Jacobs Ladder Comparison

The Jacobs Ladder is known for its high-intensity, low-impact workouts that provide a solid training session for people at all stages of their fitness journey. Jacobs Ladder machines are versatile and can be used for various workout routines that help users build their cardio and improve their strength.

In this article, we’ll explore the features and specifications of the three Jacobs Ladder models – the Jacobs Ladder X, Jacobs Ladder, and Jacobs Ladder 2 – to help you find the perfect fit for your fitness goals.

How to Use the Jacobs Ladder:

Before diving into the specifics of each model, let’s understand the basic steps to using Jacobs Ladder:

1. Set your height on the height adjustment section of the waist belt.
2. Securely attach the waist belt around your midsection, placing the strap off the center of your back.
3. Press the START button to turn on the display.
4. OPTIONAL: Set your weight on the display console (necessary for counting calories burned)
5. Step on the Machine and begin climbing at your desired pace. Start slow and use the side rails to get comfortable with the movement.
6. Monitor your progress through digital readouts displaying elapsed time, distance climbed, rate, calories burned, and heart rate.
7. When finished, stop climbing and coast to the bottom.

Muscles Worked on the Jacobs Ladder

Regular users of Jacobs Ladder can anticipate developing cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and muscular strength. Jacobs Ladder primarily targets the lower body and core muscles while also engaging the upper body to a lesser extent.

Lower Body Muscles:

• Quadriceps: The front thigh muscles are heavily engaged when climbing the rungs of the Jacobs Ladder.
• Hamstrings: The muscles at the back of the thigh play a significant role in extending the hips and flexing the knees during climbing.
• Calves: These muscles provide propulsion and are activated when pushing off each rung.
• Gluteal Muscles: The muscles in your buttocks are engaged to stabilize the hips and provide power during climbing.

Core Muscles:

• Rectus Abdominis: Commonly referred to as your “six-pack”, these muscles help stabilize the torso during climbing.
• Obliques: The muscles on the sides of your abdomen assist in rotation movements and provide stabilization during climbing.
• Transverse Abdominis: These muscle deep within your core provide stability to the spine and pelvis during climbing.

Upper Body Muscles:

• Latissimus Dors: The “lats” assist in pulling motions during climbs. They are primarily target during the “hand over hand” exercise.
• Deltoids: The shoulder muscles help stabilize the arms during climbing.
• Biceps and Forearms: These muscles are worked when pulling yourself up the ladder rungs.
• Trapezius and Rhomboids: The upper back muscles stabilize the shoulders and assist in pulling movements.

Cardiovascular System:

• The Jacobs Ladder provides a solid cardio workout regardless of fitness level. Users can perform high-intensity interval training (HIIT), timed workouts, warm-ups, circuits, and cool-downs on the machine.

Exercises Performed on the Jacobs Ladder

There are 4 main exercises that can be performed on the Jacobs Ladder. The Side Rail and the Hand Over Hand can be performed on all models of the Jacobs Ladder, while the Stand Up and the Sled Drive are unique to the Jacobs Ladder X because of its additional handles.

• The Side Rail exercise primarily targets the lower body and is perfect for warm-up routines and users who are just learning to use the Jacobs Ladder. This exercise is also ideal for individuals recovering from an injury because of its low intensity.
• The Stand Up exercise also targets the lower body and provides a workout with more intensity than the Side Rail exercise.
• The Sled Drive exercise simulates the motion of pushing a weighted sled and is ideal for strength training and for building explosive power in the legs.
• The Hand Over Hand is the signature exercise of the Jacobs Ladder. It targets the full body and is a fantastic exercise for training both strength and cardio. This exercise is also fantastic for developing coordination between the arms and legs.

Jacobs Ladder Comparison

Feature	Jacobs Ladder X	Jacobs Ladder	Jacobs Ladder 2
Dimensions	Without Cupholders: 80.125" L x 30.5" W x 69.5" H With Cupholders: 80.125" L x 37.25" W x 69.5" H	76" L x 31.25" W x 65.5" H	76" L x 27.25" W x 65.5" H
Weight	375 lbs	325 lbs	300 lbs
Rungs	2" Solid Maple with UV Cured Acrylic coating	Solid Maple	Steel Tube with Polyurethane Sleeve
Power	Self-Powered	Self-Powered	110V (220V available upon request)
Digital Readouts	Elapsed Time, Feet Climbed, Rate (Feet/Min), Calorie Burn, Intensity Level	Elapsed Time, Feet Climbed, Rate (Feet/Min), Calorie Burn, Heart Rate (using chest strap)	Elapsed Time, Feet Climbed, Rate (Feet/Min), Calorie Burn, Heart Rate (using chest strap)
Exercises	Side Rail, Stand Up, Sled Drive, Hand over Hand	Side Rail, Hand Over Hand	Side Rail, Hand Over Hand
Warranty	2 Year Parts, 1 Year Labor	2 Year Parts, 1 Year Labor	2 Year Parts

Final Thoughts

While all three models offer a similar climbing experience, each has unique features catering to different user preferences. The Jacobs Ladder X stands out as the newest addition to the family of products with its re-designed dashboard and additional exercise options, making it ideal for more advanced users or for users who want more variety in their workouts. The Jacobs Ladder X is heavier than its counterparts and thanks to the added hand rails, users are able to perform four total exercises – the Side Rail, Stand Up, Sled Drive, and Hand over Hand.

On the other hand, the Jacobs Ladder is the first model to enter the market and remains a popular choice thanks to its robust design and user friendly interface. The original Jacobs Ladder is a self-powered machine and provides a workout experience that has stood the test of time for over 2 decades.

The Jacobs Ladder 2 is the more compact version of the original Jacobs Ladder and works best for areas with limited space and maneuverability. The Jacobs Ladder 2 was created to fit into home gyms and residential environments. Its smaller size makes it easier to move through staircases and narrow hallways.