Ready to jump on the Bowflex Max Trainer bandwagon? If so, you have a number of different options at your fingertips. Each Max Trainer brings with it its own unique features and benefits – and prince point, so there’s sure to be something for just about every consumer.

When picking out your Bowflex Maxtrainer, it’s important to think about what you need not only now, but into the future so you can be sure that you grow with your machine. If the machine doesn’t advance enough, you may find that you’re in need of a replacement much sooner than you anticipated.

So this said, let’s dive into some details of the M5 and M6.

Now that you have a better look at these specs, let’s look at what they mean to you.

Price

The price is the sticking point for many consumers, so let’s consider that first. The price on these machines does vary but not by a huge margin. With the M5, you’re looking at $1599. If you bump it up to the M6, it’s just $100 more. As you will soon see, this is justified as the M5 and M6 are not that much different in specs overall.

The more time you spend on it, likely, the easier it will be to just make the jump to the M6.

Dimensions

Looking at the dimensions, we see that both the Bowflex Max Trainer models are nearly the same. The dimensions for the M5 is slightly smaller in all measurements. So if you have a very tight space where every inch counts, then you may be more inclined to go with the M5 model instead of the M6.

You’ll be saving approximately 4 inches difference in length, 5 inches difference in width, and 3 inches difference in height.

Warranty

The warranty is something else to consider because if you do plan to use the machine quite intensely, you’ll want to ensure that you are fully covered with whichever warranty you choose. The M5 offers a two-year warranty, which is typically sufficient for light exercisers.

Jump that up to the M6 and now you get a three-year warranty. Really take this into consideration. For just $100 more with the machine price, you get an extra year of added warranty.

If something were to go wrong with the machine while you are on year three, you can rest assured that whatever the cost is to fix it was, it would be higher than $100 (as $100 is usually less than the service fee alone).

So if you plan on using the machine for a long time to come and do plan on increasing your intensity over time, it’s probably best to opt for that jump to the M6 simply for this reason. The $100 extra you pay no could very well lead to high savings in the future.

Connectivity

Connectivity may also be something that’s important to you when selecting your Max Trainer. This refers to how many people’s information can be saved in the machine, so if you are using it in a family setting, likely this will be something to think about.

The M5 and M6 offer two-person connectivity, so it isn’t as high as some of the more advanced Bowflex models, but will still give you a dual person data storing feature. For those in larger families, you may want to consider going higher to the M8 model instead.

Do keep in mind though that this doesn’t mean other family members can’t use the machine, it just means their information cannot be saved on it.

This may no be that big of a deal to you depending on your needs anyway, so could be a rather insignificant point.

Program Features

Looking at the program features for both of these machines, we come to see that they provide the same variety of ways to stimulate and further challenge your body.

You’ll get the Max 14 interval program, the power interval program, the calorie goal, steady pace, fat burn, calorie burn, stairs, manual, and fitness test programs. These allow you to easily switch up your workout without much fitness programming background and will also ensure that you don’t become bored with your sessions too quickly.

They are fantastic ways to add interest in your workout routine while keeping you committed to success.

Heart Rate Monitor

Both of the machines come with integrated hand grips that take your heart rate so this is an excellent benefit that most people will use. There is still a chest strap included however if that happens to be your preference.

Handles

Finally, the handlebars are also the same with the M5 and M6 both offering multi-grip dynamic handles.

So there you have the differences between the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 and M6 models. The differences between the M5 and M6 is quite small, so it’s probably best for most people to jump up to the M6 model to get that extra warranty. Thinking about your current fitness program and your fitness goals should help you best decide if it’s a good fit.

If you’re shopping right now for a Bowflex Max Trainer, you may want to take a quick comparison look at the different options available as you choose the one that best fits your goals and preferences.

Both of these machines are excellent choices for anyone who wants to get fit, burn fat, and even build some muscle.

But they do different to some degree, so it’s important that you know how so that you can plan your purchase accordingly.

Let’s look at a brief overview of these two machines so you can see what the difference is and what machine is going to be right for you.

Similarities

When looking at the similarities with these machines, we see that they are remarkably similar. These machines are basically the same, with the upgrade of Max Intelligence, which we will talk about in a second.

Both of these machines offer some of the top of the line features that you just won’t see on other cardio machines on the market.

This includes things like a high user weight rating of 300 pounds, 20 levels of resistance, a number of build-in programs, as well as a 4-user connectivity.

Both of these machines also come with a three-year warranty, which is great news and will really help protect your investment. The last thing you want to do is spend this much and have it break down after the first year. Keep in mind that the more advanced the machine is, the better it will likely serve you, but the more things there are that can typically go wrong. Technology is great, but it does have a tendency to fail, so having that coverage is essential. Bowflex doesn’t disappoint here.

The Key Differences

As you can see from the above, these machines are remarkably similar. In fact, they are identical with two major differences.

One is that the M7 is only available in stores while the M8 is available only online. How does this impact you?

Well, if you don’t live anywhere near a Bowflex Max Trainer distributor, you will have no choice but to go with the M8, even if you don’t need its extra features.

The good news is that it’s only $50 more for this model, so not a huge amount to be concerned with and if you don’t need the extra feature, just don’t use it.

Since the M8 is available online, virtually anyone can get it, provided you don’t live in such a remote area that they are not shipped to your location. This is very rare though so if it did happen, that would be an exception.

Do keep in mind there may be added shipping costs however for those who are ordering online depending on your area and what shipping options are available.

Availability aside, the other key difference between the two machines is that the M8 comes with the Max Intelligence feature. This feature is going to be a huge help to some people while others may not even use it.

What Is Max Intelligence?

Max Intelligence is essentially a built in personal trainer that will help deliver you with customized workouts that you can then use to help ensure you make progress.

