Nordictrack FS7i vs Bowflex M6 Max Trainer – Which is Best for You?

September 25, 2020August 18, 2022 BestEllipticalBlog 0 Comments Comparisons

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Click Here to read our full affiliate disclosure.

Trying to decide between the Nordictrack FS7i vs Bowflex M6 Max Trainer?

Each are popular elliptical-style models that help you burn more calories than a standard elliptical.

With the Nordictrack FS7i you get a fully adaptable stride and can do multiple lower body motions – including pedaling backwards.

With the Bowflex M6 you combine the lower body motion of a stair-climber with the upper body motion of an elliptical.

Bowflex max trainer m6 vs max total — Bowflex Max M6

So which one is really best for you?

There are a number of key differences between them that you should know.

This post will break down the main differences between the Nordictrack FS7i vs Bowflex M6 Max to help you make a more informed buying decision.

Let’s take a closer look:

Nordictrack FS7i vs Bowflex M6: Price

Price is a big consideration for many people these days – especially if you’re on a budget.

The Bowflex M6 Max is currently the more affordable option coming in around $1699 with Free Shipping here.

The Nordictrack FS7i Freestride Trainer comes in a bit higher. You can get it for around $1999 with Free Shipping here.

So in terms of affordability, the Bowflex Max M6 has a slight edge right now. But you really need to compare apples to apples – which leads to the type of motion you’re getting with each trainer:

Bowflex M6 vs Nordictrack Fs7i — Bowflex M6 Max

Bowflex M6 Max Trainer vs Nordictrack FS7i Freestrider – Motion

One of the biggest differences between the Bowflex Max M6 vs the FS7i Freestrider is the type of lower body motion you can do with each one.

With the Bowflex Max Trainer you’re only doing 1 lower body motion – an up-and-down stair-climbing motion. This is great for burning calories – but not necessarily for crosstraining (or breaking up exercise boredom).

The FS7i Freestrider – with the adaptable, adjustable stride – gives you multiple lower body motions. This includes stair-climbing, jogging and running.

You can also go backwards if you want (which you can’t do on the Max Trainer).

This alone gives you a lot more options when it comes to crosstraining. In fact, Nordictrack advertises the Freestrider as 3-machines-in-1.

You can use it as a stair-climber with the up and down motions. You can use it as an elliptical with jogging-style motions. Or even use it as a treadmill with longer running type motions.

If you’re looking for more workout variety and crosstraining options, the Nordictrack F7i Freestrider outshines the M6 Max Trainer here.

Console Differences

The console is important – since it’s what you’ll be looking at for most of your workout. The M6 Max Trainer console is backlit and easy to read – which is a plus:

Bowflex max trainer new models — Bowflex M6 Console

There’s a magnetic media rack for your tablet or smartphone with a USB charging port in the console.

Considering that the console itself is a bit sparse here, the media rack and charging port is a big bonus. You can add your tablet or phone and surf the web or watch videos as you workout.

However, in terms of the console itself, Nordictrack FS7i outshines the M6 Max here as well. It comes with a full-color, touch-screen HD console.

So you can see your workout stats in full color with a swipe of your finger.

You can also stream iFit in-studio workouts to your console with the Nordictrack FS7i. Or run trails all over the world and watch the landmarks pass you by in the screen for some virtual reality fun.

Bowflex has something similar with their streaming service – Bowflex JRNY. However you can’t stream programs through the M6 console. You have to do it with your tablet or phone, using the media rack.

Nordictrack iFit vs Bowflex JRNY

Fitness has gone digital these days.

And – with everyone staying home and foregoing the gym, everything today is all about streaming. Streaming fitness classes, streaming world trail rides, tracking your workout progress and even getting customized workouts delivered to your machine.

There are a lot of fun things you can do with these programs. Nordictrack’s streaming program is called iFit Coach. Bowflex’s streaming program is called Bowflex JRNY.

As of this writing, iFit Coach has been around longer than JRNY – so there are a lot more workouts to choose from. And Nordictrack is even talking about adding live iFit classes in the new year – which is pretty cool.

Bowflex JRNY doesn’t have as many programs (yet). However this could always change in the future as Bowflex adds more options.

Both streaming programs are monthly subscription-based services.

The difference?

Right now if you get the Nordictrack FS7i through the Manufacturer, you can get a full 1-year family membership to iFit included with your elliptical. That’s a fantastic deal.

Bowflex is only offering a free 2-month JRNY subscription on their Max Trainer. That’s still pretty good – but not as good as the FS7i deal.

Plus, remember that you’ll need your own tablet if you want to connect with Bowflex JRNY on the M6 Max as you can’t do it through the console:

Bottom Line?

So which is best for you when comparing the Nordictrack FS7i vs Bowflex M6 Max Trainer?

Each one has their benefits – but it really comes down to the kind of lower body motion you prefer.

On the Max you’ll be doing a stair climbing motion – while on the Freestrider you’ll be doing more of a traditional elliptical running motion.

With the adjustable stride on the Freestrider, you’ll also be able to change up the motion, go backwards, up-down etc. So you get better crosstraining on the Freestrider. You also get an improved console with the full-color, HD touch-screen.

However the Bowflex Max has benefits too. It’s a bit more affordable than the Nordictrack FS7i. And it comes with several HIIT workouts to help you burn calories faster in less time.

So it really comes down to what you’re looking for in a fitness machine

Want to Learn More?