The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 A Full Reviews: Its Best for working out?

Bowflex Max Trainer M8 Review

Maintaining an active lifestyle is an underestimated way of giving thanks to your body. It not only makes you gain abs and good looks but also improves your cardiovascular endurance. This is—or rather was—attainable only to the outdoor enthusiasts i.e., those who put up with the trouble of having to walk to and from the outdoor fitness gym and the one enduring the smells in the congested rooms. It honestly, can be such a hassle.

Luckily, to minimize all that hassle, Bowflex designed an updated Max trainer— the M8. Before we get into the mud, what is Bowflex max trainer? This is a home gym equipment that is a blend of several elements of hybrid cardio machines and modern tech movements to provide muscle-searing cardio and a full-body workout in less time.

With such a machine you can easily get a sweat on and to better this, at the comfort of your home. The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 cannot be compared to any of the ellipticals, bikes or any stair steppers. So, if you are searching for a machine that can offer a thrilling experience at home, this here is worth checking out.

Below is an in-depth review:

Quick summary

It’s not that the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 is different from the ellipticals and stair steppers, it is the fact that it is a cross high breed between the two. Most of the important and unique features from the two are wrapped up and designed into the compact Bowflex Max Trainer M8(check out the most compact home gym equipment’s). The workouts in this machine can be short time-wise but extremely effective in burning calories and toning muscles.

The machine comes with 20 levels of resistance ideal for beginners to advanced fitness enthusiasts. When buying home gym equipment, we tend to get worried about the fact that we might outgrow (increase in fitness levels) it. However, with this machine offering an extensive range of levels, you are guaranteed not to experience a workout plateau during the years you will be using it.

The most unique thing about the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 is the fact that it acts as your personal trainer. In that, it has the artificial intelligence platform. This platform assesses your fitness level and then suggests the way forward into your next level up to your end goal. It also provides a great way to keep you motivated in a fun way since it adds the levels of challenge.

Specifications

• Resistance of 20 automatic levels
• Has 29 Workout programs
• Allows up to 4 user profiles
• Has Contact grips for monitoring heart rate that is Bluetooth compatible
• Maximum user weight of 300 lbs.
• Had an enhances dual-mode LCD/LED display
• Syncs with Apps (Bowflex JRNY app)
• Has upgradable ergonomic grips
• Comes with a cup holder
• Has a large magnetic media shelf
• USB charging port
• Sports performance pedals

Dimensions

• 49” length
• 30.5” width
• 65.5” height

Warranty

• 3-year warranty for frame
• 3-year warranty for parts
• 90-day labour

In-depth Review of Bowflex Max Trainer M8

When you hear Bowflex Max Trainer M8, think of a stair master that has the handlebars moving just like in the ellipticals. It is designed with intensity interval-style workouts that help you work out harder, in less time and with several active rest periods. This means that your heart rate and metabolism, speed up thus burning fats and calories. The inclusion of HIIT workout (High-intensity interval training) is a plus for this machine. So, for any workout you are doing, you can adjust the work and rest times and convert it into a HIIT style.

How does the Max Intelligence App work?

This (Bowflex Max Intelligence App) and the 20 resistance levels are the standout features of this equipment. The two work harmoniously to ensure you reach your goals and capabilities.

On the days when you feel like you want to give up on your workout routine, artificial intelligence technology (your personal trainer) which keeps tabs on all your workouts, will push you to work harder. So, with a monthly subscription and after completing your fitness test, you get a chance to unlock all the custom workouts and in their full capabilities. The importance of the fitness test is to push you to your maximum output and potential endurance. Once you have completed it, the information is stored in the intelligence feature where Max creates the dynamic exercises to suit your needs.

During the customization process, you can add information such as how much time there is, your mood for the day etc. If you are that person who requires a pat on the shoulder for encouragement then, the Max Intelligence offers you something close to that. It talks to you giving you motivation, praises and still pushing you to achieve your goal. The most interesting thing about it is the fact that it remembers things that you love such as your preference for music while working out.

The machine gives you 20 resistance levels to choose from. This means that the wide range of intensities is eligible for both elite athletes and beginners. When it comes to rowing machines, the main important thing is resistance. And one made from combining magnetic and fan-based is a saviour. With the magnetic, the resistance remains constant even as you pedal faster while the fan-based entails getting what you work for. This means that for a higher resistance you will need to pedal more. The combination of the two offers the promise of a low speed and constant resistance.

Workout programs

The Bowflex Max Intelligence App has available workout options. There are 17 free videos and 12 paid ones. So, with a subscription, you get to enjoy 20 on-demand instructor-led videos.

Worried about your foot size in regards to the machine foot pedal? Well, the Bowflex max trainer M8, has athletic foot pedals with a solid grip to ensure all users with different foot sizes are catered for. The grip handlebars are dynamic thus allowing different hand placements while working out. For monitoring your heart rate, Bowflex has an armband heart rate monitor that can be purchased separately(here are some of the best fitness trackers). But luckily, the Bowflex Max Trainer m8 comes with its own. It is located at the bottom of the console where there are touch sensors on the handlebars.

Safety?

The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 is extremely safe for use. The fact that it is a low impact machine makes it safe for you. This makes it ideal for people who have had joint injuries and ones looking for low cardio range.

Frame

The Bowflex max trainer m8 weighs 148lb and has a footprint of 47.9” by 30.8” when fully assembled. And when it comes to its height to which the recommended one is plus 15”, the M8 surpasses this mark ensuring smooth and safe operations. This makes it an ideal option for limited spaces.

The moving handles are large thus providing a wide area to position your hands. The stationary handles are designed to ensure your upper body is fully involved while working out.

The sturdiness and stability are impressive. Luckily the warranty will see you through a few years.

Additionally, the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 has textured and oversized pedals that reduces foot movements that are unwanted during your workout.

Unique Features

• Bowflex JRNY app: Considering Bowflex added just 7 workouts on the M8, they added this app which with a monthly subscription you can get more features.
• 7 workout programs: These include: 21-minute interval,14-minute interval, 7-minute interval, fat burn, calorie, manual, and stairs.
• Large magnetic media rack: The rack is large enough but doesn’t block the screen since it is located above the burn rate monitor.
• LCD with burn rate: The colour-coded large display allows you to have a real-time indicator of the calories you are burning.
• 4 user profiles: You can easily use the machine with your family since it allows 4 user profiles.

Assembly

The assembly process of the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 has been made easier by the providence of an instruction manual that is clearly written and has a chart indicating all hardware before the first assembly step. The main frame is already pre-assembled meaning you are just left with the console, pedals, base and handles.

Pros

• Compact frame
• Multi-grip handles
• 4 user profiles
• Burn rate meter
• USB charging port
• Compact frame
• 7 pre-programmed workouts
• Bowflex JRNY app

Cons

• Short warranty
• lacks a cooling fan
• No built-in speakers

Bowflex Max Trainer M8 alternatives