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Jacobs Ladder Stairway GTL Review | The Ultimate Stair Stepper

Jacobs Ladder Stairway GTL Review Featured Image With Benefits

If you're looking for a challenging workout that targets both your cardiovascular and muscular systems, then the Jacobs Ladder Stairway GTL is an excellent choice.

Having walked many people through the features and benefits of this machine,  I'm thrilled to share my insights on this highly effective and unique exercise machine in a resource anyone can read.

P.S: Stick around till end for a huge discount to get you started with a Jacobs Ladder Stairway GTL :)

The Stairway GTL from Jacobs Ladder Exercise is an innovative stair climber that takes a different approach compared to standard equipment in the market.

Gone is the need for a waist belt, as the old Stairway utilizes a proprietary closed-loop speed control system which allows users to easily set their pace on the integrated display, making the workout experience more enjoyable and personalized.

Constructed with heavy-duty, powder-coated steel, the steps of this machine closely resemble those found in your home, with an 8-inch height and 9-inch depth.

The frame and steps are designed to accommodate individuals weighing up to 350 lbs, making it highly inclusive for gym-goers with different fitness levels.

Furthermore, the narrower width and shorter ceiling height make the Stairway GTL a great addition to both commercial and home gyms, ensuring a versatile and compact exercise option.

Jacobs Ladder Stairway GTL Overview

Jacobs Ladder Stairway GTL Female

The Jacobs Ladder Stairway GTL is a high-quality stair climbing machine designed for home and commercial use.

How It Works

The Stairway GTL is different from the standard Jacobs Ladder as it does not require the use of a waist belt.

Instead, it employs a proprietary closed-loop speed control, allowing users to easily select their desired pace via the display.

This feature enables a seamless workout experience while accommodating various fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes.

Built with a welded tubular steel frame, the Stairway GTL is designed for durability and stability.

It measures 30.5 inches wide, 54 inches long, and 75.5 inches tall, making it suitable for settings with limited space (Jacobs Ladder Exercise).

Additionally, the 300-pound weight ensures it remains steady during the most vigorous workouts.

Using the Stairway GTL, you control the speed and intensity of your workout by simply stepping faster or slower.

This smart design allows you to push your limits and customize your workout routine in real-time.

Some key features of the Stairway GTL include:

  • Welded tubular steel frame for maximum durability
  • Steel stairs with polyvinyl tread for a safe and secure footing
  • ABS plastic case and powder-coated steel handle for reduced maintenance needs
  • Self-powered mechanism, eliminating the need for an external power source
  • Compatible with ceiling heights of 8.5 feet or more

Incorporating the Jacobs Ladder Stairway GTL into your fitness routine is an excellent way to add variety and intensity to your workouts. Its advanced design and user-friendly features make it an ideal choice for home gyms, commercial fitness centers, or rehabilitation to help individuals reach their fitness goals.

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Key Features of Stairway GTL

Jacobs Ladder Stairway GTL Initial Step

Design And Build

The Stairway GTL has a durable and user-friendly design. It is built using welded tubular steel, providing a stable and robust frame.

The machine measures 30.5" in width, 54" in length, and 75.5" in height, enabling it to fit comfortably in most home gyms or smaller commercial spaces (Jacobs Ladder). Weighing in at 300 lbs, it can safely accommodate various user weights.

Resistance Levels

One of the standout features of the Stairway GTL is its self-powered resistance system.

The jacobs ladder compared to a Stairmaster, differs noticeably with its self powered feature.

Its take up no power supply, you can move it anywhere you like, and you will absolutely not trip over any power cords. 

With no waist belt required, users can easily control the pace of the workout by simply climbing faster or slower.

The freedom to adjust the speed and intensity of the workout provides users with a challenging and versatile exercise experience.

Safety Features

The Stairway GTL contains several safety features to make your workout as secure as possible.

The steel stairs are fitted with polyvinyl tread, which offers excellent grip and prevents slipping during intense workouts.

Additionally, the powder-coated steel handles provide extra support and stability while climbing.

