NordicTrack vs Bowflex: Brand Breakdown & Comparison

NordicTrack vs Bowflex: Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between NordicTrack and Bowflex comes down to your fitness goals. If you want high-tech treadmills and immersive cardio workouts, NordicTrack’s iFIT-powered machines are a top pick. If you’re focused on strength training and space-saving home gym equipment, Bowflex’s SelectTech adjustable dumbbells and multi-functional machines offer great value.

Both brands are leaders in home fitness, but they cater to different needs. NordicTrack excels in interactive, trainer-led cardio workouts, while Bowflex provides versatile strength training solutions like the Bowflex Max Trainer for hybrid cardio sessions.

In this guide, we’ll compare their treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals, and strength equipment to help you find the best option for your home gym. Plus, we’ll break down key differences like price, durability, smart features, and warranty policies to help you make an informed choice.

Key Similarities Between Bowflex and NordicTrack

Home Fitness Focus

Both brands cater to home gym enthusiasts, providing versatile machines that eliminate the need for a commercial gym. NordicTrack treadmills, ellipticals, and rowers replicate studio workouts at home, while Bowflex’s strength training solutions, like the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells, offer adjustable weights to maximize space and efficiency.

Smart Technology / Subscription-Based Content

Innovation is at the core of both brands. NordicTrack integrates iFIT membership, offering trainer-led classes. Meanwhile, Bowflex’s JRNY app provides adaptive workouts, Bluetooth connectivity, and personalized training sessions. Both the iFit and JRNY are subscription-based. 

Adjustable Resistance & Weight Options

Both NordicTrack and Bowflex emphasize adjustability in their fitness equipment to accommodate different skill levels and workout styles. NordicTrack integrates motorized incline and resistance controls in its treadmills and ellipticals, ensuring seamless trainer-led adjustments during workouts. Bowflex is known for its adjustable weights, including the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells, which allow users to change weight in 2.5-pound increments or five-pound increments for progressive strength training.

They do have differences in their resistance and weight options, which we’ll discuss in our section on their key differences. 

Durability & Build Quality

Both NordicTrack and Bowflex design their machines for long-term use, using sturdy frames and high-quality mechanical parts to ensure durability. NordicTrack integrates shock absorption and CHP motors in its cardio equipment for smooth performance during long runs and steep incline workouts. Bowflex emphasizes space-efficient strength machines, such as compact home gym systems and adjustable-weight dumbbells with metal handles and secure locking mechanisms.

In the next section, we’ll see that they also have differences in build and durability. Additionally, we’ll dive deeper into the main features that set them apart. 

Variety of Fitness Equipment

Both brands provide a wide range of fitness equipment, but their focus differs. NordicTrack specializes in cardio machines, including treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals, and rowers. Their lineup includes options like the NordicTrack Commercial treadmills, NordicTrack incline trainers, and NordicTrack ellipticals, all designed for high inclines, long runs, and steep incline training.

Bowflex excels in strength training, with adjustable weights, home gyms, and hybrid cardio machines like the Bowflex Max Trainer. Their Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells, available in 2.5-pound increments and five-pound increments, are a top pick for those looking to build strength without a bulky weight set.

Both brands offer versatile machines, but choosing the best option depends on whether you prioritize cardio, strength training, or a mix of both. Up next, we’ll dive into the biggest differences between Bowflex and NordicTrack.

Cardio vs Strength Focus

We’ve touched on the biggest difference between NordicTrack and Bowflex — their primary fitness focus. NordicTrack specializes in cardio machines, while Bowflex is known for strength training solutions.

If your fitness goals revolve around running, cycling, or high-incline workouts, NordicTrack treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes are the best option. Their NordicTrack Commercial treadmills feature steep inclines, shock absorption, and CHP motors, making them ideal for long runs and high-intensity training. The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike also stands out with trainer-led classes and automatic resistance adjustments, offering an immersive indoor cycling experience.

If you’re looking to build muscle and improve strength, Bowflex dumbbells, home gyms, and strength-focused hybrid machines are the way to go. The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells are a top pick for home gym owners, offering adjustable weights in 2.5-pound and five-pound increments to help users progress efficiently. Bowflex also offers compact strength training machines, such as the Bowflex Max Trainer, which combines cardio and strength in one versatile machine.

Interactive Training Platforms

These brands’ subscription-based content platforms also offer different features. 

NordicTrack: iFIT Membership – iFIT is an industry-standard platform that powers NordicTrack treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and rowers. It offers trainer-led classes, scenic global workouts, interactive incline control, and progress tracking. The iFIT trainers automatically adjust speed, incline, and resistance, creating challenging workouts tailored to your skill levels.

Bowflex: JRNY App – Bowflex’s JRNY app provides adaptive workouts, real-time feedback, and Bluetooth connectivity. Unlike iFIT, JRNY customizes workouts based on user performance and offers on-demand and streaming options for entertainment. It’s compatible with Bowflex treadmills, bikes, and strength machines, making it a great value for users who want variety in their workouts.