The trainer learns your body and fitness level and from there, makes recommendations on workouts you should do each and every day. This is an ideal option for those who may be looking for a little extra support with their program and aren’t quite sure how to go about getting it.

If you don’t want to hire a personal trainer to be by your side multiple days per day, it’s a fantastic option.

The Max Intelligence trainer will continue to adjust and adapt your workouts as your fitness level grows and considering the M8 offers 20 different resistance levels, there is plenty of room for you to improve.

If you aren’t someone who’s workout savvy and in other words, you don’t know how to adapt and adjust your routine yourself, this can be a huge addition for you.

It also allows you to take your session through a trail in other parts of the world as well, so this can help with gaining more interest in the sessions you’re doing.

The Benefits Of Max Intelligence

• Ensures that you continue to make progress during your workout routine
• Helps provide guidance when you need that extra support
• Prevents boredom during your sessions
• Will help keep you consistent, which will then translate into faster results
• Plays music while you are exercising, which can serve as a great motivational tool
• Is made for beginners all the way to advanced individuals so anyone can make use of it
• Is built right into the machine so there is no need for any external devices
• Is there with you whenever you are exercising – no more scheduling times with personal trainers

The Max Intelligence is a feature that sets Bowflex apart from other brands and those who use it often state that they couldn’t live without it after giving it a try.

Additional Costs

One thing you do want to keep in mind is that Max Intelligence isn’t free. You will pay $50 more for the machine upright, which isn’t too great of a cost, but this just gives you Max Intelligence capabilities.

From there, if you want to activate Max Intelligence, you’ll be paying $14.95 if you go month to month, or $149 per year, which gives you a slight savings and has you in around $12.41 a month.

Overall this is still much cheaper than hiring a personal trainer would be so when you look at it from that cost trade-off, it’s really not that expensive at all. If you are doing four workouts a week, that is only about $0.75 a workout, which is cheaper than a cup of coffee.

Considering most personal trainers charge $50-75 a session, it’s a big difference.

So there you have the key differences between the Bowflex Max Trainer M7 and M8. Both are excellent machines and will help deliver you a terrific workout while helping you get and stay in shape in the months going forward.

If you’re someone who has your eye on a Bowflex Max Trainer, now that right off the start, you’re going to be making a great purchasing decision. This machine has been receiving so many positive customer remarks about how quickly it can get you into shape and how comfortable it is to use.

This said, Bowflex has just released two new models in their line up – the M6 and M8 and you may be wondering how these stack up against each other. Which machine is going to deliver you the maximum benefits possible? Which machine is better suited to your exercise needs? Which machine is in your budget?

These are just a few of the questions you may be asking yourself so let’s get these answered and more.

Your Bowflex Max Trainer Overview

Before we dive into the more detailed specs, let’s give you a brief overview of these three machines. There are some clear similarities (why change a good thing?) and some differences worth noting.

Now that you have some basic information about these machines, let’s go into finer details.

Price Point

Since price is a determining factor for many people, let’s get that out of the way to start. The price of the M3, which is the basic model is set to $1299. While this is still more pricy than some of the cheaper bikes, treadmills, or ellpticals out there, it’s still a price point that most people can feel comfortable with. Remember that even at the most basic level, the Max Trainer is still an advanced higher quality machine. Meaning it offers you may features at even the starter model that other machines don’t have.

From there, you’d go up $400 to $1699 if you want to get into the M6. While this may seem like quite a jump, the quality of machine you actually get is much greater, so the M6 is typically a better bet for most.

After that, if you want the highest level model, you’ll be paying $2299 for it. This model has the works and is designed to give you the ultimate in workout sessions. For those are very serious about their fitness sand want the best of the best, this is the one you’ll want to go for.

For everyone else, it’s probably not a necessity.

Target User

So who are the target users of each of these machines? As you may have guessed from the above, each model has its own target user.

The M3 is really only suited to beginner exercisers. As it only has 8 levels of resistance, this makes it a machine that one will grow out of if you are constantly looking to progress. As you get stronger, you’ll find that level 8 doesn’t challenge you any more and at that point, you’ll be forced into getting a new machine.

The M6 on the other hand is a good option for people who are looking to kick things up a notch and do more with their workout. This machine has 16 different levels of resistance, so is one that can easily accommodate to more intense workout sessions as they get underway. This machine can still be used by beginners just the same, but includes that great growth room.

Finally, the M8 is a machine that is designed for everyone, including those advanced exercisers. With 20 different levels of resistance, you simply can’t go wrong here. You’ll be able to use this machine well into your fitness career.

Space Requirements

In terms of the total space requirements needed, all three machines are the same, so you won’t really get anything in terms of space saving benefits by going with one over the other.

The machine itself is quite compact in design, so will not require as much space as a treadmill and even less than some ellipticals as well.

Power Source

The power source for all three machines is AC power, which is good as running this on batteries would get expensive quickly. All three come with the AC power connector you need.

Ceiling Height Requirements

The machine height is another point to take into consideration. You want to ensure that you have high enough ceilings in your space to use them comfortable. For all three Bowflex Max Trainers, you’ll need a clearance of 15 inches plus the user height.

Meaning if you’re six feet, that means you are 72 inches tall and will require 87 inches then, or about seven and a quarter feet. Most places have eight foot ceilings so you should be fine with this machine. But if you are taller than 6 feet then it’s good to prepare yourself that you may be cutting it close.

Machine Weight 

The weight of the machine can also tell you just how stable the machine is as you are doing your exercise on it. If the machine is very lightweight, this may mean that you are going to feel wobblier as you ramp up the intensity level, something that most people are definitely not going to appreciate.

The machine weight for the M3 is set to 143 lbs. while the machine weight for the M6 and M8 is set to 148 pounds. This is a very minor difference here, so not something to be concerned over.

On top of this, the machine is not extremely heavy overall, so is easy to move from room to room.

