Bowflex is one of the most famous and respected names in the fitness industry. They built their name with the revolutionary power rod based multigym in the 80s and 90s. More recently Bowflex has moved into the home cardio equipment market. The Bowflex Max Trainer series are among the best out there. In this Bowflex Max review we focus on three of the most popular Bowfex Max ellipticals …
- Max Total
- Max M6
- Max M3
Table Of Contents
Bowflex Max Comparison Table
#1 Editor’s Choice
Bowflex Max Trainer Total
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- Built-in HD touchscreen
- Sculpted handlebars
- Bowflex JRNY 12 month subscription
#2 Editor’s Choice
Bowflex M6
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- 20-inch (50 cm) stride length
- 5 programs
- High intensity workouts
Bowflex M3
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- Combination elliptical trainer/stair stepper
- Optimizes calorie burning
- Compact design
1. Bowflex Max Total
Pros
- Built-in HD touchscreen
- Sculpted handlebars
- Bowflex JRNY 12 month subscription
- Upper body power training
- 20 Resistance levels
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
- Expensive
Key Features
Compact/Folding
Yes
Stride Length
20 inches (50 cm)
Programs
Four
Max Weight
300 lbs (136 kg)
Heart Rate Chest Strap
No
HIIT Optimized
Yes
JRNY App Membership
12 months
Interactive Display
Full screen, backlit LCD
Console
HD Touchscreen Bluetooth WiFi
Resistance
20 Levels
Specifications
Construction
The Bowflex Max Trainer Total is built to endure heavy duty HIIT workouts.
Console
The Max Trainer Total features a 16’ (40.6 cm) HD touchscreen, Wi-Fi and is enabled for Netflix and other streaming platforms.
Pedals
Oversized foot platforms allow for variable foot placement.
Handles
Six position handles provide greater choice of hand positioning to better activate the upper body muscles.
Resistance
You get 20 levels of resistance on the Bowflex Max Trainer Total.
Noise Level
The Bowflex Max Trainer Total is the quietest of any of the models in the Bowflex exercise machine range.
Heart Rate Monitor
The Bowflex Max Trainer Total features hand grip pulse sensors and a Bluetooth enabled HR armband.
Workout Programs
There are four programs that come with the Bowflex Max Trainer Total.
Warranty
The Bowflex Max Trainer Total comes with a 3 year parts and 90 day labor warranty.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews for the Bowflex Max Trainer Total are overwhelmingly positive. People love the intensity of the upper level workouts and the scope of workouts available through the JRNY app.
Reasons To Buy
The Bowflex Max Total is the first in the Bowflex Max range to come with a built-in touchscreen. This allows you to get the full color console experience rather than having to use your own tablet for entertainment. Through the console you can watch your favorite streaming platform as you work out.
The Bowflex Max Total has 20 resistance levels. That is four more than the M6, making this machine ideal for advanced level trainers who want to take their HIIT workouts to the next level. There are 8 built-in workout programs, each one targeted toward a specific training goal. In addition, the Max Total is enabled for the Bowflex JRNY app.
See here for the best rebounder on the market.
The artificial intelligence led app starts with an assessment session and, based on the results, leads you into a series of workout sessions designed to fast track you toward your goal. A JRNY subscription will cost you $19.99 per month.
Any Downsides?
The Bowflex Max Trainer Total is an expensive home gym cardio machine. It is difficult to assemble, and has a less than impressive warranty period.
2. Bowflex Max M6
Pros
- 20-inch (50 cm) stride length
- 5 programs
- HIIT Optimized
- 300 lb (136 kg) max user weight
- 16 resistance levels
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
Key Features
Compact/Folding
Yes
Stride Length
20 inches (50 cm)
Programs
Five programs
Max Weight
300 lbs (136 kg)
Heart Rate Chest Strap
No
HIIT Optimized
Yes
JRNY App membership
12 months
Interactive Display
Full screen, backlit LCD
Resistance
16 Levels
Specifications
Construction
The M6 retains the solid, robust and compact construction and frame design of the M3. This keeps the unit well grounded and rigid during your workout.
Console
The M6 comes with a full color, backlit LCD screen to monitor all of your key training diagnostics.
