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One Grand Prize Winner Earns Real-Life Trek to Everest Base Camp as Global Participants Climb 29,032 Feet on VersaClimber TS

SANTA ANA, Calif, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- , the pioneer and global leader in vertical cardio training, proudly announces the success of its first global connected fitness challenge: Expedition Everest. Over the course of 27 days, more than 3,000 participants from around the world, spanning VersaClimber studios and home users, virtually climbed 29,032 feet, the exact elevation of Mount Everest, using the VersaClimber TS. This pilot aimed to transform solo workouts into a collaborative journey, blending fitness, community and purpose.

Beginner engagement far exceeded expectations, with participants achieving remarkable personal milestones, climbing between 3,000 and over 5,000 feet in a single session, returning for more and achieving personal bests. This surge in individual performance contributed to a significant increase in overall activity, as total global vertical feet climbed more than doubled compared to the previous 30-day period, an unprecedented surge in motivation. The challenge drove transformation and studios saw packed classes.

A Winner Earns Trip to Everest Base Camp
The top participant, a studio member who completed the full challenge with consistency and determination, has been awarded a 15-day guided trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, including:

Round-trip international airfare
Accommodations and meals
Local trekking guides
Up to $5,000 in travel credit

"She represents exactly what Expedition Everest was designed to spark," said Shane Schieffer, COO of VersaClimber. "This wasn't about racing to the top. It was about rising together."
Global Engagement and Results

Participants followed a virtual version of the Everest route, progressing through checkpoints like Namche Bazaar, the Khumbu Icefall and the Lhotse Face. These digital base camps allowed climbers to pause and "wait" for others, mirroring the pacing of a real expedition.

"This challenge was exactly what I needed," said one participant. "It reminded me that I can do hard things."

Fast Facts: Expedition Everest Challenge
3,000+ participants climb virtually
27 days to complete the challenge
1 grand prize winner earned a trek to Everest Base Camp + $5,000 travel credit
Studio attendance doubled during the event
Personal bests exploded- Climbing 5-10x faster than their average

Purpose Over Performance
Expedition Everest offered more than a fitness challenge. It delivered a story-driven experience centered on:
Momentum over measurement
Community over competition
Shared progress over individual perfection

As the fitness industry evolves beyond competition-based leaderboards, VersaClimber's model shows that purposeful movement and digital connection can drive deeper engagement and long-term motivation.

What's Next
Following the success of Expedition Everest, VersaClimber is developing a series of new global connected fitness events aimed at:
Strengthening studio member retention
Deepening home user engagement
Creating immersive, purpose-driven training journeys

"This is more than a successful campaign. It's a signal," added Schieffer. "People want connection, purpose and a reason to move. That's the future of fitness, and that's where VersaClimber is headed."

For more information, or to join the next challenge, visit .

About VersaClimber:
VersaClimber is the original total-body vertical cardio trainer and the first commercial exercise machine to integrate heart rate as a performance metric. Manufactured in California since 1981, VersaClimber machines are built with unmatched durability and trusted by elite athletes, physical therapists and fitness professionals worldwide. Known for total-body engagement, intense calorie burn and space efficiency, VersaClimber continues to define the future of connected cardio fitness.

Media Contact

Leah Cybulski, ChicExecs PR, 7084268730, [email protected],

SOURCE ChicExecs PR