Display

Finally, another point of difference between the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 vs. M6 vs. M8 is the display that is featured. You’ll get a basic display model with the M3. It gets the job done quite nicely but doesn’t come with any bells and whistles.

The M6 upgrades you to a interactive backlit display, which will help you move through the control panels a bit easier and many users will find is a more pleasurable experience.

If you want the full deal, the M8 provides you with an enhanced Dual Mode LCD/LED screen, so you can set it how you prefer and you will also get actual feedback from the machine as it coaches you through your workout sessions. This is one feature that will be great for beginners as the machine will actually give you a boost like a personal trainer would.

So there you have a quick comparison guide between the Bowflex Max Trainer models. The M3, M6, and M8 are all fantastic choices that will help you reach your fitness goals and ensure that you are enjoying yourself while you do. Consider your own needs and preferences in a fitness machine and then weigh those against what these have to offer. No matter of what your budget is, you will be getting a terrific workout experience.

The NordicTrack S22i and Proform Studio Bike Pro 22 bikes are both elite stationary bikes designed for experienced riders and those looking to enhance their indoor riding workouts. These two bikes each offer unique features/workouts through the iFit App and both currently offer a free 30-day trial of the training system with the purchase of the bike. In this review, we will break down the best features of both and compare head to head. While both bikes will provide you with a great ride, one may be best suited for your personal goals. To be clear, this is going to be a VERY rough battle, as these exercise bikes are very closely aligned in terms of specs and features. They also run the exact same technology, making the choice all that more challenging. That said, there are a couple of key features in play that lead these two bikes to having a $700 price discrepancy, and it’s one that some riders will absolutely love.

NordicTrack S22i

The S22i is a longstanding staple in the category, with a road bike-style design and large 22-inch high definition touchscreen. Its resistance system is magnetic, which is expected when we’re talking about this level of equipment. Aside from a smooth ride, this also makes the bike very quiet while riding. With the adjustability available in both the saddle and the bars, it’s easy for both short and tall riders to get comfortable. One big selling feature of the S22i is the powered incline and decline, which adjusts between a 10% decline to a 20% incline while riding. This helps simulate the hills found in its broad array of iFit training classes. The S22i is also the only bike of the pair that has a built-in cooling fan, which is a really nice feature to have during long and sweaty workouts.

Some of the top features of this bike include:

• Built in Apps: Google Maps and iFit Coach (requires wifi)
• 22” HD touch screen
• 24 resistance levels and adjustable incline/decline
• Universal pedal design; comes equipped with caged pedals but can easily be switched for clip-in compatible pedals
• 3lb dumbbell’s for arm workouts
• Adjustable cooling fan
• Dual water bottle holders
• Can hold up to 350lbs

Proform Studio Bike Pro 22

Looking at these two bikes side by side, you can tell that there aren’t a lot of differences to speak of. The Proform bike has a nominally smaller footprint, by a few inches. It lacks the incline/decline capability offered by the S22i. It also has a lower weight rating, being capable of holding riders of up to 250 pounds instead of 350. That said, it’s still quite a sturdy bike and doesn’t feel any less well built than the S22i overall. Part of that change in weight rating we presume comes from the design of the seat post and its adjustment setup. The seat on the Studio Bike Pro 22 is mounted on a smaller steel bar that comes forward and up off of the main seat post, whereas the seat of the S22i rests on the post itself. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it would make sense that this design would play into a difference in weight rating.  Some of the best features of this bike include:

• Built in Apps: Google Maps and iFit Coach (requires wifi)
• 22” HD touch screen
• 24 levels of resistance adjustment
• 3lb dumbells
• Narrow, cushioned seat
• Universal pedal design; comes equipped with caged pedals but can easily be switched for clip-in compatible pedals
• Singular water bottle holder

So which one is best for you?

My Experience

• I loved the ability to move the screen on the NordickTrack bike especially for off the bike workouts incorporated on the iFit Coach App but the screen is fairly large so may not be ideal in a small space.
• The Proform screen is smaller but still efficient for users—the con being that it doesn’t turn side to side.
• The NordicTrack design and setup is ergonomically speaking more similar to a road bike which I preferred over the Proform design but that would be more of a personal preference from rider to rider. The Proform handlebars are angled upwards much like a bike you would find in a gym which may be more familiar to gym goers.
• The Proform is significantly more affordable than the NordicTrack—so, if cost is of concern then you are definitely going to want to lean towards the Proform. However, if you have the budget for the NordicTrack, the design and features definitely make the bike worth the price point.
• Both bikes offer a great, smooth and quiet ride. The flywheel on the NordicTrack is slightly smoother than the Proform and located in the front versus the back which was a personal preference for myself.
• In terms of adjusting the bike setup for each, the NordicTrack is much easier with large knobs. The Proform uses a crank-style adjustment which I found difficult to get the hang of initially.
• I did prefer the maneuverability of the Proform over the NordicTrack as the NordicTrack is slightly bulkier and with a large screen is not the easiest to move around in smaller spaces—something to consider when deciding where you are going to be keeping your bike.
• Both bikes have the same App features that offer outdoor rides around the world, indoor spin studio rides, high intensity/bootcamp/resistance training options and the physical movement when inclining and declining which is definitely an advanced feature!

In Conclusion:

Both of these bikes are elite indoor options for users and both have a great design and look. When deciding which of these bikes is best for you I would recommend narrowing down to design, user-friendliness and price. I would start with the design as I feel it is important to be riding a bike that is comfortable and will provide you the best results day to day. This may vary for riders and what you are used to using in general; indoor gym exercise bikes vs. road bikes. The functions of the bike and overall user ability are also very important, as you don’t want a bike that is complicated to assemble, adjust and figure out. Taking a look at specific features such as the setup and functions could make a huge difference for your experience. Lastly, the price point is something to consider for your own budget and what you are looking to achieve from your new purchase. Both bikes offer amazing features so it may come down to the best bang for your buck. In terms of overall features and design my personal preference was the NordicTrack but the Proform offers a better price point, smaller frame and easier to move around your workout space.