Pedals
The oversized pedals on the M6 allow for different foot placements. The surface is ribbed and sweat and slip resistant to keep you firmly in place.
Handles
The four grip handlebars allow for multiple hand positioning to allow you to engage your upper body in the most ergonomic and comfortable position for you.
Resistance
There are 16 resistance levels on the M6, which are controlled by a slider lever on the handlebars.
Noise Level
The M6 is a lot quieter than the M3, making it better suited for those living in apartments.
Heart Rate Monitor
Integrated heart sensors on the handlebars provide pulse rate monitoring.
Workout Programs
There are 5 inbuilt programs on the M6: Max 14 Minute Interval, Calorie Burning, Fat Burn, Stairs, Manual.
Warranty
The M6 comes with a 2 year parts warranty and 90 days on parts.
Customer Reviews
Reasons To Buy
The Bowflex M6 is the ideal choice for intermediate level trainers who are looking for more training options than those offered by the M3. It has 16 levels of resistance that are controlled by a twist dial on the handle bars. That provides you with a broad range of workout levels, allowing you to progressively make your workout harder as you get fitter.
Click here for the best underbed treadmills for confined spaces.
The M6 is enabled with the Bowflex Max Intelligence App. This unique program actually uses artificial intelligence to analyze, predict and make suggestions for your workout. There are 29 instructor-led on-demand video workouts available on the app. However, you will have to pay for access to the app, at a cost of $14.95 per month.
You get two user profiles on the M6. That allows two people to track all of their workout history over a period of time. There is also a burn rate display that allows you to easily see the calories burned and progress toward your fitness journey goal.
The following workout programs are built into the console of the M6:
- Max 14 Minute Interval
- Optimized Calorie Burning
- Fat Burning
- Stairs
- Manual
Storage/Assembly
The M6 is a compact machine, with a footprint of 46″ L x 26″ W x 64.2″ H (116 cm L x 66 cm W x 163 cm H). It can be stored in a cupboard or under a bed when not in use. The machine features storage wheels for ease of movement. It can be easily transported by tilting the frame and rolling it away.
Assembly is quite difficult and may take up to two hours. The instruction manual does provide detailed assembly instructions.
Any Downsides?
The Bowflex M6 is more expensive than treadmills, bikes and ellipticals that provide similar program and resistance features. However, it provides a unique elliptical, stepper combination to better work the muscles. See here for the best mini steppers. The limited warranty and difficult assembly are also negatives for this machine.
See here for the best bike trainers on today’s market.
3. Bowflex Max M3
Pros
- Combination elliptical trainer/stair stepper
- Optimizes calorie burning
- Compact design
- Heart rate chest strap included
- Tablet & water bottle holder
Cons
- Noisy operation
- Short warranty
Key Features
Compact/Folding
Stride Length
20 inches (50 cm)
Programs
Two
Max Weight
Heart Rate Chest Strap
Yes
HIIT Optimized
Yes
Resistance
8 levels
Specifications
Construction
Frame
Console
Pedals
Handles
The ergonomically designed handlebars allow for 3 different hand positions to activate more upper body muscle fibers.
Resistance
Heart Rate Monitor
The M3 comes with a complimentary chest strap heart rate monitor.
Workout Programs
Warranty
The Bowflex M3 comes with a 12 month parts and 90 days labor warranty.
Customer Reviews
Reasons To Buy
The Max Trainer M3 is an entry level total body trainer. It delivers a very effective way to lose weight with virtually zero impact. You get eight resistance levels that are simple to adjust with a twist of the handle control.
The Max Trainer M3 is specifically designed for interval training meaning it provides you with durability and speed potential to switch instantly between high and low intensity workouts. You won’t get the kind of wobbling and lateral movement that often happens with lower quality ellipticals when you do HIIT workouts.
The set-up on this trainer is fuss free. Even though there is no HD touchscreen display, it does give you a dial-style calorie burn rate indicator and simple to use controls for burn rate and interval selection.
The compact design of the M3 makes it ideal for people who are living in confined spaces. It takes up about half the footprint of a standard elliptical machine.
Storage/Assembly
Looking After It
Any Downsides?
The biggest negative with the Bowflex M3 is that it is quite noisy. With just inbuilt programs, it is also limiting for experienced users. There is no console display built into the machine to allow for video so you will have to plug in your tablet to enjoy your favorite show while working out.
