and reveal your abs.