Looking to get started with your fitness plan but aren’t quite sure where to begin? Asking yourself which is better, treadmill vs. cycle? Are both of these machines created equally in terms of the fitness benefits they bring?

The answer is yes, and no. The two machines aren’t exactly like but they do bring similar benefits. That said, they also have their differences too. This is why learning more about the treadmill vs. cycle will help ensure that you make the most informed decision which is right for you.

Here’s what you need to know.

Now that you have that brief overview of the treadmill vs. cycle, let’s look at these in more detail.

Fat Burning Potential

First let’s consider the fat burning potential of both machines. The great news is that if fat loss is what you desire, you can see good results from either. The treadmill however, does inch ahead.

If you are doing a brisk paced run or a very steel incline walk, you will typically burn more calories doing this than you would if you were cycling.

It’s not abnormal to find people burning up to 10-12 calories per minute on a very fast run or 8-10 calories per minute if walking briskly on a steep incline.

This said, if you are just going for a casual jog or you are walking at a moderate pace on a moderate incline, expect your calorie burn to be more in the 4-6 range per minute.

When considering biking, intense cycling can usually land you around 8-10 calories per minute. You’d have to go incredibly hard at a very high resistance level to reach the 10-12 calories per minute mark, so for most people, this will simply be out of reach.

The average cyclist will burn quite a bit less than that, coming in at around 3-5 calories per minute. Cycling, by nature, doesn’t burn as many calories as running does at the same intensity because of the fact you’re sitting while doing it. So there is less overall stabilization muscles involved. This is the big difference in the calorie burn of the treadmill vs. cycle.

Ability To Gain Strength

Let’s now consider your ability to gain strength. Which wins out here? Here the cycle is the clear winner. With the treadmill, the only way you’re going to add resistance is by increasing the incline and even then, not that much resistance will really be added. It’s more going to work the calves than anything else. Your best shot at building more muscle using the treadmill is to perform sprint training, which utilizes very intense bouts of exercise that will call upon your fast twitch muscle fibers. By doing so, you’ll recruit more muscle building hormones in the body and may end up with a more chiseled physique (think sprinter versus marathon runner).

This said, running alone likely won’t get you that look. Most sprinters with their high amount of muscle mass are also performing quite an extensive amount of weight lifting as well.

Cycling on the other hand, does have you working against more resistance with each and every rep you take, so it can be quite good for building up your strength level. It will, however, only build this strength in the lower body, so that is something that you do need to consider. If you are looking for upper body strength, you simply aren’t going to find it here.

Sports Performance

If you are an athlete looking for a means of cross training, you’ll probably be wondering how the treadmill vs. cycle compares in terms of how well it’ll boost your sports performance.

Here you’ll likely find that you’ll gain more benefits from doing running or jogging than you will spinning. Simply because of the transferability. Most sports do require you to be running – basketball, baseball, soccer, and so forth, whereas no sport requires you to be cycling.

Both will help boost your cardiovascular endurance, which is also important for sport performance so you can reap benefits from both for sure, it’s just that you’ll get more of a carry over effect from the movement pattern of walking or running.

Machine Durability

If you’re going to invest money in a machine, you’re going to want to ensure that it lasts. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consider this factor as well. Machine durability should factor in as constantly doing repairs on a machine can get to be quite costly, so the total price of the machine would then change.

If choosing between the treadmill vs. cycle, you’ll definitely want to opt for the cycle here. Treadmills can be a bit more prone to breaking down as there are simply more parts and mechanisms that can become faulty. The belt can get worn, the motor may begin to break down, the elevation mechanism can fail. These will all need to be looked at by a skilled individual.

With the cycle however, you just don’t have these faulty parts, therefore there really isn’t much concern.

Cost

If budget is a driving factor for you, don’t overlook this. In terms of total cost of the machines, treadmills will come in higher. While you can certainly buy a bike that is more expensive than a lower model treadmill, when compare apples to apples in the same machine grade quality, you’ll find the treadmill is the pricier of the two.

So if you want fitness on the cheap, the cycle is your better bet.

Mimics Real Life Movements

Finally, also think about which one is going to best mimic real life movements. This means it carries over well into your day to day activities. Here, the treadmill wins out again.

We all walk through the course of the day. But how many of us cycle? Walking simply provides better benefits overall for our lifestyle activities we do. This said, if you are someone who climbs a lot of stairs over the course of the day, this may be reason to go with the cycle as it’ll help you gain more quad and hamstring strength compared to the treadmill.

So there you have a quick comparison of the treadmill vs. cycle. Both are great choices so think about which is most important to you and decide from there where you’ll invest your time.

Photo credit: nazarovsergey/Shutterstock; Duct/Shutterstock; ninikas/Shutterstock

It’s a showdown between the most popular pieces of fitness equipment out there: the treadmill vs. bike. Vs. elliptical. Which machine is the superior machine? Which will help you realize true success the fastest? Which should you be spending more of your time using?

It’s a hard question to answer, but by doing a comparison of the treadmill vs. bike vs. elliptical, you can hopefully get a better idea of precisely where you stand.

Treadmill Vs. Bike Vs. Elliptical Summary

In order to properly evaluate these machines in comparison, let’s look at a few more details.

Fat Burning Potential

It’s the age-old question that everyone wants to know the answer to: which machine is going to burn more fat.

Hard question to answer and like most things in life, it depends. The very first question you need to ask yourself is which machine do you feel most comfortable using? Because chances are whichever machine you feel most comfortable using is the machine you will put the most effort into and therefore, will burn the most calories. If you feel awkward on a machine and it actually hurts your body in some way, it’s going to be hard to get to that level of fat burning that you desire.

