Bowflex Max Vs Elliptical - Which is Best For You?

Deciding between the Max Trainer and an elliptical machine? What's the difference? And which is best for you?

While these two fitness machines are quite similar to each other - there are several distinct differences between them. Here's a list of where they're different to help you choose between them.

#1 Design Differences

So to start off what is the Bowflex Max? This machine is a cross between an elliptical trainer and a stairclimber.

You still get the elliptical upper-body arms but the motion of the legs is less of a running motion - and more of a climbing stair stepping motion.

Unlike an elliptical crosstrainer, you can't pedal backwards.

#2 Calories Burned

The Bowflex Max has the upper hand in this case. In an independent study comparing the Max to treadmills, step machines and ellipticals, users on the Max burned up to 2.5 times more calories than any of these machines.

In fact, trial users have burned up to 600 calories in 30 minutes. Compare this to a standard 150 - 200 calories per half hour for an average elliptical workout and you'll see that you can get faster results on the Max trainer.

#3 Upper Body Workout Results

While many crosstrainers do have upper body bars to work your arms, the Bowflex Max actually was shown in lab studies to engage up to 80% more upper body muscles.

Tests in the lab also showed that it engaged more of the core and lower body muscles as well.

Basically this means you get more done in less time.

#4 High Intensity Training Workouts

While many ellipticals do give you a range of pre-built workout programs, the Max comes with a specially designed 14-minutes high intensity training interval workout.

This is designed to help you burn maximum calories in a very short time - which is great for busy, on the go people. And high-intensity training has also been shown to increase your calorie burning post workout.

So you get the "afterburn" effect of burning more calories for up to 24 hours after you exercise.

#5 Size

Elliptical crosstrainers can be more compact than other fitness machines like the treadmill or rowing machine. But the Max comes in even smaller with a more compact footprint of 2.5 x 3.5 feet.

So it would be great if space is limited in your workout area.

So those are some of the main differences between the Max Trainer vs elliptical machines.

Elliptical trainers can give you wider variety of motion - and even workout programs. But the Max Trainer is built to get you faster weight loss results in less time. So it really depends on what you're looking to achieve with your workout.

Want to now more? See a quick video review of the Bowflex Max Trainer here

Or watch the Best Weight Loss Ellipticals for the top 3 ellipticals that can help you burn more calories in less time.

Hi folks I am Dessi Choi and I love to write and share useful tips and information to everyone. Keep updated guys. Thank You.