Lastly, the machine's proprietary closed-loop speed control system ensures that the pace of the workout remains within your control, minimizing the risk of injury.

Performance And Effectiveness

Stairway GTL Dashboard

Cardiovascular Benefits

Due to its self-powered technology, users are in full control of their speed and intensity.

This allows for a more personalized and effective workout, making it perfect for improving your cardiovascular health.

The GTL also has a 10-inch initial step for easy starting and stopping, suitable for users of any fitness level.

Calorie Burning

If you're looking to burn calories and shed some extra pounds, the stair machine, and the Jacobs Ladder Stairway GTL for that matter, is a fantastic choice.

The machine has a range of speeds for not only allowing any experience level user benefit from the machine, but the user can adjust the speed of the machine based on how intense they would like to go. 

The machine does up to 164 steps per minute which at par with nearly every other stair machine on the market. 

We all know that that the stair machine at max level speed is nearly impossible. 

This machine is no exception. 

Pros and Cons

The Stairway GTL offers several advantages over traditional stair climbers, similar to other jacobs ladder models like the original Jacobs ladderjacobs ladder x, and jacobs ladder 2.

Firstly, it uses a generator instead of a waist belt system, allowing for a more natural and comfortable climbing experience.

Additionally, with just a press of the start button, the Stairway GTL calculates the user's weight and adjusts accordingly.

This feature allows for more accurate calorie burn measurements during workouts.

Another pro of the Stairway GTL is its durable construction.

Built with a welded tubular steel frame, powder-coated steel tube handles, steel steps with polyvinyl treads, and an ABS plastic case, this machine is designed to withstand the rigors of a busy gym environment.

Moreover, it has an easy-to-read digital display that tracks important workout metrics like elapsed time, steps climbed, steps per minute, calories burned, and heart rate.

  • Pros:
  • No waist belt system - more natural climbing experience
  • Calculates user weight - accurate calorie burn measurements
  • Durable construction
  • Easy-to-read digital display
  • Cons:
  • May not suit every budget
  • Not ideal for smaller home gyms with limited space / low ceilings

User Experience

Assembly And Set-up

The Jacobs Ladder stairway GTL delivers fully assembled. 

Yep, just take off the pellet, and you're pretty much good to go.

Maintenance And Cleaning

Just like any other workout machine, its best to maintain your equipment as best as possible. 

With that said, the Stairway GTL requires very little maintenance. 

When it does come time to give it some attention, the machine is simply built with few parts, making it easy to spot check and provide attention to each area. 

Price And Warranty

he Stairway GTL hits the sweet spot between performance and convenience, mixed with affordable pricing.

At $6995 in 2023, the machine stacks up very comparably to other full size stair steppers in the market. 

Some Stairmasters and other brand models will run upwards of $10,000 to $15,000.... Yikes.

When considering the cost of the Jacobs Ladder Stairway GTL, it's important to evaluate the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A 2 year warranty on parts provides a sense of security regarding the machine's durability and longevity, while the 1-year labor warranty gives you peace of mind in case you need to service it.

Final Thoughts

With daily experience in gym equipment stair steppers specifically, I think the Stairway GTL by Jacobs Ladder is an exceptional piece of exercise equipment.

While the machine could certainly feature a more attractive design like some of its competition and offer more advanced screen and display technology, the GTL like mentioned before hits the sweet spot of features and price. 

Overall, if you're looking for a unique, highly convenient, featured packed, long lasting stair machine at a decent price, do not sleep on the Jacobs Ladder Stairway GTL

To read more about jacobs ladder machine benefits, compare the the original Jacobs ladder vs the jacobs ladder 2, or review of the jacobs ladder x and jacobs ladder 2 review, our blog has all the information you need!

Contact us at 888-995-4450 with any questions or live chat us here on the website. 

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About The Author

Matt Gemkow, the author of this content section at Select Fitness USA, boasts more than 15 years of fitness experience. He started out in sports and athletic training for many years and has since 2014 transitioned into heavy-weight training and bodybuilding. As a result, he has become one of the most experienced fitness equipment experts out there, and a valuable source of information.