Machine Types & Functionality

NordicTrack and Bowflex take very different approaches when it comes to their fitness equipment designs. NordicTrack focuses on traditional cardio machines with smart features, while Bowflex specializes in hybrid fitness solutions that blend strength and cardio.

NordicTrack is known for its high-tech treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes. Their machines feature steep inclines, soft cushioning, and powerful CHP motors that make them ideal for long runs and high-intensity workouts. As we’ve shared, these NordicTrack machines are built for interactive trainer-led classes, offering iFIT connectivity, Bluetooth compatibility, and automatic speed/resistance adjustments.

Instead of traditional treadmills, Bowflex offers unique machines like the Bowflex TreadClimber, which combines a treadmill, stair climber, and elliptical for low-impact yet challenging workouts. The Bowflex Max Trainer is another standout, offering high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts in a compact design—a great value for home gym users who want efficient calorie burning.

Price Range & Value

The price difference between NordicTrack and Bowflex largely depends on the type of equipment and the features offered. NordicTrack machines tend to have higher price points due to their premium cardio technology, while Bowflex equipment offers more budget-friendly strength training options.

NordicTrack: Higher Price, More Tech

NordicTrack’s high-end treadmills, exercise bikes, and ellipticals come equipped with iFIT integration, incline/decline capabilities, and touchscreen displays, which contribute to their higher cost. 

• NordicTrack Treadmills – Prices approximately start above $1,000 for entry-level models and go up to $3,500+ for premium options like the NordicTrack Commercial 2450.

• NordicTrack Bikes & Ellipticals – Typically priced between $900 to around $2,500, depending on the smart features and resistance levels included.

• Strength Equipment – NordicTrack’s adjustable weights and Fusion CST home gyms are competitively priced but cost more than Bowflex alternatives due to their interactive technology.

Bowflex: More Affordable, Strength-Focused Equipment

Bowflex provides more cost-effective fitness equipment, especially for strength training. Their adjustable dumbbells, compact home gyms, and hybrid cardio machines offer great value without the premium price tag.

• Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells – A top pick for home gyms, with prices ranging from around $300 to above $700, depending on the weight range.

• Bowflex Max Trainer – A versatile machine that combines strength and cardio, priced between $999 and $2,500, depending on the model.

• Bowflex Treadmills & Bikes – Priced from approximately $1,000 to less than $3,000, making them a better option for budget-conscious cardio buyers.

Company Policies: Warranty, Returns, and Financing

When investing in fitness equipment, it's crucial to consider warranty coverage, return policies, and financing options. Both NordicTrack and Bowflex offer competitive policies, but there are key differences.

Warranty Comparisons

• NordicTrack Warranty: Most NordicTrack treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals come with a 10-year warranty on frames, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty. Some high-end models extend this coverage.

• Bowflex Warranty: Warranty varies by product, but Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells typically come with a 2-year parts warranty, while Bowflex home gyms and Max Trainers have a 10-year frame warranty with shorter parts and labor coverage.

Return Policy Overview

• NordicTrack: Offers a 30-day return policy but charges a restocking fee and return shipping costs.

• Bowflex: Provides a 6-week satisfaction guarantee for most products, allowing more time to decide if the equipment meets your needs.

Financing Options

Both brands offer flexible financing for customers who prefer to pay over time. For customers ordering through Strength Warehouse USA, we provide free shipping on all NordicTrack products and our own return policy to ensure a smooth purchase experience. Note: It’s always best to check our website for current pricing. 

Bowflex vs NordicTrack: Equipment Categories

Below, we’ll compare their treadmills and exercise bikes, highlighting their features, pros, and ideal users.

Treadmills 

NordicTrack’s treadmills are built for serious runners and interactive training enthusiasts. Models like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 offer steep incline and decline options, CHP motors, and soft cushioning to mimic real-world terrain. With an iFit membership, you can enjoy trainer-led workouts with automatic incline and resistance adjustments. Durability and comfort are major strengths, making NordicTrack treadmills a top pick for long runs and intense training.

Bowflex doesn’t just produce standard treadmills—it integrates hybrid functionality to offer low-impact, high-intensity training. The Bowflex TreadClimber, for example, combines a treadmill, stair climber, and elliptical, making it an efficient machine for burning calories while reducing joint impact. While Bowflex treadmills don’t have decline capabilities like NordicTrack, they focus on shock absorption and adaptive workouts via the JRNY app.

Exercise Bikes

The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is a standout in the interactive cycling space, designed for riders who enjoy trainer-led classes, real-time resistance adjustments, and simulated outdoor rides. The S22i’s incline and decline feature, combined with its HD touchscreen, creates a Peloton-style experience but with more terrain variation and scenic rides.

Bowflex takes a unique approach with its VeloCore Bike, which offers a leaning mode that mimics real outdoor cycling motion, engaging core muscles while riding. This feature adds an element of functional strength training, making it different from traditional stationary bikes. The JRNY app allows users to stream entertainment while riding, making workouts more versatile and engaging.

Bowflex vs NordicTrack: Elliptical & Hybrid Machines

NordicTrack focuses on traditional ellipticals with adjustable resistance and incline, while Bowflex’s Max Trainer offers a compact, high-intensity alternative that blends cardio and strength training.