But if you do happen to have two machines that you’d rank about equal in terms of how well you feel while on them, then let’s consider some points.

The elliptical works the upper and lower body. This makes it the king of fat burning. Any time you get more muscles involve, you are going to use more energy to complete each movement. So it ranks ahead of both the treadmill and the cycle.

Next we have the treadmill. If you are running at a brisk pace or doing interval sprints, you’ll be burning up calories quite readily on this as well. More so than you would on the bike.

The reason? The cycle has you sitting, therefore all those muscles in your core aren’t going to have to work as hard to get the job done. They can sit back and relax, more or less, thus this also drives your calorie burn down.

So if all machines are equal in terms of how comfortable you are on them, choose the elliptical, then treadmill, then cycle when looking for calorie burning ability.

Joint Impact

Now let’s consider joint impact. Which machine is going to be less taxing on the joint? The elliptical has been designed to be easy on the joints, so right away you know this machine earns good marks here. You have zero impact with this machine and since you aren’t even stepping (your feet stay placed in the foot pads at all times), you won’t have to worry about that either.

Therefore, choose the elliptical if you want to avoid joint pain. The treadmill is going to earn the worst marks as shin splints, knee pain, ankle pain, and low back pain are all too common amongst runners. If you choose to walk, you likely won’t feel pain quite as much, but if you choose to run, be prepared. The best you can do is increase mileage and/or time slowly and make sure you use good padded footwear to minimize joint pain.

The cycle is pretty easy on the joints. It’s non-impact, but your knees will move from a very bent to a very straight position multiple times each workout, so this can actually lead to grinding of the joints if you aren’t careful.

Muscle Strength

If you are someone who isn’t interested in strength training, it’s wise to consider which mode of cardio will help you gain the most strength since this is an important element of any home workout program. When looking at the treadmill vs. bike vs. elliptical, how do they stack up? Which is going to help you gain the most strength?

The treadmill offers very little resistance, so don’t expect to gain much strength here. Instead, consider the elliptical or the bike. The elliptical will help you gain strength in both the upper as well as the lower body, while the bike will focus primarily on the lower body. This said, the bike will help you build up your quads and hamstrings to a larger degree than the elliptical typically will, so if those are the muscles you want to target, the cycle should be your go-to.

If, on the other hand, your glutes are your main focus, try doing the elliptical on a high elevation. This will transform the elliptical into more of a stair climber, which is great for building the booty.

Sadly, uphill walking, despite being on an incline, comes in short. While it will help you gain some strength, it’s just not really having you work against the forces the other two are so you aren’t likely to see much carry over benefit to other activities.

Variability

Which machine offers the most variability? And why does this matter? It matters because it factors into determining how like you are to hit a progress plateau as well as how likely it is that you fall off the program entirely because you just don’t look forward to your workouts.

Changing things up is important so it’s wise to find a machine that will allow you to do so.

The elliptical wins out here. It allows you to go forward, backward, as well as on a steep or shallow incline. Form there, you can also increase the resistance level. This gives you plenty of options to create different workouts with.

The bike only allows you to pedal faster or increase the resistance while the treadmill allows you to go on an incline or increase your speed.

So while there is some variability, it’s simply not enough to create interesting workouts day after day after day and many people may find that they do become bored.

There is the information you need to know about the treadmill vs. bike vs. elliptical. While you can’t go wrong with any machine, choosing the elliptical is a wise move as it has many benefits to offer. But if you are a runner at heart, then you will likely respond better to the treadmill because this is what you enjoy the most. Likewise with cycling. Listen to your own needs and preferences too because those matter with long term adherence rates.

Photo credit: Mladen Zivkovic/Shutterstock; Goran Bogicevic/Shutterstock; Zodiacphoto/Shutterstock

Thinking about getting into some home cardio equipment? If so, that likely leaves you deciding which piece of equipment you want to buy. Treadmill vs. bike is a big debate that many people have with themselves as they aren’t fully sure where to invest their money. Both are definitely classified as great pieces of equipment to utilize, but which stands out above the other? Which piece of equipment will help you see the most optimal results?

With the treadmill, you get sky-high calorie burning potential and great cardiovascular benefits. With the bike, you’ll see enhanced lower body strength and power. Both can help with weight loss, so you’ll be safe there regardless of your choice.

So which is best?

Let’s take a look at help you settle the debate between treadmill vs. bike.

Treadmill

Pros:

• Excellent for burning calories
• Great for those who aren’t looking to build muscle
• Easy to use – very natural movement
• Can provide more variation because you can walk and run
• Is more focused on cardiovascular endurance than muscle strength/endurance

Cons:

• May lead to numerous injuries such as back pain, shin splints, twisted ankles, ankle pain, and so forth
• Doesn’t do much to help build strength
• Is very high impact in nature
• Can break down more easily

Bike

Pros:

• Provides good cardiovascular as well as strength training benefits
• Is ideal for those who are interested in increasing muscle power
• Is non-impact, so great for those worried about joint pain
• Is also quite a natural movement pattern

Cons:

• Only has one option – cycling
• Knee pain may result due to the repetitive movement pattern called for on the bike
• Some people may complain of low back pain or butt pain from sitting on the seat for so long
• Is less than ideal for those who are looking to also work their upper body

A Closer Look

Upon taking a closer look, you may help make the decision between the treadmill vs. the bike more clear.

Injury Risk

Injuries are one of the most frustrating elements of being active so it’s normal to want to do everything you can to prevent them. This means considering the injury risk when you choose your mode of exercise. Certain types of exercises are far more likely to lead to injuries than others, so by planning ahead, you can minimize your chances.

Treadmills do pose a higher injury threat than bikes do. First, you could fall off. While rare, if it does happen, count yourself out for a while. Sprained ankles are also highly likely on the treadmill if you step on your foot funny, while on the bike, you’re strapped into to the pedals, so there’s no risk here.

