Wondering what the Jacob’s Ladder is all about? According to CA trainer Darrell Gough, it’s so much more than just a stair climb machine.
“The Jacob’s Ladder offers is a unique total-body cardio workout that really takes your heart rate up,” says Gough. “If you’re tired of always using the treadmill or stationary bike, it’s a fun way to switch things up and see some new fitness gains.”
In fact, Gough uses it to train for his 31-mile Spartan Ultra races — but you don’t have to be competitive athlete to benefit from adding it to your routine. Read on to learn more about why it’s an effective training tool for everyone, plus check out a video demo from Gough.
Research at Louisiana State University found that the Jacob’s Ladder allows you to work out harder with less effort compared to a treadmill. At the same time, it’s low-impact and less stressful on your joints.
Gough compares the climbing motion on the ladder-type rungs to a bear crawl. This adds a coordination and muscle-building element required that’s missing from most cardio machines. Crawling is a movement pattern that tends to be underutilized as we age, after all. Bringing it back to your exercise routine helps you maintain strength, stability and mobility. It even builds new connections in the brain and is helpful for injury prevention.
It doesn’t hurt that this climbing motion also crushes calories while working your core and stabilizer muscles.
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Ready to reap the benefits yourself? Good news: The Jacob’s Ladder is available for use in the upstairs area of Supreme Sports Club. Its simplicity is another bonus. Simply attach the harness to your waist and slowly start climbing to build some heat. Remember to climb with opposite limbs (i.e. right arm reaches up while left leg climbs, left arm reaches up while right leg climbs). After a few minutes to warm up, up the ante to any speed that you desire. It’s a self-paced machine, so the faster you go the faster it goes. If you need to take a break, simply begin to slow down and the Jacob’s Ladder will follow suit.
“It’s awesome how much the ladder does at one time. For instance, while you’re building endurance, you’re also working your glutes and improving your grip.”
Beyond the Jacob’s Ladder, Supreme Sports Club is home to 5,000 square feet of cardio workout space with state-of-the-art equipment. Plus, there’s an eight-lane lap and recreational pool, a 12,000-square-foot arena for basketball and volleyball, racquetball courts, a 1/10 mile indoor track and 2,400 square feet of weight workout space. To learn more about how Supreme can help you lead a healthier lifestyle, check out our website,