If you’re not a big fan of instructor-led workouts and trips to the gym, exercising at home with home fitness machines is a great option!
However, investing in cardio equipment will cost a few bucks. It’s just about right to make sure you make a calculated purchase.
The good thing with Bowflex and NordicTrack is you definitely won’t go wrong. These are two of the most popular brands on the market today for valid reasons.
If you’re trying to consider the better choice between Bowflex vs. NordicTrack for your home gyms, this article will run you down on the key specs both brands offer.
Read on!
Is Bowflex Better Than NordicTrack?
Some prefer Bowflex products over NordicTrack’s. But we’ve also found a lot of patrons out there who vouch for NordicTrack’s quality home fitness equipment options.
There is not much telling which is the better in totality. It is a matter of customer preference and satisfactory experience.
We’re here to help you find the perfect brand and equipment match!
Overview of Bowflex
Bowflex, owned by Nautilus Inc., was first introduced in the United States back in 1986. They have not stopped coming up with innovative and creative products ever since!
Early on in the business, Bowflex focused on offering strength training and resistance training machines designed to help build up and maintain muscle. Perhaps, this is still even their edge.
However, Bowflex has been expanding its equipment options by introducing cardio equipment. They started on a good note with their standout and industry-competitive machine, the TreadClimber.
Their SelectTech Series is also a big hit. This is a compact system of dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells with adjustable weights. It’s a great substitute when training with free weights, taking up less space in your home gyms.
What we like about Bowflex is that they are not afraid to think out of the box. With Bowflex products like power rod gyms, SelectTech dumbbells, Max Trainers, TreadClimbers, Velocore bikes, etc., working on your fitness should be exciting!
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of exercise equipment
- An industry leader in strength and resistance training
- Increasing cardio options
- Pioneering technology
- Accessible at multiple price points
- Space-saving innovative products
Cons
- More expensive than what most can afford
Overview of NordicTrack
NordicTrack is another American company that manufactures several fitness equipment you will likely find in all community gyms and home gyms around the world.
NordicTrack is the industry leader in cardio machines. They have a wide range of innovative and feature-packed treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals, rowers, and other strength training machines and their corresponding accessories.
NordicTrack’s treadmills have been its top-tier offer with industry-leading incline and other features enjoyed by fitness enthusiasts for years and years!
They have ever since been expanding their product roster, including their recent feature-packed Fusion Series that combines cardio, strength, and rack for a 3-in-1 workout experience.
Pros
- A multitude of cardio machine options
- Offers an industry-leading rower machine for a full-body workout
- Innovative strength training
- Accessible at multiple price points
- Exercise variability
Cons
- More expensive than what most can afford
Bowflex vs. NordicTrack: Side-By-Side Comparison of Home Fitness Equipment
To help you weigh your options between these two home gym equipment brands, check out this side-by-side comparison per fitness equipment:
Treadmills
Running is the original and all-time favorite cardio workout. Sure, you can run outdoors and enjoy the view, but it has limitations like weather and poor sidewalks that can ruin your plans.
Good thing you have treadmills to solve this problem!
What you want to look for in treadmills is strong heavy-duty motors with large running surfaces, yet occupy less space in your home. Both models offer reasonably priced and feature-rich machines, including streaming workouts for running.
Bowflex
The Bowflex Treadmill 10 is a great pick. Top of mind, it is the go-to cardio machine for those on a budget and looking for a space-saving machine. This is offered at a lower price point and can fold up when not in use.
Although it is the larger design between the two models of NordicTrack and Bowflex, it has a weight capacity of up to 400 lbs. That is 100 lbs more than NordicTrack’s. It also has -2% more decline, with a total of -5% decline available.
Convenience and entertainment-wise, the Treadmill 10 has room for your tablet and 2 water bottle holders. It comes with a 10″ smart HD touchscreen monitor that raises and tilts to your preferred viewing.
Its larger size makes room for more running space, and its tread has a good amount of cushion to support heavier users. With this in mind, it is understood that the motors can also experience more wear and tear. Good thing Bowflex offers a 15-year warranty. That’s a good bargain!
NordicTrack
NordicTrack is the industry leader of treadmills, with 10 treadmills in their roster to choose from!