NordicTrack’s elliptical trainers provide a low-impact workout with a natural striding motion, making them ideal for users looking to protect their joints while burning calories. Many models come with adjustable stride lengths, power incline, and iFIT integration, allowing for trainer-led workouts that automatically adjust resistance and incline.

The Bowflex Max Trainer is a hybrid elliptical-stair stepper designed for short, high-intensity workouts. It offers steeper resistance levels than a traditional elliptical, engaging more lower-body and core muscles. The compact footprint makes it a great option for home gyms with limited space, and it integrates with the JRNY app for adaptive training programs.

Strength Equipment

As we’ve mentioned, Bowflex is known for its SelectTech adjustable dumbbells, which provide a wide range of weights in a single set. These dumbbells replace multiple sets of traditional weights, saving space while allowing for incremental strength progression.

In addition to dumbbells, Bowflex also offers multi-functional home gyms that use power rod resistance instead of weight stacks. These machines provide a full-body strength training experience in a compact design, making them ideal for home gym setups that prioritize versatility and efficiency.

NordicTrack’s approach to strength training is more integrated with technology. Machines like the NordicTrack Fusion CST combine cable resistance with iFIT-guided workouts, allowing users to follow trainer-led strength programs with automated resistance adjustments. This setup is particularly beneficial for those who want guided, full-body resistance workouts without needing multiple pieces of equipment.

FAQs on Bowflex vs NordicTrack

Which brand is better for home gym setups, NordicTrack or Bowflex?

Bowflex is better for strength training and space-saving setups, while NordicTrack is ideal for cardio-focused home gyms with smart features.

Which brand offers better treadmill technology, NordicTrack or Bowflex?

NordicTrack wins with iFIT integration, incline/decline control, and CHP motors, while Bowflex treadmills focus on shock absorption and hybrid training.

Which brand is better for strength training?

Bowflex dominates with SelectTech adjustable dumbbells, home gym systems, and Max Trainer, while NordicTrack integrates guided strength workouts via iFIT.

Do Bowflex or NordicTrack machines last longer?

Both brands offer durable equipment, but NordicTrack's treadmills and ellipticals excel in cardio durability, while Bowflex's dumbbells and home gyms last longer for strength training.

Next, we’ll wrap up with final thoughts and help you choose the best option for your fitness goals.

Which Brand Suits Different Types of Users?

If you’re trying to decide which brand is right for you, here’s a breakdown based on your fitness goals:

Choose NordicTrack if:

• You prioritize cardio workouts like running, cycling, or elliptical training.

• You want interactive trainer-led classes with automated incline/resistance adjustments.

• You prefer premium treadmills, bikes, or ellipticals with advanced iFIT features.

• You need a high-tech machine that mimics outdoor running or cycling.

Choose Bowflex if:

• You want space-saving strength equipment, like adjustable dumbbells or home gyms.

• You prefer hybrid machines that combine cardio and strength training.

• You need an affordable home gym setup that allows for progressive overload.

• You like entertainment-focused workouts, as JRNY offers streaming integration.

Recommendations for Best Product Selection

For those who prioritize running and high-intensity cardio, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is one of the best options, offering steep incline capabilities, soft cushioning, and iFIT coaching for interactive workouts.

If you're looking to build muscle with limited space, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells provide a compact, adjustable weight system that allows for seamless strength progression. Users who want a hybrid machine that combines strength and cardio will find the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 a solid choice, delivering HIIT-style resistance in a compact footprint.

For cycling enthusiasts, the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike stands out with incline/decline simulation, trainer-led classes, and a realistic outdoor cycling feel. Lastly, for those who need a versatile cardio solution in a small space, the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 offers a three-in-one design that blends a treadmill, stair climber, and elliptical for an efficient, low-impact workout.

NordicTrack vs Bowflex: Final Thoughts

Choosing between NordicTrack and Bowflex ultimately comes down to your fitness goals, space availability, and workout preferences. Both brands offer high-quality fitness equipment, but they cater to different types of users.

In summary, NordicTrack specializes in cardio equipment, offering treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes equipped with iFIT integration, incline/decline features, and smart technology for trainer-led workouts. Their machines are ideal for runners, cyclists, and cardio enthusiasts looking for an interactive and immersive training experience.

Bowflex, on the other hand, focuses on strength training solutions, with adjustable dumbbells, home gyms, and hybrid machines like the Bowflex Max Trainer and TreadClimber. Their SelectTech dumbbells provide space-saving, adjustable weight options perfect for home gym owners looking to build strength efficiently.

Both brands incorporate subscription-based content, with NordicTrack’s iFIT offering trainer-led global workouts and Bowflex’s JRNY app providing adaptive training and streaming options. Price and value also differ, with NordicTrack’s high-end cardio machines commanding a premium price for their advanced features, while Bowflex provides more budget-friendly strength training options.

If you’re ready to reach for your fitness goals, browse our NordicTrack collection and discover top-tier equipment designed for high-performance workouts.