Let’s look at an interesting piece of gym equipment – the Jacobs Ladder device.
Jacobs Ladder is not a typical machine seen in commercial gyms and home garages. But if you are sick and tired of using a treadmill, it’s time to switch to the Jacobs Ladder for a more fun and powerful workout.
Here are some of the models that are available now:
Jacobs Ladder – Overview
First of all – where doe the name come from? The Bible.
In the Bible, Jacob dreamed of a ladder between heaven and earth. Jacobs Ladder is a ladder-like device angled at 40 degrees and requires you to climb its unending rungs. The continuous movement of arms and legs by means of climbing burns more calories than running on a treadmill. And even though it burns more calories than a treadmill, the Jacobs Ladder is low-impact and takes lower damage on your body, specifically your joints and knees, than a treadmill.
The Jacobs ladder was presented in a study by the LSU School of Kinesiology as a “scientifically superior workout” to traditional treadmills. It has been commonly included in the training programs of military bases and academies, professional and collegiate sports teams, police and fire departments, and several gyms. It is very easy to use and there is no need to change the settings as the machine is self-propelled – the more force you produce on the cord connected to the belt, the quicker the rungs move.
Jacobs Ladder – The Stairway
Instead of rungs, the Stairway uses stairs. It is a self-powered climbing unit that works on the same systems as Jacobs Ladder. When using this machine, your body is in an upright position and only needs the self-paced energy output from your movement to work – no need for a power source. It is versatile and space-efficient, requiring only an 8.5 feet ceiling height.
It has a 30.5″ width making it easy to move through doorways and a 10″ initial step height for easy stopping and starting. The handy digital readout comprises Steps Climbed, Elapsed Time, Calories Burned, Rate (Steps/Min), and Heart Rate (wireless). The machine is built with a welded tubular steel frame, steel steps with polyvinyl treads, powder-coated steel tube handles, and an ABS plastic case.
Jacobs Ladder – The Stairway GTL
The Stairway GTL features the same dimensions and construction as the regular Stairway without requiring a waist belt. It is space-efficient and practical compared to other popular stair climbers. It uses an exclusive closed-loop speed control giving you the ability to choose the speed through the display. The Stairway GTL knows your weight, and it adjusts the workout to your body.
It weighs 300 LBS and measures 30.5” W x 54” L x 75.5” H. The Stairway GTL is quality-built with a welded tubular steel frame, powder-coated steel tube handles, steel steps with polyvinyl treads, and an ABS plastic case. The handy digital readout includes Elapsed Time, Heart Rate (wireless) Steps Climbed, and Calories Burned Rate (Steps/Min).
Jacobs Ladder X
The Jacobs Ladder X is a high-intensity interval training tool for dynamic athletes and a low-impact cardio machine for safe and efficient rehab work. The machine has a 40-degree climbing angle that removes direct tension from the hips, lower back, and knees when you train. Your own output decides the speed because it is self-powered, and there’s no need for a wall outlet.
The Jacobs Ladder X has the best and original features of the Jacobs Ladder cardio machine with many different upgrades. This includes a high-level digital dashboard allowing more insight on your workout, from total feet climbed and climb rate to workout intensity level and calories burned. It allows you to train in four different workout positions, producing easier customization for distinct muscle groups or intensity levels.
Jacobs Ladder X Climbing Positions:
Side Rail – Low-intensity climbing Stand Up – Traditional stair climbing workout Sled Drive – Higher heart rate, upper and lower body core muscle workout Hand Over Hand – Highest calorie burn, High intensity upper and lower body workout
Jacobs Ladder 2
The Jacobs Ladder 2 is very durable and more compact than the original Jacobs Ladder. It is an effective high-intensity interval training tool for competitive athletes and a low-impact cardio machine for secure and functional rehab work. The essential design modifications with this model are as follows: – Power Requirement: 110V or 220V rather than self-powered – Different Rung Design: Polyurethane instead of maple – Weight: 300 LBS = 25 LBS lighter than standard Jacobs Ladder – Width: 27.25” = 4” narrower than the standard Jacobs Ladder – Warranty: 2 Years – Parts (The Full-Size Jacobs Ladder is four years for parts/one year for labor)
The benefits of training with the Jacobs Ladder 2 are similar to the original model. Its frame is quality-built from welded tubular steel, and the digital display grants you convenient, prompt readouts on Calorie Burn, Elapsed Time, Heart Rate (using chest strap), and Feet Climbed Rate (Feet/Min).
Jacobs Ladder
The Jacobs Ladder has a 40-degree climbing angle that usually eliminates stress from the lower back, hips, and knees as you train. It is a treadmill-style ladder climber that is effective as a high-intensity interval training machine for competing athletes and a low-impact cardio machine for protected and practical rehab work.
The machine is quality-built from welded tubular steel with solid maple climbing rungs. It is self-powered, and your own output determines the speed. The digital display grants you instant readouts on Heart Rate (using chest strap), Elapsed Time, Feet Climbed Rate (Feet/Min), and Calorie Burn.
Jacobs Ladder Review – In Summary
That’s our overview of the various Jacobs Ladder models.
Jacobs Ladder is an excellent alternative if you want a more active and fun workout than the treadmill. It is also easier and safer to use and burns more calories. It is an enjoyable pause from the monotony and dullness of a treadmill or a stationary bike because, with Jacobs Ladder, you get to crawl and work your upper and lower body in harmony.
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Tim is the founder of FitAtMidlife.com – an avid gym rat for 30+ years, he’s a reviewer of many, many shoes – and founder of the Speed Bag Gathering – the world’s only gathering of speed bag punching enthusiasts. See more gym reviews at Tim’s YouTube channel.