Shin splints also tend to make an appearance in many runners lives and when this strikes, it can be a nagging injury that doesn’t go away for quite some time. This is another thing that cyclists do not face at all.

Running may also lead to joint pain – knee pain or back pain due to the intense forces coming down on the body with each step you take. It’s highly demanding and any time you are running, there’s a good chance that you will feel pain sooner or later. Walking perhaps not as much, but once you raise the intensity, injuries await.

It’s very rare to meet a runner who has never been injured.

With the bike, the real only injury you’ll potentially face is knee pain, which often comes about due to the repetitive nature of cycling or because one of your thigh muscles is stronger than the other and is pulling the knee in one direction.

With the bike you may also get saddle sores, which is essentially just soreness where the bike seat is constantly rubbing against the body, but this isn’t really an injury per say and can be fixed with a different bike seat or padded clothing to help reduce the pressure on these areas.

Ability To Burn Body Fat

Next, let’s consider the ability to burn off body fat. This is what everyone wants to know: treadmill vs. bike. Here, the treadmill wins out slightly. Simply because running, at a very intense pace will always burn more calories than cycling will.

This said, if you are walking versus cycling, it’s very likely at cycling will help you burn more so cycling wins out.

When thinking about which is better for fat loss, think about which type of exercise you can carry out at the highest intense more easily and which you can carry on longer without fatigue.

These will be the two factors that will dictate how many calories you burn per session, so need to be considered here when making you selection. It does you no good to burn 10 calories per minute running if you can only run for 3 minutes. 30 calories is no big calorie burn and when you drop down to walking, you’ll only be burning 3-4 calories per minute.

If you can cycle for 30 minutes at a good pace though burning 8 calories per minute, this is really going to add up to a much greater overall calorie burn effect – and thus, weight loss effect.

Program Options

Both machines will typically come with programmable options allowing you to change up your workout from time to time. You’ll see hill programs, fat burn programs, random programs, and so forth depending on the particular brand you purchase.

Both also allow you to adjust the speed and resistance/incline on your own, so you can technically create any program you desire as well.

The treadmill however, is the only machine that lets you do either walking or jogging, so this adds another element of variability. With cycling, you’re always cycling. So this may put the treadmill ahead slightly in terms of the total programming options you have available, and thus, the ability to progress.

Machine Durability

Finally, when thinking about machine durability, the bike definitely pulls out ahead. It’s quite rare for the bike to break down and require repairs, while treadmills do start failing with heavy use after not too long.

If you get a good quality treadmill it should last you for at least a year or longer but after that, with heavy use, the belt will likely become worn and the motor or the incline ability may start to falter. So keep this in mind when thinking about your total investment.

Conclusion

So there you have the primary points to know and remember about the treadmill vs. bike. Both are terrific options – you just need to figure out which is going to be the better choice for you based on your own unique set of preferences and goals.

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Thinking about doing some cardio but not sure which machine to choose? If you are debating the treadmill vs. elliptical, there are some things to consider. Knowing what your specific goals are, what your unique body needs happen to be, and the types of programs you want to be doing will help you make an informed decision.

Both machines have great benefits, but drawbacks as well. The treadmill burns calories, helps you mentally check out, and is easy to use. But it’s high impact. The elliptical overcomes this barrier.

What are the main differences between the two machines? Let’s look at the pros and cons you need to know about so that you can decide how to best move forward.

Treadmill

Pros:

• Is an excellent way to burn body fat quickly
• Can be done using slower, moderate sessions or faster, more intense workouts
• Is ideal for those who want to hop on and go – no learning required
• Provide good transfer benefits to everyday life
• Is weight baring so can help you build stronger joints
• Can build muscle in the lower body if done on a steep incline

Cons:

• Is high impact in nature, so this could lead to joint pain
• Some people will find it boring after a while
• The machine itself may require maintenance on an ongoing basis if you use it quite intensely
• Injury risk is higher

Elliptical

Pros:

• Is a non-impact activity so perfect for those recovering from injury, currently suffering from joint pain, or who are older in age and want something that is more joint-friendly
• Works both the upper and lower body at the same time
• Helps build strength as well as muscular endurance
• Enables you to form a variety of different workout program options
• Is weight baring without the stress on the joints
• Is adjustable to go forward or backward

Cons:

• Does take more coordination (some people just don’t feel comfortable on these machines)
• You may find that your muscles tire out faster than your endurance does, or your upper body may fatigue quicker than your lower body
• If you are very tall or short, you may not be able to use the machine as the stride length simply won’t work for you

Let’s take a look at this comparison between the treadmill vs. elliptical a little closer.

Effects On Body Composition

Both of these machines are known for helping to burn calories quickly, so there’s no doubt that you won’t have an issue losing weight with either of them. The elliptical does tend to put more stress on the muscles as you use it due to the resistance provided, therefore, it may help you maintain more lean muscle mass, especially while dieting. This can be very beneficial because it’s your lean muscle mass that keeps your metabolic rate where it needs to be, ensuring you can maintain your weight loss over the long haul.

Too much running, unless it’s sprinting, can actually promote the loss of lean muscle mass tissue, so that’s not what you want. Unless, of course, your desire is just to be thin all around.

Both machines, when done in a sprinting manner, can have remarkable benefits on boosting your resting metabolic rate and encouraging faster fat loss. This creates an effect known as EPOC, which stands for excess post exercise oxygen consumption.

Injury Risk Factors

Also take time to think about the injury risk factors in the treadmill vs. elliptical. The elliptical is designed to be a low injury machine as there is no impact that you would get with running. But yet, take note, this does not mean you will remain entirely injury free. In fact, if you do the elliptical enough – every day for a long while, you could very likely suffer from overuse injuries. Always remember that low impact does not mean injury free.

