Bowflex Max Trainer M5 Review: A Good Buy or Not?

The Bowflex Max Trainer m5 review

The Max Trainer Series are relatively expensive cardio machines that are designed and manufactured to give you a full body and high-intensity workout in the shortest time possible.

Despite the machines being expensive, there is the promise of it giving you the challenge to yield great result. This is especially for people in dire need of a way to advance their fitness levels. So, if you are searching for machines to give you a thrilling experience the Bowflex Max Trainer is the machine for you.

Bowflex Max Trainer M5, is 25 percent elliptical, 70 percent stair-stepper and the left percentage is torture— but the good kind. One thing about this machine is that, unlike ellipticals which allows you to multitask between watching and working out, this one doesn't. This is because exercising on it means having every part of you enjoying it. From a fast-beating heart, being out of breath to the extent of breaking so much sweat. So, it's right to say that the Bowflex Max Trainer will give you a challenging and thrilling experience and is an alternative to the treadmill.

Quick summary

In comparison to highly rated ellipticals, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 (the premium model) is much more affordable and more powerful. Its features are more than those in the M3 not forgetting its, resistance levels, overall rating, compact size and longer warranty. All this to the advantage of it still giving you a hybrid and super intense workout with no harsh impact.

If this feels like your cup of tea, read on our detailed review of the Bowflex Max Trainer M5…

Specifications

• 16 levels of resistance
• 8 different workout programs
• Wireless and contact heart rate monitoring
• Backlit LCD
• Saves 2 user profiles
• Has a water bottle holder
• Built-in Bluetooth capabilities
• Has media shelf
• Bowflex max trainer app
• Compatible with iPod and smartphone
• It is a compact machine
• Maximum user weight of 300lb

Dimensions

• 46” Length
• 25” Width
• 63” Height

Warranty

• 2 years warranty of full body

Detailed Overview

Let’s begin by noting how attractive the home gym machine is— from its sturdy frame to the way it moves. Such a gem.

this fitness machines helps you burn calories as twice and you would have in any other machine. It lets you move at a full speed with the movement pattern having a close resemblance to the one on a stepper and elliptical. This is why the machine is highly recommended for anyone looking for a weight loss program. And don’t get me wrong, the machine is not an easy one. So, you will have to work hard and of course, that will collaborate with the intense workout the machine provides to yield those results.

14-minute rule? Well, the machine falls under the category of Max Trainers that can burn about 280 calories under 14 minutes. This is made possible by the combination of resistance i.e., the handles offering the upper body workout and the upward step-style motion. Additionally, the same interval training strategy that is used by trainers and athletes is the same one (Max Interval workout) used in the Bowflex Max Trainer M5.

Workout Programs

In as much as the machine has 16 levels of resistance which are mostly ideal for intense workouts, beginners can also benefit from it. This is because the machine comes with digital controls in which you can adjust the levels to whatever suits you. The digital controls let you hop into the machine and it automatically guides you through the workout. But if you like being in control the machine also allows you to be using the manual mode.

The M5 also has classic programs. This includes:

• Steady-state training- this is where you use just one pace for the whole workout session
• Stair training- This is a fire glute burner that copies the idea of climbing stairs
• Fat burn mode- This mode is precisely made to ensure there is maximized fat oxidation
• Calorie burn- This is ideally designed to assist those who want to burn most calories

Additionally, this machine allows you experience dramatic transformations using their interval training programs. The Smart Max Interval together with the Max Interval program is said to burn over 250 percent in comparison to any conventional elliptical machine.

Main Features

There are tons of features to consider before settling for a home gym machine. It is easy to find a home gym that is under 1000 and with just the right features, but if your budget allows the M5 is even a better option—by far.

Display: When we talk about beauty in the Bowflex Max Trainer M5, we cannot forget to mention its display. It is one of the features most people on Amazon said they love—don’t quote. The display not only offers beauty but is also a source of enjoyment as you work out. It syncs with both Bluetooth 4.0 and a mobile app making your preferences of keeping tabs on your workout records vast. The readability of the stats is also a plus. The display allows you to clearly see the total amount of calories burnt together with the intensity of your workout. Additionally, the display also homes the different programs that will help you take your fitness journey to a higher level.

Heart rate: Bowflex Max Trainer M5 not only allows you to see your progress but also keep track of your cardiovascular fitness goals—the iTouch slim fitness tracker can also solve the difference. The machine-M5- comes with contact sensors that are situated on the handlebars which help you track your heart rate. On top of that, the machine also has chest straps for the same purpose.

Resistance: For an intense workout session, you will need more resistance and M5 allows you up to 16 levels. These levels allow any type of user to fit in.  

Full upper body workout: Most of the machines in the market don’t offer a full body workout. They either favour one. Ellipticals and Max trainers are well known for offering an equal amount of both. To be specific, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 offers the best solution for getting your upper body extremely involved due to its built. By adjusting the resistance level, you get to strengthen your muscles thus acquiring the biceps, chest, back, shoulder and triceps you are aiming for.

Zero impact: If you’ve had a bad joints experience with workout machines, then you still haven’t tried the M5. The road to being fit is never easy. Some of these machines cause pain to your joints which with time lead to tearing and wearing which is a straightforward road to quitting the fitness journey. This machine is completely easy with the knee joint since it stays in contact as you perform your exercises.

Compact: For limited spaces, the M5 is a perfect fit. Its dimensions are 46” Length, 25” Width and 63” Height. It is not tall and has a small footprint.
Noise: The machine is relatively quiet. However, this is affected by the resistance level you are using. For instance, if you choose 5 level resistance the chances of it being loud are lower compared to when you chose the maximum resistance level.

Warranty: Bowflex Max Trainer M5 comes with a two-year warranty covering the whole machine. There is also the inclusion of a 6-week policy to which you get a full refund if you are not satisfied with the machine.

Pros

• Has a small footprint thus ideal for small spaces
• Has zero impact on joints avoiding injuries
• The 15 resistance levels will keep you challenged
• Presence of 8 built-in workout programs
• It Burns a lot of calories in the shortest time
• The 8-week subscription exposes you to 600 plus workouts
• A great choice for intermediate and elite users
• For convenience, there is the inclusion of a cup holder and a media shelf
• free max trainer app

Cons

• Short warranty
• Good for beginners but not highly recommended.
• Can be noisy

Bowflex M5 Max Trainer alternatives

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is a great option for people who are looking to get into shape. It's nice because it can be used either sitting or standing, which is convenient if you're limited on space. However, many other options exist that have similar features and may better meet your needs. Here are some of the best alternatives in this price range: