As the calendar ticks over and New Year’s resolutions come back into focus, Australians are once again looking for simple, affordable ways to move more – without committing to pricey gym memberships or battling the summer crowds.
Enter Kmart’s latest budget-friendly fitness buy: a $99 Vertical Climber Machine that’s quickly catching the attention of shoppers keen to kickstart healthier habits from home.
Designed to mimic a climbing or stair-stepping motion, the compact machine promises a full-body workout using steady, controlled movements – engaging the core, legs and glutes at the same time.
Its upright design makes it easy to use in small spaces, while adjustable handlebars and pedal angles allow users to tweak their posture and movement to suit their body.
The machine also features a digital monitor that tracks climb count and estimated calories burned, as well as a stabilising end plug and an easy-rolling base so it can be moved around the house without fuss.
For many Australians, convenience is the biggest selling point.
With work-from-home routines, family commitments and the cost-of-living crunch still front of mind, at-home fitness options are increasingly appealing – particularly ones that don’t require mirrors, complicated set-ups or ongoing subscriptions.
The climber can be used indoors during winter, early mornings, or hot summer days, removing one of the biggest barriers to exercise: getting out the door.
Kmart’s latest budget-friendly fitness buy, a $99 Vertical Climber Machine, is quickly catching the attention of shoppers
Shoppers have been quick to share their reactions online, with some praising the design and price point.
‘Oh my gosh that’s cool,’ one person wrote, while another added, ‘Wow, looks so high quality.’
Others were amused by its retro look, joking that it resembled something from the 1960s or calling it ‘very Kath and Kim’, referencing the television show with Gina Riley and Jane Turner.
Fitness experts have long stressed that when it comes to weight loss and overall health, consistency matters far more than intensity.
Short, regular sessions of movement – especially exercises that raise the heart rate and engage multiple muscle groups – can have meaningful benefits when sustained over time.
Designed to mimic a climbing or stair-stepping motion, the compact machine promises a full-body workout using steady, controlled movements – engaging the core, legs and glutes at the same time
However, exercise alone isn’t a magic fix.
Health professionals consistently emphasise that sustainable weight loss relies on a balanced approach, combining physical activity with a nutritious, well-rounded diet.
While machines like the Vertical Climber can support cardiovascular fitness and muscle engagement, they work best alongside sensible eating habits that prioritise whole foods, adequate protein, and long-term balance rather than restriction.
At $99, the Vertical Climber sits firmly in impulse-buy territory for many shoppers, offering a low-risk way to test a new routine without the pressure of a long-term commitment.
For Australians easing back into movement – or simply looking for something they can jump on while dinner’s cooking – it may be exactly the kind of practical motivation that sticks.
