Looking for an alternative to the Bowflex Max machine? The Bowflex Max Trainer is a hybrid stair-climbing elliptical machine that combines lower-body climbing movements with upper-body elliptical arm bars for a full-body workout.
The Max is great for HIIT (or high-intensity interval training) workouts, and according to the manufacturer, you 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 the success of the Bowflex and have come up with their own options to build on the success of the Max. So here are 3 of your options with the benefits for each:
#1 Proform Cardio HIIT Trainer
The Proform Cardio HIIT Trainer is an elliptical that combines a 10-inch vertical step with a 5-inch horizontal step for a vertical climbing motion, much like what you get with the Max Trainer.
It also gives you upper body arms for a full body workout 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 option for iFit LIVE (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 levels of resistance (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 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 resistance levels than the HIIT trainer, so there’s more room to grow, too. There is also a heavier flywheel for more stability.
Plus, it actually costs a few hundred less than the premium Max Trainer model. So it’s a great value.
Step by step Sole SC200 #3
This is another elliptical stepper combo trainer with upper body arm bars for a total body workout.
It’s a bit simpler than the HIIT Trainer or the Bowflex Max with a reduced console and a few less resistance levels than the HIIT Trainer.
But it comes with several built-in workouts and a handgrip heart rate monitor to stay in your target fat-burning zone. It also has wheels at the bottom of the stepper to easily move it anywhere in your home.
Those are 3 similar alternatives to the Bowflex Max Trainer. Each have their own unique benefits.
Don’t forget, though, that there are now 3 different Max Trainer models that are around $1100 and up, so chances are you’ll also find a Max Trainer that’s right for you if you decide that’s what you want.
Remember to take your time, do your research, and find a machine you really love, one that can grow with you as your fitness level increases over time. Then you’ll have a machine you can use for years to come!
