Bowflex Max vs Peloton Bike Comparison

Which Is Best For You?

Trying to decide between the Bowflex Max vs Peloton bike?

Each of these machines give you some key benefits over other fitness equipment.

They both give you something completely unique – and both are extremely popular in their own right.

What about when you compare them against each other?

Which one is best for you?

This really depends on you – what you’re looking for, your budget, your exercise preferences and more.

This post will break down the main differences between them to help you make a more informed decision.

So let’s take a closer look:

Bowflex Max vs Peloton – Price

As of this writing, the Bowflex Max is much better price-wise. There are currently 4 different models, starting around $999 up to $2799. You can get a simple basic model – all the way up to a commercial grade trainer with Wifi, Bluetooth and streaming workouts.

Plus you can get a Free Promo Code to save on any Bowflex Max model here. So that can save you even more money.

There’s currently only one model of the Peloton bike. It starts around $2245 and up (you pay more if you want to add in handweights, heart rate monitor, shoes etc.)

In addition to the price of the Peloton bike itself, you’re also required to buy the monthly subscription package to Peloton cycling  classes – which will run you about $39.00 a month.

Another thing many people don’t realize is that the Peloton bike uses LOOK Delta clip-in pedals. So you need to buy a pair of compatible cycling shoes to ride it (either from Peloton or somewhere else). This is an extra cost you’ll need to consider as well.

So in terms of affordability, the Bowflex Max has a clear edge right now.

Unique Features of Each

Each machine has it’s own unique benefits that set it apart and make it popular with buyers. The main benefit for the Peloton bike is that you can take Live streaming Peloton cycling classes right from your home bike.

The bike comes with a large color, touch-screen monitor which you watch as you cycle. You can take up to 14 daily live rides streamed from the NYC studio.

You also get access to thousands of on-demand cycling classes. So you can go back and follow your favorite instructor and take their classes if you want.

You can also see your workout stats on the screen and track your progress as you ride.

This is a pretty cool feature – and a game-changer in the industry. However it’s fair to note that a lot of other bike sellers are coming out with similar bikes that are cheaper – but with the same or better features (see the Nordictrack S22i or the Proform Studio Bike)

So the main Peloton advantage is lessening with the advent of competitor bikes from quality brand names.

The Bowflex Max has a few unique benefits. The first is that you can get a full body workout and burn calories super-fast – in fact faster than other fitness machines.

The Max Trainer is basically built to get you maximum results in minimum time. This makes it perfect for people who want to see super-fast result in the mirror. (Some Max Trial users burned up to 600 calories in 30 minutes – which is amazing).

It’s also great if you don’t have a lot of time to workout. In fact, you can get a specialized, high-calorie burning HIIT-workout in just 14 minutes on these machines.

All Max Trainer models come with the famous Bowflex 14-minute HIIT training workout designed to burn calories both during your workouts – and for hours afterwards.

Another benefit of the Max Trainer is that it’s more compact than other machines – including elliptical trainers and treadmills. That makes it a great choice for condos or apartments.

Online Tracking/Entertainment

As stated above, with the Peloton monthly subscription you get to take Live-streamed workouts from the Peloton cycling trainers, directly from your bike.

You can even go online and look at the weekly schedule to see which classes you want to take. You can also see your cycling history, which is a motivation to keep working to achieve your goals.

While the Max Trainer does not have the streaming live workouts of the Peloton bike, it does have the option to add Max Intelligence (now called Bowflex JRNY)

Max Intelligence is quite similar to  the Peloton classes – with a few extra perks. You can take Bowflex trainer-led classes and watch through your tablet (or console on the Max Total model) as the instructor coaches you through your workout.

While these are not live workouts like the Peloton – they are on-demand streaming workouts and you have a large library to choose from.

Max Intelligence also gives you a few things that the Peloton does not.

For example, you can get workouts tailor-made just for you.

You can customize your goals and your workouts with this option.  Max Intelligence will assess your unique fitness level based on your current workouts. It will then tailor-make customized workouts for you – even coaching you through your workout. This is pretty cool, next-level fitness.

Another thing you can do with Max Intelligence?

You can travel the world and have some virtual reality fun. For example you can explore the world with video workouts.

Tour real-world maps as you workout and watch the scenery pass you by on your tablet (or TV) screen. There are currently 19 scenic locations like Death Valley or the Swiss Alps. And according to Bowflex, they will be adding more this year.

So when you actually compare everything you can do with Max Intelligence vs the Peloton streaming classes, it seems like Max Intelligence gives you a few more options (except for the live classes – where Peloton has the advantage).

Also note that the Bowflex Max Total Trainer (a new model out this year – click here for the full review), also gives you a full-color touch screen where you can go online, connect with your Hulu, Netflix or Amazon Prime accounts and watch videos through your screen as you workout.

The Key Difference in Peloton vs Bowflex Max Intelligence:

There is one key difference however between the Peloton classes vs Bowflex Max Intelligence that many people overlook.

Max Intelligence is not required with the Bowflex Max Trainer.

The Max Trainer works fine without it. Max Intelligence is an optional subscription-based service that is there if you want to use it. You don’t need to buy it with the machine – as you do with the Peloton.

And a lot of people like this – since they aren’t tied in to a monthly subscription.

(Be aware however that Max Intelligence only works with the Bowflex M6, M8 and Max Total models – not the M3 model.)

So this is another thing to consider as well.

Style of Exercise

The best machine for you also depends on what kind of exercise you like to do. That doesn’t mean one machine is better than the other – it just means one machine will be better for you based on which exercise you prefer.

Obviously with the Peloton you get an upright bike cycling motion.

With the Max Trainer you get a stair climber lower body motion – along with an upper body workout motion. You don’t need to use the upper body arm bars – you can take a break if you get tired. But they are there if you want them.

So depending on which you prefer – that’s probably the machine you’ll get the most use from.

Bottom Line?

So what’s the bottom line when it comes to comparing the Bowflex Max vs Peloton bike?

Well, they both have some pretty cool benefits.

If you really love the Peloton live classes – and you tend towards using the exercise bike more than any other fitness equipment – then the Peloton bike is probably the better option here.

However it’s also the most expensive option – especially when you consider the monthly subscription package and the extras.

The Bowflex Max can give you a more complete total-body workout – with both the lower body and upper body motion. It also was built specifically to help you burn more calories in less time.

Plus with the Max Intelligence and the tablet holders/media shelves on these machines, you have more entertainment options – and you’re not locked into a monthly subscription.

So it really depends on what you’re looking for at the end of the day.

Want to Learn More?

Click Here for a Free Promo Code On Any Bowflex Max

Click Here for More on the Peloton Bike

Related: Bowflex Max vs Nordictrack Freestrider

Bowflex Max Total Review – the Ultimate Max Trainer?

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