Wondering about the Max Trainer vs an elliptical? What are the main differences between them? And which will get you better results?
While these two machines are very similar to each other – there are several distinct differences between them. Here’s a review of the main differences to help you find the right fit for your home gym.
#1. How They Work
So to start off what is the Bowflex Max? This machine is a cross between an elliptical trainer and a stairclimber.
Like an elliptical, there are upper body moving arms but the lower body movements is less of a running motion – and more of a climbing stair stepping motion.
Unlike an elliptical, you can’t pedal backwards.
#2. Calorie Burning
The Max Trainer has the upper hand in this case. In an independent study that compared 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, some people have burned up to 600 calories in 30 minutes. Contrast that to a standard 150 – 200 calories per half hour for an average elliptical workout and it’s pretty clear that you can get faster results on the Max trainer.
#3. Upper Body Workout Results
While most crosstrainers do have upper body bars to work your arms, the Max trainer actually was proven to work up to 80% more upper body muscles.
Lab results also demonstrated that it engaged more core and lower body muscles.
Basically this means you get more done in less time.
#4. High Intensity Training Workouts
While many ellipticals do come with a range of pre-built workout programs, the Max includes a specially designed 14-minutes high intensity training interval workout.
This is created to help you burn maximum calories in a very short time – which is great for busy, on the go people. And high-intensity training can also increase your calorie burning post workout.
So you get the “afterburn” effect of continuing to burn calories for up to 24 hours after you exercise.
#5. Footprint
Elliptical trainers can be more compact than other fitness equipment 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’s great for apartments, condos or smaller home gyms
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 options. But the Bowflex Max is built to get you quicker fat loss results in less time. So it really depends on what you want to achieve with your fitness workouts.
