Bowflex M9 vs Proform HIIT H14 – Which is Best for You?

September 25, 2022September 19, 2022 BestEllipticalBlog 0 Comments Comparisons, hiit trainer, max trainer

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Trying to decide between the Bowflex M9 vs Proform HIIT Trainer?

How are they different – and which is best for you?

Both trainers are a new take on the traditional elliptical trainer.

Instead of a flat running path, they give you more of a vertical climbing path (along with traditional elliptical moving arm bars).

Because of this difference in design, either machine can help you use more lower body muscles and burn more calories vs a standard elliptical.

But what about when you compare them against each other? How do they stack up?

For this post, we’re going to compare the Bowflex M9 to the Proform HIIT H14 model. These models are the closest in price point and construction quality. (So you’ll be comparing apples to apples).

proform hiit vs bowflex max m9 — Proform HIIT H14 Trainer

So let’s dive into the key differences between the Bowflex M9 vs Proform HIIT H14 Trainer.

We’ll see how they stack up so you can make a more informed decision when choosing the best elliptical for you.

Bowflex M9 vs Proform HIIT: Price

As of this writing, the Proform HIIT H14 is a bit more affordable. You can get it for around $1599 with Free Shipping direct from the Manufacturer here.

The Bowflex M9 comes in a bit higher. You can get it for around $1999 with Free Shipping direct from the Manufacturer here.

So as far as budget goes, the Proform HIIT trainer comes out ahead with points for being more affordable.

Bowflex M9 vs Proform H14 HIIT: Design

Both machines give you a lower body climbing motion instead of a typical elliptical flat running path.

However there’s a slight difference.

The Bowflex Max is really more of a vertical up-and down motion vs the Proform HIIT – which is a 10-inch vertical with a 5-inch horizontal path.

So instead of going just up and down like you do on the Bowflex Max, you go up, forward a bit, then down (see video above).

One motion isn’t better than another – it’s just something to be aware of especially if you want to add backwards pedalling to your routine.

With the Bowflex Max M9, you can technically pedal backwards – but it feels really strange (like you’re going backwards up the stairs). And from the literature I’ve found, it’s not really recommended.

(I’ve tried pedalling backwards on the Max Trainer and it feels so awkward that I wouldn’t recommend it.)

With the Proform HIIT trainer you can pedal backwards. And it feels much less awkward on this machine vs the Max Trainer since you have a bit of horizontal motion to the running pathway.

So you can go both forward and back on the Proform H14 HIIT – and get more crosstraining into your workout routine.

Bowflex M9 vs Proform HIIT H14: Console

Both ellipticals give you impressive full-color, HD, interactive console screens. You can go online and stream fitness class or world trail workouts (more on this below).

There’s a bit of a difference in size and layout of the consoles.

The Max M9 gives you a 10-inch screen as you can see below:

And the Proform HIIT 14 gives you a larger, 14-inch screen:

A lot of people prefer a larger screen – it’s easier to read your workout stats and it pulls you more into the action on-screen.

The Bowflex M9 does have a small shelf to store your phone or remote – which is handy.

Also the Bowflex has a quick-change resistance knob on the console – for fast changes when you’re doing HIIT intervals, which is a nice touch.

The Proform HIIT can automatically change the resistance for you based on the program (you can override this if you wish). Or you can change the resistance yourself with the buttons on the console.

Streaming Options:

Most brands are adding virtual training options to their machines these days. These options are designed to give you a more customized training experience – and give you some fun while working out.

Both Proform and Bowflex offer streaming and virtual training options through their consoles.

The Proform streaming service is called iFit. The Bowflex service is called JRNY.

With both services you can choose to use the free version (with a few built-in workouts) or the paid version (which gets you access to all the goodies they offer).

So the good news is that you don’t need to pay a monthly subscription fee with either of these machines (you’ll just be limited when it comes to streaming workouts or fitness classes).

Both iFit and JRNY give you world trail workouts (where you can run famous world trails and watch the scenery pass you by in the screen for a more virtual-reality feel).

They both also offer a range of different fitness classes you can try.

As of this writing, Bowflex JRNY is only offering streaming classes, whereas Proform iFit offers you both streaming classes and live classes.

iFit has been around longer and overall it’s a bit more advanced, offering you more options in terms of world trail workouts. It also has a very cool Googlemaps feature. With this feature, you can map out your own trail and then run that trail while you watch the scenery pass you by in the screen.

However Bowflex is quickly adding new options and is pretty impressive as well.

JRNY does allow you to watch your own Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus or Amazon subscription services through the console – which is a nice option. However be aware that you can only do this with the paid version of JRNY. You can’t do it with the free version of JRNY.

Is one service better than another? It really depends on which features you prefer to have.

Bowflex M9 vs Proform H14 HIIT: Footprint

Both trainers are built to be more compact than a standard elliptical trainer. This is especially handy if you have an apartment or a condo with a small workout area.

The Bowflex M9 takes up less space than the Proform HIIT Trainer H14

The Bowflex M9 footprint measures 30.5″ W x 49.2″ L.

The Proform H14 HIIT measures 29″ W x 66″ L.

So if you’re short on space, then you might want to consider the Bowflex – or find a slightly larger space for the Proform H14.

Proform HIIT H14 vs Bowflex M9: Resistance Levels

The Proform HIIT H14 has a few more resistance levels than the Bowflex Max: 26 vs 20

It’s not a deal breaker – but you do get a bit more room to grow with the Proform HIT Trainer.

Proform HIIT Trainer H14 REview — HIIT Workout

Bottom Line?

So what’s the bottom line when comparing the Bowflex M9 vs Proform HIIT H14?

Each one has benefits.

The Bowflex M9 has a slightly smaller footprint, making it better for smaller spaces. It also gives you the quick-resistance knob – and the ability to watch your Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime shows through the console (with a full JRNY membership).

The Proform HIIT H14 is more affordable – and gives you a larger screen on the console. You also get more crosstraining options with the ability to pedal backwards.

So it really depends on what’s most important to you.

Want to learn more about either machine? Check out the links below to get Free Shipping and more information on either elliptical.