NordicTrack’s treadmills have declines of as much as 6% and incline as high as 40%. It can go as fast as 12 mph too. All of their treadmills also feature touchscreens in various sizes and speakers to keep you motivated throughout your workout.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is our top pick among NordicTrack’s treadmills. It has a sleek design, a 14″ HD touchscreen monitor, easy access buttons, and a ComfortTech cushioned treadmill deck, making this machine a pleasure to run on.
NordicTrack is integrated with iFit technology that allows you to run or jog with a personal trainer that digitally and automatically adjusts your incline, decline, and speed for you.
The workout program can help you increase your daily fitness goals and keep you motivated with plenty of options to choose from. You can even choose to virtually run some of the world’s best trails!
Elliptical Trainers
You want to look for an elliptical trainer with various resistance levels, heavy flywheels, comfortable stride lengths, and high weight capacities.
These make for a great full-body workout.
Bowflex
Bowflex’s Max Trainer has been dubbed by many as one of the most versatile cardio machines. You can split your workout between the elliptical trainer or stair stepper.
It’s the best machine for high-energy HIIT workouts and would be a great addition to your home gym. It’s efficient for maximum calorie burn!
Aesthetically, the Max Trainer sits upright and compact with a backlit console. This allows you to save a ton of space and enjoy a viewer-friendly media experience while you exercise.
The most advanced model of Bowflex’s elliptical trainers is the Max Total 16. This comes with a built-in touchscreen and 2 months free subscription to JRNY for interactive workout routines.
NordicTrack
Most NordicTrack ellipticals come with a one-month free iFit subscription that allows you to enjoy personal training with global workouts for you to choose from.
The live and on-demand workouts available through iFit on its immersive 7″ interactive touchscreen also have elite trainers adjust your equipment automatically.
Talk about workout goals, these studio classes with 22 adjustable resistance settings, incline and decline will get in you in shipshape in no time!
The NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical is a lower spec compared to the other models produced by NordicTrack. However, it is suitable for entry and mid-level users, with lighter weights for you to ease in.
Plus, this NordicTrack elliptical also comes with a Silent Magnetic Resistance for peaceful home workouts.
Exercise Bikes
Indoor cycling is a great cardio workout that allows you to build leg muscles and push your lungs to the limit. You will want a bike that supports your weight and provides comfort while in position.
Exercise bikes with a ton of cycling workouts are one of the non-negotiables for bike enthusiasts who prefer to exercise at home too.
Bowflex
Bowflex’s VeloCore Indoor Bike is the brand’s hit item for its stationary bike mode and leaning bike mode. This pushes you to engage your core and other stabilizing muscles during your cardio routine.
So you don’t bore yourself out on a ride, you can download the JRNY or Peloton app on its touchscreen device and entertain yourself while burning calories. You can even use streaming apps like Disney+ and Netflix too!
Besides VeloCore, Bowflex has a lot of basic indoor bikes to choose from. It’s a notable feature that they don’t lean to the side and also feature a built-in tablet holder for user convenience.
NordicTrack
NordicTrack’s bikes, such as the S27i Studio Bike, Commercial S15i Studio Bike, and Studio Bike 1000, are award-winning exercise bikes with fantastic interactive personal training.
With a 30-day free iFit subscription, you can experience countless bike workouts formulated with world-class trainers. They even have new workouts uploaded on a regular. This drives a truly immersive fitness journey!
This variety of high-quality bikes is accessible in different models that can fit your budget, workout area, and fitness goal.
Strength Training Equipment
You will want strength training equipment that allows you to perform multiple exercises on just one machine.
Bowflex
Bowflex’s Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym is a crowd favorite. It has a power rod resistance system that is less rigid than those you might experience in commercial gyms. They also feel more secure and safe when performing free weight training routines.
The standard Xtreme model comes with 210 lbs of resistance but is expandable up to 410 lbs with additional power rods. These are great weight options that help you build and maintain strong muscles, especially for your back and shoulders.
You can almost perform 70 types of exercises on this machine, including exercises you can perform on a squat bar, an ab crunch shoulder harness, and an angled lat bar.
Another option for resistance training is Bowflex’s Revolution Home Gym. Instead of rod technology, this machine uses SpiraFlex, a plating technology used by NASA for resistance training when there is no gravity.
This equipment gets you resistance without inertia. This way, you eliminate the jerking motions that often cause injury when training with free weights.
