Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber Review (2024): Expert-Approved Hybrid Cardio Machine

By combining the smooth glide of the best ellipticals with the vertical orientation of stair-climbing machines, the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber works to supercharge your cardio sessions by pitting you against our old friend — gravity. We’ve found that adding a bit of natural resistance can help ramp up the intensity of our workouts, while preserving the joint-friendly nature of the classic elliptical motion. (1)(2)

“For those who need low-impact exercise options, ellipticals sit near the top of the list,” BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto says. “These cardio machines provide a full-body workout without putting undue stress on the joints.” As long as you can do without yet another screen in your life, we think this affordable elliptical and stair climber hybrid has the goods to get your heart pounding, while saving some space and cash. For an in-depth look, check out our full Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber Review. To learn more about how we test products, head over to the BarBend equipment testing methodology.

Main Takeaways

• Its vertical orientation combines the functionality of ellipticals, stair climbers, and vertical climbers into one.
• Our expert reviewer notes the weight capacity is below average among most ellipticals we’ve tested.
• Per our tester, this lightweight design is a breeze to move around.

Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber Specs

Although many of the best exercise bikes, ellipticals, treadmills, and rowing machines cost well beyond $1,000, there are plenty of quality machines — many of them from Sunny Health & Fitness — that can get the cardio job done without burning a hole in your wallet. Besides costing less than half of the $1,200 to $1,500 range we often see on machines like this, Sunny’s Cardio Climber stands out (and up) among other budget-friendly ellipticals in one area — its vertical orientation.

Challenging gravity more directly can help intensify your workouts while also reducing the burden on your knees and ankles. “Ellipticals are a wonderful option for individuals who want to increase their cardio exercise volume but need a low-impact way to do it,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. “Compared to other forms of low-impact cardio, like cycling and rowing, ellipticals keep the user in the upright position, making them ideal for individuals who struggle with back pain, too.”

The Cardio Climber’s horizontal stride length is about half as short as that of standard ellipticals, but the stair-stepping motion is reminiscent of some of the best stair climbers we’ve tested. This mash-up of cardio goodness can harness the smooth, low-impact training of standard ellipticals, offer the increased intensity of stair climbers, and potentially improve knee strength. (1)(2)(3)

You can adjust the machine’s eight levels of resistance via a knob just below the digital monitor. Driving that resistance is a 13-pound flywheel. We like to see flywheels that weigh at least 15 to 20 pounds, but for the price, we can stand a tiny bit of wobble. 

One pleasant surprise for our team is the lineup of trainer-led virtual workouts on tap in the SunnyFit app. Access to the library of over 1,000 training sessions — including Cardio Climber-specific workouts — is completely free. Like most budget-conscious cardio machines, you’ll be supplying the device to stream these workouts or your favorite shows, but the no-nonsense digital monitor will be there to track calories, distance, speed, and more. All in all, at this price point, it’s tough to find better value.

Pros

Well below the average cost of home ellipticals

Vertical orientation

Lightweight and portable

Cons

260-pound weight capacity is lower than industry standard

Limited tech capabilities

Hard plastic foot pedals

Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber

While we think the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber brings a lot to the table, it won’t be a perfect fit for every athlete. Check out who we think could most and least benefit from adding it to their training space.

Recommended for:

• Anyone working with a limited budget
• Those with knee or ankle issues that need to reduce impact on joints
• People without much available floor space

Not Recommended for:

• Tech-savvy athletes expecting immersive training from the best workout apps
• Athletes exceeding 260 pounds
• Someone looking for a traditional, horizontally-oriented elliptical

Our Experience Training With the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber

After personally testing over 20 ellipticals, 10 stair steppers, and several vertical climbers, the BarBend team knows what goes into a reliable cardio machine. For the Cardio Climber and all equipment we test, we assign ratings of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across categories like durability, tech capabilities, assembly, and more. Scroll on for a detailed look at our time with the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber.

Footprint and Portability

The Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber only takes up a sliver of space in your budget, but it also needs just a sliver of space in your garage or home gym. “I’ve stored this machine in a corner of my living room with no real issues,” says BarBend tester Michael Shafer, rating its footprint and portability 4.5 out of 5. 

While relocating a 95-pound machine is a breeze for Shafer, a certified USA Weightlifting coach, we think most folks should be able to tilt it back and roll it into place. “Wheeling the unit out and back is simple enough — a luxury less likely with larger equipment,” he says. Many of the best commercial ellipticals can gobble about 11 to 13 square feet of your floor space. 

