ZULTA

Full body

Versa Climber

The Versa Climber is a cardio exercise on a machine for your whole body. Share of the load in the Zulta muscle model: gluteus maximus 17%, quads (vastus lateralis) 14% and quads (vastus medialis) 10%.

Level: IntermediateEquipment: MachineUnilateral: one arm or leg at a time

How to do it

  1. Strap the feet into the pedals and take a handle in each hand at about head height.
  2. Stand tall close to the machine with the hips under the shoulders.
  3. Push one leg down while pulling the same-side hand down and reaching the other hand up.
  4. Alternate sides in a climbing rhythm, using long, full strokes.
  5. Climb for the planned time or distance, then slow the pace for the last minute.

Tips

  • Drive through the legs first; the arms keep the rhythm and add power.
  • Use long strokes before increasing the speed.

Common mistakes

  • Short, choppy strokes.
  • Leaning back away from the machine.
  • Pulling mostly with the arms and letting the legs follow.

Muscles worked by the Versa Climber

  • Gluteus maximus Primary17%
  • Quads (vastus lateralis) Primary14%
  • Quads (vastus medialis) Secondary10%
  • Calves (gastrocnemius) Secondary9%
  • Hamstrings (biceps femoris) Minor7%
  • Lats (upper) Secondary7%
  • Quads (rectus femoris) Secondary7%
  • Calves (soleus) Minor5%
  • Front delts Minor5%
  • Hamstrings (semitendinosus/-membranosus) Minor3%
  • Biceps (long head) Minor3%
  • Gluteus medius Minor3%
  • Adductors Stabilizer3%
  • Hip flexors Stabilizer3%
  • Spinal erectors (lower back) Stabilizer2%
  • Upper abs Stabilizer2%

Share per muscle in the Zulta muscle model. The model spreads the load of one rep over 40 muscles, based on EMG and biomechanics research.

A vertical climb with the arms pulling. Repeated stepping up: glute max and quads extend the hip and knee, the calves push through the toes.

Versa Climber alternatives

Same equipment

Easier

No equipment

Similar exercises

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Versa Climber work?

Mainly the gluteus maximus and quads (vastus lateralis). The quads (vastus medialis), calves (gastrocnemius), lats (upper) and quads (rectus femoris) assist.

Is the Versa Climber good for beginners?

The Versa Climber is rated intermediate. If you are new, learn the Elliptical first and build up from there.

What is a good alternative to the Versa Climber?

For example the Elliptical, Incline Treadmill Walk and Rucking. They train mostly the same muscles, some with different equipment.

Log your sets in Zulta

Zulta tracks your sets, weights and muscle load next to your running, riding or Hyrox training. The app opens soon.

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