Plus, you can perform over 400 variations of 100 exercises on this machine. This is truly one of the most innovative and versatile home workout equipment on the market!
NordicTrack
The NordicTrack’s Vault features a reflective surface where you can watch your form as you follow the iFit workouts. You can also keep all your dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands neatly with the Vault package.
Its vertical storage system is great if you have limited gym space at home. This keeps your workout decluttered so you can focus on your routine.
The Vault’s versatility is hard to beat. Its iFit workout routines include exercises for yoga, strength training, pilates, mindfulness, sculpting, interval training, lifting, and HIIT training. All of this you can access on its smart touchscreen. What more can you ask for?
Its greatest advantage, especially against Bowflex strength training machines, is you get both a cardio workout and build muscle strength at the same time.
Another exciting option is NordicTrack’s Fusion CST. This features magnetic resistance for building muscle mass. It also helps you burn calories through a Bootcamp-style routine.
The magnetic resistance flywheels have 20 resistance levels, providing plenty of versatility.
Although it is not as sleek and compact as the Vault, it is still revolutionary in getting gains in a home gym.
Technology, Compatibility, & Additional Features
In today’s digital day and age, many consumers prefer buying a feature-rich home workout machine that involves some form of smart integration. All in all, providing an immersive home workout experience.
Bowflex
The Bowflex bike is integrated with the Peloton app. This is one major advantage over NordicTrack. You can entertain yourself while exercising.
Bowflex also offers its JRNY app used in a Bowflex elliptical trainer and treadmill. In the JRNY app, you can input the levels you want to achieve, and it will automatically adjust your equipment.
JRNY’s main features include:
- Virtual coaching
- Real-world maps for an immersive experience
- Radio
- Health assessment for personalized workout recommendations
- Achievement notifications
NordicTrack
NordicTrack offers full iFit integration for immersive personal training at home. You get access to professional trainers, motivational workouts, and dynamic training styles. You will never get bored working out at home!
You can even check out GlobeTrek Workouts, immersing yourself in unique terrain. This can motivate your workouts while exploring exotic locales virtually.
iFit features also include the iFit Coach that creates custom workout schedules and meal plans, as well as tracks your activity and sleep for you.
Price and Value for Money
Bowflex vs. Nordic Track, in terms of price and value, is pretty comparable. Both brands work around the same price range.
Each brand carries a range of products per category of equipment, offered at different budgets to cater to many users.
However, when it comes to immersive offerings, Bowflex beats NordicTrack.
For example, you can buy a Bowflex Bike at $999 over the NordicTrack S15i Studio Cycle, which starts at $1,599.
That is because NordicTrack often includes its iFit membership in its pricing.
Regarding warranties, NordicTrack offers their bikes with the same warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor. This is very similar to the warranty Bowflex has.
However, in general, NordicTrack has the better deal when it comes to motor warranties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got more questions on NordicTrack vs. Bowflex? We got you covered!
Which Has the Better Cardio Machines, NordicTrack or Bowflex?
With NordicTrack being the industry leader in cardio equipment, they undoubtedly have the better cardio machines. NordicTrack has more models to choose from that will fit your specific needs, like fitness goals, budget, and space. It also comes with an immersive iFit integration for added motivation.
Is NordicTrack the Same as Bowflex?
NordicTrack started off focusing on cardio machines and later on expanded to strength training equipment. Bowflex, on the other hand, did the exact opposite. Both brands have a reputable history and offer plenty of products for your home gym and fitness journey. They are both industry leaders in their own right.
Bowflex vs. NordicTrack: Which Fitness Equipment Brand Is Better for You?
Both Bowflex and NordicTrack have a lot to offer when it comes to home workout equipment.
If you’re interested in buying an innovative fitness machine, you won’t go wrong considering either brand.
Bowflex may have more expertise in strength training equipment while NordicTrack in cardio machines; both have expanded their product lines successfully to cater to all forms of fitness machines.
Your decision will boil down to the experience you want to have, whether it be Peloton compatibility or an iFit integration. Either way, your home gym will be a worthwhile investment!
Buy From Bowflex If:
- You are looking for cheaper entry point machines.
- You want a Peloton experience.
- You are primarily considering strength training and resistance training.
Buy From NordicTrack If:
- You want to experience superior and smart-integrated workouts.
- You want full iFit compatibility and integration for your home gym.
- You are primarily considering cardiovascular training.
