Rope climbing machines are referred to by several names, some call them rope trainers, endless rope machines, and a few others, but they all reference the same type of machine; one that lets the user simulate the benefits of climbing without the strain on the muscles and body!
They’re an amazing tool to gain upper body strength and get a great core workout while also building muscles in the arms all at the same time.
There are two main varieties of rope climbing machines, one is a large crane-like device that has a rope feeding and looping into the chamber, and you use it by grasping the rope in a climbing motion.
The crane is adjustable, allowing you to angle the rope in the direction, height, and length that you desire, enabling the user to tailor the type of workout session they wish to perform.
The other is smaller and has a similar shape to the crane device, except with a pulley system type of tool that is attached to the base which feeds the rope through it.
Some are even just the pulley, which you then attach to a base yourself.
These tend to not take up as much floor space and be cheaper, which is very helpful if you’ve been considering purchasing a rope climbing machine but lack the budget and or floor space for one.
Some also have seats that can be detached from the machine itself for those who wish to perform exercises while standing, hunching, or even those in a wheelchair so they can exercise their upper body unobstructed by the seat.
Now that you have an idea of what rope climbing machines are, let’s get into some pros and cons so you can decide for yourself if they might be a good fit for you!
Pros
Rope Climbing machines are very effective at building muscle in several different areas
Rope machines build muscle in many different areas of the body depending on how you stand, angle the rope, or even the way you grasp it.
Many manufacturers and purchasers tout the benefits of the machine for the upper body, as they’re amazing at packing on and toning muscle for the arms and biceps.
As a whole, they’re great at working and strengthening the upper arms, shoulders, hands, and even the back, which can also involve working the core muscles as well if the user stands, bringing me to my next point.
Can be used while sitting or standing
The endless rope machine can be used in either a sitting or standing position, though technically, any way you like considering the versatility of the machine, as some even squat while working their arms with the ropes or incorporate wearing weight vests while using the machine.
Wrist and ankle weights are also an option while standing and working the ropes.
Safe for most people to use
The rope climbing machine is a low impact form of exercise, and therefore, is very safe for the vast majority of people to use, and so is a great option for those recovering from injury and are in rehab, those with chronic pain, arthritis, or other joint-related issues.
As the equipment produces minimal strain and considering you can sit while using it, no stress is added on the knees or legs if that isn’t something desired.
Adjustable height and resistance settings offer a tailored session
Either variety of rope climbing machine has adjustable resistance and height settings, enabling the workout to be done in the exact way you wish each time, which helps keep things fresh and lower the chances of becoming bored with your exercise routine.
This also enables one to strengthen the muscles more by choosing a higher intensity workout over time with the adjustment of resistance and angles of the rope.
Many machines enable the rope to be pulled down or grasped upwards in the reverse direction, which works different muscles and offers more variation in the training sessions.
Very low injury risk, especially compared to traditional rope climbing
Rope climbing machines can provide an intense workout if the user pulls or pushes the rope at a greater intensity, incorporates additions such as a weight belt, and uses them for longer sessions.
This provides a great cardiovascular workout, as well as the usual benefits of strengthening the arms and upper body all while being very low impact and minimally straining to the muscles and joints.
This means the machines are safe for those recovering from injuries, while still getting you a great upper body and arm workout that rope climbing could give, without the stress from being suspended from the rope, or even the risk of hurting yourself in a fall!
Functional training
How the rope machines are used to exercise with are mirrored by everyday activities such as reaching, lifting, carrying, and gripping, and this offers the benefit of functional training, which strengthens the most commonly used muscles and joints, lowering the risks of injuries from regular activities, and making them easier than before.
There are seven main functional movements the body uses and performs regularly, which are described to be squatting, pushing, pulling, lunging, hinging, twisting, and walking, all of which can be trained and done while using the machine!
Cons
Large and can take up significant floor space
An issue with rope climbing machines that should be considered by any future purchaser is that the equipment is very large and bulky, this means it can take up a lot of space and isn’t easily stored if you need to put them away.
It’s important to bear this in mind and figure out if one has the space for the machine, and where it would go, and potentially redecorate and organize the room where the climbing machine will go accordingly.
Often fairly expensive
Many of the larger models can be prohibitively expensive for the average consumer, many topping out at 5,000 dollars! Though some of the smaller varieties are about 1,300 dollars, and while still fairly steep, it’s definitely a doable price for a piece of exercise equipment.
Needless to say, an important aspect to consider and be certain of is that you will make consistent use of the rope climbing machine, especially with that price tag.
This is made even cheaper by purchasing just the pulley, which can sometimes be found for 500 dollars or so.
Can be monotonous
Rope trainers, even with all the bells and whistles, still have a fairly limited range of exercises that can be done with them, considering all of them are roughly the same as they involve manipulating the rope in some form or another.
This can potentially become repetitive over time and may lead to boredom with your machine, so it’s very important to consider if this is a flaw that might bother you or eventually cut into the time you feel like using the equipment.
The machine is somewhat specialized with all it’s large and connecting parts
This means that if your rope climbing equipment breaks down in some way and is in need of repair, you will need to locate a specialist to fix it, as the project is likely not to be a DIY type of procedure.
This can be potentially pricey as well, so definitely another important point to consider for the future in regards to the long term costs of buying the machine.
The same isn’t necessarily the case for the smaller pulley system based machine, but the repair would definitely take some technical know-how.
