When it comes to Elliptical trainers, NordicTrack and Bowflex are the two most popular names because both these brands have manufactured high quality and reliable home gym equipment over the years. FreeStride Trainer FS7i from NordicTrack and Max Trainer M5(M6) from Bowflex are two of their biggest sellers. While both of these trainers are an upgrade from a traditional treadmill model, there are some differences between them. We will give you a rundown of those differences in this article in order to help you decide which one is better suited for your needs.
Here are some aspects in which both trainers differ from each other:
Type of Motion
NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS7i is a versatile machine. It allows you to do a variety of exercises such as longer running strides, stair-stepping motions, as well as hurdling type strides. So you have many options to change up the motion according to your needs and burn more calories with less adaptation.
Bowflex Max Trainer M5/M6 on the other hand, looks like an elliptical but offers more of a stair-climbing motion. You cannot do a running-type motion on it and you also cannot set your stride. But this trainer offers a relatively high-calorie burning workout that works wonders on core muscles and lower body.
Workout Program Options
In general, NordicTrack has always offered more programs as compared to Bowflex. There are 35 workout programs available in FS7i trainer. All these workout programs are approved by experts.
Max Trainer M5 offers limited high intensity workout programs. Although the number of workout programs are lower than FS7i, they are quite effective and popular as they offer the assurance that you will burn calories faster.
Calories Burned
FS7i burns calories just like any other elliptical trainer out there. However, there are no official calories burned test results available at the moment. So the required data is not available in order to compare with the M5.
The Max Trainer M5 on the other hand, is proven to be highly effective as it can burn up to 2.5 times more calories than a treadmill, stairclimber, or elliptical. There are official lab test results available, so there’s no question about its performance and effectiveness.
So M5 is the right choice if you are looking for an elliptical trainer that can get you faster results in less time.
Console
The FreeStride Trainer FS7i has a fancy 7-inch web enabled touchscreen that allows you to view your exercise stats, surf the net, read emails, watch YouTube videos, etc. It also comes with iFit technology.
The Max Trainer M5 on the other hand, has an easy-to-use console that offers limited functionality. You have an intensity meter, speed gauge, and other simple yet necessary options. Overall, the M5 offers relatively fewer extras than the FS7i.
Price
Max Trainer M5 is around $1,599 these days while FreeStride Trainer FS7i is available at $1,999. So M5 is the right choice for you if you are on a budget.
Warranty
M5 comes with a limited 2-years parts warranty and 90-days labor warranty while the FS7i has a 5-years parts warranty and 2-years labor warranty.
Bowflex Max Trainer M6
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is a 2-in-1 elliptical and stepper machine that builds off of the top-rated Max Trainer M5 by adding compatibility with the new Max Intelligence™ App and a free two-month trial, available for iPhone and Android users.
Using in-depth analytics and tracking, this app creates a personalized fitness experience, including coaching, motivation, and celebrating milestones with awards. The Max Intelligence platform also offers a growing library of trainer-led videos that are personally recommended based on previous workouts, which essentially is like having a personal trainer at the comfort of your fingertips.
Other new additions include a larger and repositioned console, magnetic media rack for tablet or smartphone, and multi-grip, dynamic handles.
Overall comparison
| NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS7i | Bowflex Max Trainer M5(M6) | |
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| Pros |
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| Full Review | NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS7i Review | Bowflex Max Trainer M5(M6) Review |
NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS7i vs. Bowflex Max Trainer M5(M6): Verdict
In conclusion, both trainers mentioned in this article are highly compact and ultra-low impact elliptical machines.
Choosing either of these pieces of equipment means getting a high-quality and well-functioning machine with features and technology to meet all types of fitness needs. Both of these machines can offer a powerful workout, but the difference in choosing the right machine for you will be in assessing your personal fitness goals and needs, lifestyle, and budget.
If you are an independently motivated person who wants a variety of effective work out options, I would look towards the Nordictrack Freestride Trainer fs7i. This machine offers incredible programs for multiple users per subscription, which is great for families or more than two users.
If you are looking for the motivation of a personal trainer at home, with a low-impact but efficient workout, I would look towards the Bowflex Max Trainer M6. This machine is designed uniquely for max muscle activation, which means getting a powerful work out in half the time you usually spend in the gym. Between the two machines, this one is more cost-effective, and who wouldn’t want to save hundreds of extra dollars to splurge on new work out gear? The custom training Max Intelligence App is just the icing on the cake for this compact and lightweight upgrade of the most recent addition to the Bowflex Max Trainer series.
While some of the features of FS7i put this trainer at advantage, the Max Trainer M5(M6) comes at a lower price and also has a proven track record of burning calories fast. So, the M6 is a great option if you are on a budget, aren’t too concerned about fancy extras, and want to get results faster.
