Bowflex Max Trainer M5 Review

Inspired by the treadmill machines, it lets you move at full speed, but has you moving in a type of movement pattern that is more akin to an elliptical or a stepper. As you go about your workouts on this machine, you’ll find that you can burn calories almost twice as quickly as you would on other machines. This means huge results for your weight loss program.

This said, take note: you are going to have to work for those results. No one said using this machine was going to be easy and it will provide you with a very intense workout.

This said, don’t let yourself be scared off by this. The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is still perfectly compatible with a beginner trainee and provides up to sixteen different resistance levels that can be quickly adjusted through digital controls.

This allows you to hop onto the machine and get your workout going almost instantly if you so choose. Or, if you prefer to be in control, that’s no problem either. You can simply put it into manual mode and take it as you go, adjusting the speed and resistance as desired.

Some of the key programs that are featured with this machine include Max Interval, Smart Max Interval, Calorie Burn, Fat Burn, and Fitness Test.

All of your information regarding the workout are shown on a backlit screen and the Max Trainer M5 allows you to put in data for two different users, so if you are using this in a family setting, you can save all your information.

The console is fully Bluetooth comptable as well, so you can store and sync all your workout info and take advantage of the free Max Trainer app that comes with this machine. It’s convenience right at your fingertips.

The machine offers advanced heart rate monitoring and provides a chest strap that you’ll wear and it syncs your information right to the monitor, if you prefer to go without the chest strap, there are also contact sensors on the handlebars as well.

Finally, to ensure you are maximally comfortable during your workout session, you’ll also get a water bottle holder along with a media shelf. Convenient transport wheels at the front of the base frame make for easy movement of the 143-pound machine.

This machine has earned rave reviews, with customers even appearing on the Bowflex commercial. That’s right – those aren’t just models trying to convince you to purchase this machine but happy customers who have bought it and are loving every second they spend on it.

With a strong brand behind the machine such as Bowflex and a six week money back guarantee to back it, it’s one machine that you can feel confident putting your money toward. It’s one machine that can get you fast results with little time invested as long as you are ready to put in some hard work.

Our Favorite Features

With this trainer, you are going to get the following terrific features that you’ll want to take note of:

• Both upper and lower body workouts
• Great for building upper arm strength – more effective than a traditional elliptical machine
• 16 different resistance levels that will allow you to continually advance your fitness level, seeing results with each week that passes by.
• Eight different workout programs designed to help you target various elements of your fitness level
• Both wireless as well as contact heart rate monitoring
• Saves information for two different users, allowing multiple people to store data on this machine
• Compatible with your smart phone or iPod.
• Easy access water bottle holder

Bowflex Max Trainer M5 - Notable Specs:

Our Least Favorite Features

Here are a few downsides of choosing the Bowflex MaxTrainer M5:

• Assembly is cumbersome. Paying extra for professional set-up could save you a hassle.
• Max Trainers cost more than many treadmills and ellipticals of similar quality.
• There are no speakers or audio port.
• The warranty isn’t a great match for the machine’s retail price, providing just two years of coverage, however not uncommon at this price point.

The Bottom Line

Bowflex is a pioneer into the fitness world with this piece of equipment designed to accomplish multiple physical goals simultaneously. Choose between many different fitness modes, including steady state, stairs, calorie goal, fat burn and more. For the maximum amount of calories, try the Interval Training modes: max interval and smart max. Instead of constantly switching modes, its recommended to find 2-3 that work for you, and be consistent with those as you enjoy great results.

While the M5 certainly does not promise an easy workout, there are still plenty of resistance levels and preset programs for beginners. While Bowflex machines have often caused purchasers to merely fall prey to hype that comes with an expensive price tag, the M5 really is worth its weight in gold. Durable, challenging and dynamic, you will be pleased with the M5 and how it will easily customize to every member of the family. It also has a small footprint, meaning anyone can add it to their home gym without inconvenience. There is a less expensive model, the Max Trainer M6 as well as a high-end model, the Max Trainer M9.

The two-year warranty is a bit stingy, but when you really notice how many great perks come with a machine as jam-packed with features and proven results as the M5, it’s tough to argue that it’s not worth the investment. Further, the warranty is competitive with other fitness machines in this price range. When you’re ready for the ultimate workout experience with the quickest potential results available, give the Max Trainer M5 a try – your physical appearance will show its gratitude.