That means the 7.64-square-feet footprint of the Cardio Climber is just over half as space-hungry as other models we’ve tested, like the Sole E25 Elliptical, which claims 11.67 square feet of space. If you can imagine dropping a new loveseat into your living room — about 15.31 square feet — this machine takes up less than half of that. (4)

Construction

We appreciate the Cardio Climber’s lightweight design when moving it around the house, but that convenience comes at the cost of a slightly less durable build. The alloy steel frame and floor stabilizers provide a bit of stability, but given its 260-pound user weight capacity, it earns a 3.5 out of 5 for durability. 

“The industry standard is 300 pounds,” BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto says of the weight capacities for most ellipticals we’ve tried and tested. “Budget-friendly ellipticals are likely to have a lower weight capacity, while luxury options may have a weight capacity of 350 to 400 pounds.”

We’d also love to see some cushioning on the oversized pedals, but the non-slip grip at least provides some traction during more intense workouts. Pumping the handlebars lets you fire up total-body workouts at home, while also saving a bit of stress on your joints. “I recommend ellipticals to individuals who need a low-impact form of cardio exercise,” Capritto adds. “In addition to being low-impact, ellipticals (at least the ones with moving arms) provide a whole-body workout, so they’re an excellent option for people who need to maximize their exercise time.”

Powering those cardio workouts is the 13-pound flywheel that allows for 8 levels of magnetic resistance. Making adjustments is simple enough with the rotating dial, but we typically like to see flywheels around 15 to 20 pounds. Essentially, heavier flywheels offer smoother operation and resistance adjustment than lighter options. So while a 13-pound flywheel isn’t bad for the price, just keep in mind that you won’t be enjoying the rock-solid stability of something like the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i.

Tech Capabilities

Streaming virtual workouts on the best cardio machines can be a double-edged sword. High-end ellipticals with huge touchscreens naturally cost more than the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber, but you’ll also likely be on the hook for a monthly subscription. Double whammy. If you’re satisfied with tracking metrics — like calories, distance, speed, and more — this digital monitor is more than capable. Plus, the built-in pulse sensors help you monitor your heart rate during exercise sessions.

Beyond that, you can easily slot your own phone or tablet in the device holder to load up whatever you want, including virtual programming from those same fitness apps. But for a budget-friendly app to match your budget-friendly elliptical, we like the free SunnyFit app. There are plenty of Cardio Climber-specific workout videos, along with over 1,000 strength training, cardio, and stretching options led by real trainers. You can also sync an Apple Watch with the app to keep tabs on all those calories you burn and imaginary staircases you climb.

All the while, the bottle holder is conveniently placed within arm’s reach just below the performance monitor. We rate the Cardio Climber’s tech capabilities 3 out of 5. It lacks the engaging displays of pricier models, but as long as you have your own device — very likely — you can still take advantage of virtual elliptical workouts for weight loss and building muscle.

Ergonomics and Adjustability

When it comes to adjustability on an elliptical, Capritto notes how being able to ramp up the resistance can boost your session. “If you want something that can provide you with a way to do high-intensity interval workouts and slow, steady cardio, look for models with more resistance and incline levels,” she says. More expensive models can offer up to 26 resistance levels, so the eight levels on the Cardio Climber don’t quite offer the same range of workout intensity. “If you only intend to do steady-state cardio, you can get away with fewer [levels],” Capritto adds.

An elliptical’s stride length refers to the horizontal distance covered in each revolution. Many machines offer lengths of around 18 to 20 inches, but the Cardio Climber is oriented more vertically than most ellipticals. That means that its stride “length” of 10 inches seems shorter than usual, but remember that this hybrid machine utilizes a climbing stride more reminiscent of a stair stepper. More specifically, it sports a 5-inch horizontal stride, coupled with a 9-inch vertical climb.

What to Consider Before Buying the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber

“Ellipticals, even the simpler, budget-friendly models, are machines with many components, so potential buyers should be aware of what‘s considered standard, better, and best when it comes to elliptical specifications,” says BarBend expert Amanda Capritto. Thinking about what to consider before buying an elliptical can be overwhelming, so take a look at some key factors to keep in mind when considering the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber.