For some individuals, if the elliptical feels awkward to use and isn’t matching their body so well, it can actually increase their overall chances of injury. So keep that in mind.

But this said, the treadmill definitely presents risk of its own. Overuse injuries such as shin splints, sore knees, and low back pain are all too common in runners, especially distance runners. While there are many steps you can take to prevent these such as doing proper warm-ups, not ramping up mileage too quickly, and using a good of running shoes, the risk still does present itself.

And using the treadmill puts you at a risk of falling off the treadmill or twisting your ankle if you land on it in the wrong position, so those are two additional concerns to think about.

Program Options

One of the biggest things you must do when starting a cardio fitness program is figuring out ways to reduce boredom. Boredom is the factor that causes many people to fall off their program, thus fail to see results.

While some individuals are fine to just listen to music and that’s enough to combat their boredom, this is not enough for many. Finding a machine that has good programmable options is therefore key.

Both the treadmill and the elliptical pan out quite well here. You can adjust the speed in which you use either machine and also change the incline.

With the treadmill, you can go from a run to a walk, so you also have that versatility (which is a factor of speed). With the elliptical, you can either go in a forward based movement pattern or, if you want something different, you can go in a backward movement pattern instead. Both are again going to be terrific options to consider to liven up your program and work your muscles in a slightly different manner.

Giving your program this variety is what will help you ensure you don’t hit a dreaded progress plateau as well as it keeps your body guessing as to what type of exercise is coming next.

Machine Maintenance

Finally, think machine maintenance. The elliptical machine tends to be quite maintenance free, meaning you don’t really need to do much beyond purchase the machine. They rarely break down so you likely won’t have many ongoing costs.

This is not the case with the treadmill however. The treadmill belt often has to be replaced at some point during the lifespan of the treadmill, especially if you are running. The motor is also more likely to suffer problems as well as the incline feature.

This isn’t to say all treadmills break down. Especially if you purchase a high quality machine, there’s a very good chance you will get years of great use from it before running into issues.

But, if we look at treadmill vs. elliptical, the treadmill will be more prone to requiring repairs.

Conclusion

So there you have some of the key differences between the treadmill vs. elliptical. Both are terrific options and can certainly help you reach your goals when done on a regular basis. The most important thing is to choose a machine and commit to doing it, so that is the most critical factor to consider.

If you believe running is the best cardio exercise but hate doing it, don’t force yourself to get a treadmill. You’ll likely see better results with the elliptical because you’ll actually do the workouts more.

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Ever find yourself wondering which is better? The treadmill vs. the rower? Which machine should you devote your workouts to? There’s no question that when you hit the gym, you want to see optimal results as quickly as possible. You don’t have hours each week to exercise, so getting the best overall progress from every minute you put in becomes incredibly important.

Like most decisions in life, there are going to be pros and cons to each of these cardio methods. The treadmill is a great calorie burner, but not so great at keeping you injury free. The rower is low impact, but does require a bit more skill to perform.

Which is ideal? Let’s take a closer look at the comprehensive benefits so that you can figure out where you should devote your time.

Treadmill Vs. Rower – The Showdown

Below are the main pros and con’s of each of these machines to consider. Think about what you value most in your workout and let this guide your decision.

Treadmill

Pros:

• Great calorie burner
• Can walk or run – your decision
• Easily allows you to add resistance by going uphill
• Is perfect for those looking to build endurance
• Will promote a slim, streamlined physique
• Is quite simple to get started with – no learning curve

Cons:

• Your injury risk can be quite high – back, knee, or ankle pain is quite likely
• You may suffer from a mishap while using the machine such as falling off or rolling an ankle, which can take you away from the gym for weeks, or even months
• Is a high impact activity
• May not provide you with the muscle strengthening benefits you’re looking for
• Is not ideal for preserving lean muscle mass tissue

Rower

Pros:

• Engages both the upper as well as the lower body
• Gives a complete conditioning workout so is great for those who aren’t doing any other form of activity
• Is non-impact
• Burns a high number of calories
• Can increase intensity by either increasing resistance or increasing speed
• Is ideal for those who are hoping to build muscle while burning fat

Cons:

• May lead to a risk of knee or shoulder pain
• Does have a bit of a learning curve to get used to the pattern of movement
• Does not allow for ‘mindless’ exercise as well as the treadmill does

Let’s look at some of these in more detail.

Injury Risk

The first point to look at when considering the treadmill vs. rower is the injury risks associated with each of these movements. Here, the treadmill does come out ahead. There are just simply more ways that you could potentially injury yourself while on a treadmill compared to a rower.

Not only do you have that high impact nature acting against you, potentially threatening your joints and bones, but you also have the risk of rolling an ankle or worse, falling off the treadmill entirely.

For those who like to push their limits and do very intense sprint training, don’t bypass the fact that rolling an ankle can be quite likely!

The rowing machine can definitely lead to overuse injuries if it’s performed too often with not enough rest time in between, but usually the risk of these injuries is quite low. Most often people don’t have too many problems.

Body Composition Changes

Now let’s consider the body composition changes you can expect to take place. While both of these methods of cardio training are excellent at boosting your daily calorie burn, doing a high volume of each of them is unlikely to lead to the same result.

Case in point, take a close look at a marathon runner and a rower. Do they have similar bodies? Not at all! The marathon runner is usually quite thin and gaunt looking while the rower is more muscular and chiseled. This is thanks to the fact that running doesn’t have you working against much resistance, while rowing does. Therefore, rowing integrates more muscle power into the mix, enabling you to retain and build muscle better.

The only exception to this rule is if you happen to be a sprinter. If you are doing intense sprint training on your treadmill and that’s it, then you will likely find that you can develop more of that muscular base that you’re after.

So ask yourself, what look do you want here? If you aren’t interested in building much muscle and just want to be thin, then jogging is probably a terrific option for you.

If, on the other hand, you want that athletic look where you have muscular shape to your body, rowing is what will deliver.