Don’t forget to check out our reviews of the best recumbent ellipticals here.
Bowflex Max Trainer Model Comparison
Bowflex Max Total
Bowflex Max M6
Bowflex Max M3
Size
49.3″ L x 30.8″ W x 65.7″ H
(125.2 cm L x 78.2 cm W x 166.8 cm H)
(116 cm L x 66 cm W x 163 cm H)
49″ L x 26″ W x 64.7″ H
(124 cm L x 66 cm W x 164.3 cm H)
Weight Capacity
300 lbs (136 kg)
300 lbs (136 kg)
300 lbs (136 kg)
Resistance Levels
20
16
8
Special Features
HD Touchscreen
Netflix enabled
12 month JRNY app subscription
Bowflex Max Intelligence App
Warranty
3 years parts, 90-days labor
2 years parts, 90-days labor
1 year parts, 90-days labor
Why You Should Trust Us
As a former gym owner and personal trainer, I have been using and recommending Bowflex home fitness equipment for more than 30 years. That experience combined with many hours of online research and analysis of verified user reviews have informed this review. I have personally used each of the three Bowflex Max ellipticals covered here and am here to provide my unbiased, objective opinion.
Best Uses & Health Benefits Of The Bowflex Max Trainer Series
- Weight Loss/Fat Loss
The Max Trainer provides a very effective fat burning workout. The famous 14 minute workout will allow you to burn around 300 calories – that’s around twice as much as you can achieve on a standard elliptical.
Wondering how to lose weight using a vibration plate? Click the link to read more. Find the best vibration plate here.
- Muscle Tone
The Max Trainer workout provides a challenging upper body workout to match the pump that you will get in your legs. This will tone, strengthen and develop your back, chest, shoulders and arms. The upper body bracing required to maintain control and balance will also strengthen and streamline your core.
What is a recumbent bike? Read more here. Read about the best recumbent bike workouts here.
- Cardiovascular Health
Your heart and lungs will be challenged when you work out on the Max Trainer. As a result, the heart will be strengthened, allowing it to more effectively pump oxygen and nutrient filled blood around your body.
Click here for the best elliptical-bike combo for home use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To See Results From A Bowflex?
The length of time it takes to see results from a Bowflex depends on the amount of effort you put in, your fitness goals and the eating habits that you are following. If you are following a calorie reduced diet and doing the 14 minute Max Trainer workout, you should lose 1 – 2 lbs (0.45 – 0.90 kg) per week.
Is Bowflex Max Trainer Good For Beginners?
Yes, the Bowflex Max Trainer is good for beginners. It allows you to customize the intensity of your workout to meet your current fitness level. The Max Trainer also guides you through your entire workout, making it an easy entry exercise option for beginners. The machine is also very low impact, making it ideal for people who have joint problems.
How Many Calories Do You Burn On Max Trainer?
According to user feedback, the Bowflex Max Trainer can burn around 600 calories in 30 minutes. That compares to between 150 and 250 calories on standard elliptical machines. Your results may vary because calorie burn depends on a lot of variables, including your weight, gender and the intensity of your workout.
Is Max Trainer Better Than Treadmill?
Yes, a Bowflex Max Trainer is a better overall exercise machine than a treadmill. Both the Max Trainer and treadmills have their benefits. If you are a runner, the treadmill is the best option. However, for total body training effect and calorie burn, the Max Trainer will give you superior results. Looking for the best treadmill mats for reducing noise? See more by clicking the link.
Can You Do A Full Body Workout On Bowflex?
Yes, you can do a full body workout on a Bowflex Max Trainer. The movable arms allow you to bring your upper body into the workout. The rowing action that you can perform will work your lats, deltoids, biceps, triceps and pectorals. You will also work your core through the bracing effect of the movement. The lower body elliptical movement will work your quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings and calves.
Conclusion
Bowflex Max Trainers offer a great way to get in a fast, effective workout to lose weight, tone muscle and improve your cardio fitness. Max Trainers are ideal for high intensity interval training, with Bowflex’s 14-minute workout being very effective. Of the three models we have discussed in this Bowflex Max review, the Max Trainer Total is the best for home gym exercisers who want an awesome full body workout without leaving home.