• Footprint and Portability: Due to its vertical orientation, the Cardio Climber takes up about half the space of many ellipticals. Still, make sure you measure the area you want to set it up, and whether or not you’ll want a storage space — like a closet — nearby to roll it into when not in use. 
• Overhead Clearance: Thanks to its vertical profile, the maximum pedal height of 19.64 inches puts you slightly higher off the ground than on most ellipticals. The average ceiling height in the U.S. is 8 feet, so factor in ceiling height, your own height, and an extra foot of overheard clearance when planning out where to station your Cardio Climber to ensure you don’t bonk your noggin. (5)
• Tech Capabilities: “Check the specs for tech features that match your nonnegotiables,” Capritto says. The digital display helps keep track of your workout metrics, but lacks tech features like Bluetooth or a touchscreen. Consider whether you’ll want to follow virtual workouts on your Cardio Climber and, if so, you’re OK using your own device.
• Weight Capacity: Most ellipticals we’ve personally tested support users up to 300 pounds, but the Cardio Climber tops out at 260 pounds. If you’re in the market for a machine with a higher weight capacity, check out our list of the best ellipticals for heavy people. 

Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber Vs. Competitors

To provide a bit of context and a glimpse of what else is out there in Elliptical Land, we pitted the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber against three other models we’ve tested. The models from Niceday and Sole feature a traditional, horizontal design, while the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 mimics the vertical profile of the Cardio Climber. You’ll see a wide range in terms of price, which reflects the differing tech capabilities, levels of adjustable resistance, and overall durability of these machines. Take a look at the breakdown below to see how they stack up.

Ordering and Assembling the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber

Ordering the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber is simple enough — add to cart, proceed to checkout — but you’ll have several options along the way. You can choose to add up to three years to your warranty, plus you can apply for financing through Affirm. Purchasing through Amazon opens up free Prime shipping for members.

[Related: Elliptical Buying Guide]

Once it arrives, assembly is straightforward, earning a 4 out of 5 for delivery and setup from our team. “It arrived quickly and was very easy to put together. I did it by myself in one afternoon,” reads one customer review.

Places to Buy the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber

You can buy the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber directly from their website or on Amazon. At sunnyhealthfitness.com, you can also choose from three similar models — Pro Cardio Climber ($219.99), Performance Cardio Climber ($299.99), and Premium Cardio Climber ($449.99).

Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews

Sunny Health & Fitness makes many of the best rowing machines, treadmills, and ellipticals that appear on our roundups of budget gym equipment. The BarBend team has tested nearly 20 Sunny Health and Fitness pieces of exercise equipment. Throughout our time with their gear, one theme emerges — value.

User ratings on Amazon average out to 4.1 out of 5 stars and many reviews share the same pros and cons. Many appreciate how easy it is to assemble, as well as the lightweight design. Multiple reviews also caution that it can be a tad shaky at higher intensities, but that it offers a lot of value for the price.

Warranties

Sunny Health & Fitness offers a 3-year, 180-day manufacturer warranty on the Cardio Climber, which is well below the range we typically see on even the best compact ellipticals. Usually, brands offer around 10 years on the structural frame. You can extend your coverage by up to three years, but given the price, the standard warranty earns a 3 out of 5 from the BarBend team.

Final Thoughts on the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber

If you’ve pumped the arms on any elliptical, you’re likely familiar with the steady, gliding motion that makes them a staple of any big-box gym. Now imagine smashing an elliptical into a stair climber while cutting the price in half — hello, Cardio Climber. By increasing the angle on the standard horizontal elliptical stride, the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber can boost the intensity of elliptical workouts by adding gravity to the mix. (1)(2)

With a lightweight build and lightweight price tag, this combo elliptical and stair climber could be ideal for anyone trying to squeeze a cardio machine into a tight space or tight budget. BarBend tester Michael Shafer wheels it around his place with ease and, although its weight capacity leaves a tad to be desired, its below-average price means it offers a ton of value. 

Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber FAQs

References

1. Loy, S. F., Holland, G. J., Mutton, D. L., Snow, J., Vincent, W. J., Hoffmann, J. J., & Shaw, S. (1993). Effects of stair-climbing vs run training on treadmill and track running performance. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 25(11), 1275–1278.
2. Bosch, A. N., Flanagan, K. C., Eken, M. M., Withers, A., Burger, J., & Lamberts, R. P. (2021). Physiological and Metabolic Responses to Exercise on Treadmill, Elliptical Trainer, and Stepper: Practical Implications for Training. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, 31(2), 135–142.
3. Choi M, Yoo J, Shin S, Lee W. The effects of stepper exercise with visual feedback on strength, walking, and stair climbing in individuals following stroke. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Jun;27(6):1861-4. 
4. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
5. Rybczynski, W. (n.d.) Ceiling Heights in Homes and Offices. Wharton University of Pennsylvania Real Estate Center. https://realestate.wharton.upenn.edu/working-papers/ceiling-heights-in-homes-and-offices/
6. Harvard Health. (2021, March 8). Calories burned in 30 minutes for people of three different weights. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights

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