Looking for an alternative Bowflex Max machine? The Bowflex Max Trainer is a hybrid elliptical stair climber trainer that combines lower body climbing movements with elliptical upper body arm bars for a full body workout.
The Max is great for HIIT workouts (or high intensity interval training) and, according to the manufacturer, can burn up to 2.5 times more calories on the Max Trainer than on a regular elliptical.
But are there alternatives to the Bowflex Max? Well about a year ago the answer was no – the Max was pretty unique and kudos to Bowflex for designing such a great fat burning trainer.
But the good news is that you now have options. Other brands have seen Bowflex’s success and have come up with their own options for building on Max’s success. So, here are 3 of your options with the benefits for each:
# 1 HIIT Proform cardio trainer
The Proform Cardio HIIT Trainer is an elliptical that combines a 10-inch vertical stride with a 5-inch horizontal stride for a vertical climbing motion, very similar to what you get with the Max Trainer.
It also gives you upper-body arms for full-body training and takes up half the space of a regular elliptical. Plus, it comes with a few things you don’t get with the Bowflex trainer, like the iFit LIVE option (which adds more workouts to your trainer, including various HIIT workouts, and allows you to track your workouts over time).
You also get a built-in console fan to keep you cool and 24 resistance levels (which is a bit more than the Max Elliptical).
# 2 Proform Cardio HIIT Trainer Pro
This is a step up from the previous Cardio HIIT Trainer, and my favorite option of all. It combines the same design as the Cardio HIIT Trainer, along with a full-color console and an integrated touchscreen web browser.
So you can surf the net while exercising, read the latest business news, or watch YouTube videos for fun.
It gives you more levels of resistance than the HIIT trainer, so there is more room to grow too. There is also a heavier steering wheel for added stability.
Plus, it’s actually a few hundred less than the premium Max Trainer model. So it is a great value.
# 3 SC200 sole step by step
This is another elliptical-stepper trainer combined with upper body arm bars for a total body workout.
It is a bit simpler than the HIIT trainer or the Bowflex Max with a reduced console and some less resistance levels than the HIIT trainer.
But it comes with several built-in workouts and a hand-grip heart rate monitor to stay in your fat-burning target zone. It also has casters on the bottom of the stepper to easily move it anywhere in your home.
So those are 3 similar alternatives to the Bowflex Max Trainer. Each has its own unique benefits.
Don’t forget, though, there are now 3 different Max Trainer models priced around $ 1100 and up, so you’ll likely find a Max Trainer that’s right for you too if you decide that’s what you want.
Remember to take your time, do your research, and find a machine that you really like, one that can grow with you as your fitness level increases over time. Then you have a machine that you can use for many years!