Programmability

In terms of running a program on both machines, you’ll find the treadmill a bit easier here. The nice thing with the treadmill is that you can either choose between walking or running. So on your off days from running, you could just walk as a easy workout that gives your body a break from the pounding. It’s a bit of a different movement pattern as well, so can ward off overuse injuries quite well.

On the flip side though, if you are rowing, you can’t do anything but row, so you’ll likely have to take time completely away from the machine on your off days.

The treadmill also gives you a bit more versatility in what types of workouts you can do. You can do a slow walking workout, a fast walking workout, an incline walking workout, a mix of incline walking and jogging, a jogging workout, a sprinting workout, an uphill sprinting workout – there are many different combinations that can be done.

With rowing, you can either do a slow row, a high resistance row, a fast row, or a combination of those. There aren’t quite as many options for creating your own programs so if you are someone who gets bored from time to time, then you’ll want to go this route instead.

Continually changing your workout program around is going to be critical to seeing ongoing results, so this is something that can’t be overlooked.

Practicality

Finally, also think about things from a practicality standpoint. Which transfers over to your everyday life better? Here, the treadmill will be the answer for most people. Unless you are doing a lot of rowing type of movements in your profession, you’ll simply get greater bang for your buck from becoming more proficient in walking and running. Building up your endurance in these two modalities is great for everyday life and keeping your body active and in motion.

Conclusion

So there you have the main points to know about the treadmill vs. rower. Both are excellent pieces of equipment and will without a doubt serve you well, so you really can’t go wrong with either.

It all comes down to selecting the one that you feel will best help you establish excitement in your workout and capture the specific goals you are hoping to reach. Spend some time thinking about these factors along with your injury risk potential before making your purchase and you will make an informed decision that will have you enjoying your workout sessions for months to come.

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Looking to get in shape but not quite sure how you are going to achieve that? The great news is you have plenty of options. There are many different pieces of fitness equipment out there that can help you get to your end goal, so your mission needs to be about figuring out which is the best one for you.

The treadmill has a number of great benefits such as being an excellent calorie burner and easy to use, while the elliptical adds the fact it brings the upper body into play to the list. The bike is great for those who want to build explosive power, so once again, is a good option for many.

So which should you choose? Let’s look at how these all stack up so you can determine for yourself which you prefer.

Let’s look at these in more detail so you can see how they really stack up.

Calorie Burn

When looking at the calorie burn, we come to see that the treadmill and the elliptical are the clear winners here. Both of these pieces of cardio equipment are excellent for burning calories and helping you lose weight. The elliptical is perhaps the best calorie burner of them all because it is the one that brings the upper body into the mix. The more muscles you work in any given moment, the faster you’ll be burning calories.

Therefore, assuming you are working at a similar intensity, the elliptical is the one that will burn the most calories overall.

Progression Model

When it comes to progression, all machines will obviously offer you the ability to progress. With all of these machines, you will either increase the overall speed in which you are working or you will increase the level of resistance in some way.

With the bike, it’s a direct resistance increase. With the treadmill, you increase the elevation so it’s like you are going up a hill. With the elliptical, you actually have two methods of increase. You can either increase the elevation you are working at (so it’s like you are climbing up stairs rather than running) OR you can increase the resistance level you are working at.

Therefore, if you are someone who likes to have good variety and see results, the elliptical may actually be a better bet for you because of this.

Injury Risk and Joint Impact

Considering injury risk is important because if you find yourself injured, you are going to be in the position to be making no progress at all. Better to be safe than sorry, should be the motto for most.

In terms of injury risk, the treadmill definitely is the highest. With the treadmill, you could twist an ankle, fall off the machine, suffer shin splints, get back pain, experience sore knees, and the list goes on. It’s a very high impact machine therefore the potential for pain is also quite great.

The bike offers low injury risk. You may get a sore bottom from sitting on the seat for so long and knee pain could result if you are doing too much biking or try to advance too quickly, but other than that, injuries tend on the bike tend to be rather minor.

The elliptical offers an even lower injury risk yet. This machine was designed to be low impact and to help those who have either suffered from injury or are rehabilitating from one, so it’s a machine you should feel quite comfortable using.

Machine Durability

You might also want to take into account how durable the machines are. The last thing you want to do is invest a thousand dollars or more only to find the machine is breaking down on you.

While any good machine should hold up for quite a while, repairs do need to happen with enough use. Generally speaking, treadmills have the potential for breakdown the most.

There’s just so much that can go wrong with them. The belt can get worn, the motor can break down, the ability to incline can go. This all could be cause for bringing in a repair technician.

The bike has a low breakdown potential as it tends to run smoothly most of the time and the elliptical is also quite good for durability, however with enough use, you may find you need repairs as well.

A good idea if buying an elliptical or a treadmill is to make sure that whatever model you do invest in, comes with a good warranty model.

Strength Building Potential

Let’s talk strength. Which machine is going to have the best strength building potential? Here the bike and the elliptical win out. If you want pure lower body strength, choose the bike. If you want balanced strength and to be able to do away with a strength training routine, try the elliptical.

The treadmill unfortunately won’t build much strength at all, so if that’s your goal, you should try something else instead.

Easy To Use

The good news is that all of these machines are quite easy to use so are perfect for beginners who are just getting started. This said, the bike does tend to be the easiest as the movement pattern done on the bike will be very similar to what’s done in real life on an actual bike.

The treadmill is also quite similar, but some people do require some time to get used to that belt moving beneath them. The elliptical however can take some time. It’s not going to take too much time that a beginner couldn’t learn how to use it, but it may take an extra day or two to get used to.

So there you have some direct comparisons of the three different machines. Which one is right for you? Which fits your goals the best? Remember, you always also factor in which one you enjoy the most because this is going to have a huge impact on your ability to stick with your program.

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