Bowflex Max Trainer vs NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer Elliptical Comparison

The Bowflex Max Trainers are often compared to ellipticals, which is often the closest analog for these machines. However, your typical elliptical with a front- or rear-drive flywheel isn’t able to achieve the same kind of movement that a Max Trainer can produce. But, a NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer elliptical comes with a center-drive, which allows for ready comparison to a Max Trainer.

If you aren’t sure whether a NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer or a Bowflex Max Trainer is right for your home fitness needs, check out our comparison of these two types of machines to help you make your decision.

Price Range On NordicTrack FreeStride Trainers vs. Bowflex Max Trainers

As the FreeStrider Trainers are the top elliptical offerings from NordicTrack, the price range reflects this fact. Prices for these ellipticals start at $2,699 and go up to $3,999. You can use one of our NordicTrack coupon codes to help reduce the overall price.

Part of the appeal of the Bowflex Max Trainers is that prices are lower than the FreeStride Trainers. Prices for the Max Trainers start at $1,699 and go up to $2,799.

Type Of Motion On Max Trainers vs. FreeStride Ellipticals

The Max Trainers allow for an abbreviated elliptical-like motion. Rather than take longer gliding strides, these machines provide the user with short gliding upward steps, combining the movement of ellipticals with stair-stepping machines. Also, the upper arms of the Max Trainers move, allowing you to keep your arms engaged in your work out, though you can use the stable handlebar if you prefer.

Thanks to the center-drive on the FreeStride Trainer, you have the ability to utilize these ellipticals in three distinct types of motion. First, you can engage in the classic gliding elliptical motion. Next, if you want to run, you can take long strides and engage in a treadmill motion without the hard impact that comes with running. Lastly, you can shorten your stride and use your FreeStride Trainer as a stair stepper machine.

All of these motions on the FreeStride Trainer can be used simply by changing your stride. The upper arms also move to help bring your upper body into your exercise time on these ellipticals.

Display For NordicTrack FreeStride Trainers vs. Bowflex Max Trainers

All of the FreeStride Trainer ellipticals come with high-definition touchscreens for easy usage and viewing during your workouts. The sizes range from 7-inch touchscreens and go up to 14 inches. These touchscreens are embedded into the console of the FreeStride Trainers and are water- and sweat-resistant.

On the Max Trainers, you have two different types of displays. The M6 has a backlit LCD screen, allowing you to track workout information. On the Max Total, there is a 9.6″ Samsung touchscreen embedded into the console. Through the Max Total touchscreen, you can stream your Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime shows, if you have subscriptions to these streaming platforms.

Exercise Programs Max Trainers vs. FreeStride Ellipticals

When you purchase a Max Trainer, you can receive between 5-8 built-in workouts, depending on whether you bring home the M6 or Max Total. These programs cover workouts that focus on calorie-burning, interval exercises, and fat burning. Along with the built-in exercise programs, you get a free 2-month subscription to Bowflex JRNY, which is the Bowflex personal training platform.

With JRNY, there is a catalog of trainer-led workouts you can choose from as you exercise on your Max Trainer. You can also enjoy individualized workouts and virtual coaching with the JRNY platform.

On NordicTrack FreeStride Trainers, you can get between 35 to 38 onboard workout programs, depending on the machine you choose. As well as with these programs, you receive a free 30-day trial iFit membership.

With an iFit subscription membership, you automatically have over 12,000 workout programs unlocked. These programs can range from beautiful workouts shot on location around the world with premier personal trainers to high-energy studio exercise sessions. You can also find cross-training workouts that you can do off of your FreeStride Trainer. There is also the ability to track your sleep, nutrition, goals, and create custom workout programs with iFit.

Should You Buy A NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer or A Bowflex Max Trainer

Some other features that may influence whether you want to choose a FreeStride Trainer or Max Trainer are shown below in the table.

Should you end up deciding that a NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer is best for you, be sure to grab one of our NordicTrack promo codes! With our discount codes, you can save on all your future NordicTrack purchases.