Bowflex Max Trainer M9 Review
Best Buy Award Winner:
Best Ellipticals Under $2,000Bowflex Max Trainer M9 Rating
Detailed Overview
The first difference I notice between the M6 and the M9 is of course the screen. Whereas the entry-level model has a small backlit display, the M9 features a 10″ high-definition touchscreen. The good news and bad news here, is the screen is built to work with the Bowflex JRNY fitness app, and without that program the screen loses a lot of value. Purchase comes with a two-month trial subscription and I’d highly recommend you give it a try. The JRNY app is a great program which provides not only workouts and feedback but access to other forms of entertainment too. Once the trial runs out, the program runs $11.99 per month or $99 per year. The program can be downloaded on tablets, phones, and other smart devices. It provides both personalized workout routines as well as thousands of on-demand workouts. In addition to workouts for ellipticals, this program also has artificial intelligence (AI) features like motion tracking for smart dumbbells, and it can be used with just about any form of exercise. Other features include real-time coaching and “Explore the World” travel routines where you can stroll through mountains, forests, and city streets.
The next thing you’ll notice is the 20 levels of magnetic and air resistance as opposed to 16. In my experience, it doesn’t take that many levels of resistance to break a hard sweat on an elliptical. But if you’re worried about outgrowing the machine, don’t be. With the upper body movements covered by the handlebars, that include built-in heart rate sensors, you’ll be sure to get a total body workout which both tones the muscles and improves cardio function.
Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Bowflex Max Trainer M9
At EllipticalReviews.com, we bring you comprehensive reviews of exercise equipment so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the ellipticals we review. We install them, ride them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every elliptical we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles riding. We listen and record the sound of the machine, try out all aspects of the console and try the machine’s features.
Every elliptical we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think.
Our reviewers are elliptical and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert when it comes to ellipticals, has been on this elliptical, and you can trust his opinion on all of the machines he reviews.
In Brief
When it comes to shopping for ellipticals, I’ve noticed customers seem well-informed and know what they want. If you’re looking at the Bowflex Max trainer series, you’re looking for more than a simple elliptical or stepper. You want both. At $1,499 the M9 is a mid-priced machine with high-quality features. Frankly, unless you’re wanting a giant screen, this model might strike you as a top-performer. Measuring 49.2″ x 30.5″ x 65.1″ at a machine weight of 148.8 pounds, the unit can hold up to 300 pounds in user weight. With a 10″ high-definition screen, users can access the JRNY fitness app, as well as 20 levels of magnetic and air resistance. With a three-year warranty on the frame and mechanical parts, one year for electronics, and 90 days for labor, the M9 is a solid buy for any home.
Bowflex Max Trainer M9 - Notable Specs:
| Overall Rating: | 5-stars |
|---|---|
| Compact / Folding: | Yes |
| Incline: | N/A |
| Stride Length: | N/A |
| Flywheel: | magnetic and air resistance |
| Programs: | n/a |
| Fan: | Yes |
| Weight Capacity: | 300 |
| Dimensions: | 49.2" L x 30.5" W x 65.1" H |
In-Depth Review of the Bowflex Max Trainer M9
Why We Like It
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is a mid-priced trainer with more than a few bells and whistles. It’s definitely more than a basic model in terms of training options and accessories. Since it combines the motions of both a stepper and elliptical, this machine is much easier on the joints than a treadmill, or outdoor running. When using these trainers, I feel my leg muscles fatigue much more quickly than on treadmills or exercise bikes. With plenty of resistance for athletes of all levels, and lots of training programs, you’re in good stead with this machine.
It Has 20 Levels of Resistance
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 comes with 20 levels of resistance, easily managed by the touch of a button. This resistance is generated by a combination of magnets and air. This is a great combo and is very easy to maintain, as opposed to the older flywheel models which required lubrication. In my experience, 20 levels is more than enough for even super stars. The combination of stepping along with the glide of the elliptical won’t fail to burn your quads and glutes.
It Works With the JRNY Fitness App
The JRNY Fitness app is a great lower-cost program, running $11 per month or $99 per year. That’s less than rival iFit, which is $18 to $39 per month. Overall, my experience with JRNY has been very positive. The “Around the World” program lets you stroll through remote parts of Earth if that’s what motivates you. If you’re looking for a variety of workout routines, the program has literally thousands, plus new ones every day. Whether customized to your past workout stats, or basic and routine, the program also offers smart coaching and Bluetooth heart rate monitoring. Like more rival apps these days, it features programs for all types of exercise, not just cardio. One recent update is that it syncs with smart dumbbells by way of a motion tracker for both repetition counting and form coaching. It also sports the most diverse playlists in terms of music I’ve yet seen. Purchase of the M6 comes with a free trial of the program and I’d highly recommend you check it out.
Video by Bowflex
It Has a Great 10″ Console
The 10″ touchscreen is a real sweet spot, if you ask me. Bigger than a tablet, you’ll have no problem interacting with your programming. In addition to the screen, the machine features Bluetooth speakers and the heart rate sensors also sync with this display. One point to note, the screen doesn’t work well without the JRNY app. While you can still utilize the trainer without it, you’ll wind up staring at effectively a display mode such as those in the store. The M9 featurs a tablet holder so you can always bring your own screen if that’s what you want.
It Features Built-In Heart Rate Sensors
For those interested in heart rate training, you have a Bluetooth-enabled trainer here with sensors built into the handlebars. Whether you want to sync your own monitor or use the built-in one, you’ll be able to monitor your cardio easily enough here. In my experience, the M9’s heart rate sensors were as accurate as any other handlebar units I’ve seen. What I look for is consistency in the readings as one downside to the grip-style monitors is they stop recording once you remove your hands.
Bowflex Max Trainer M9 Dimensions
The dimensions of the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 are 49.2″ in length, and 30.5″ in width, and 65.1″ in height. When estimating the needed ceiling height, you’ll want to add 15″ to your own.
Bowflex Max Trainer M9 Machine Weight
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 weighs 148.8 pounds and can hold up to 300 pounds of user weight.
What We Like:
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Low Price
The M9 is priced at $1,499 which makes it comparable to your mid-level treadmills and other ellipticals. In addition to the trainer, purchase comes with two months of the JRNY fitness program. With company financing, customers can have the trainer for as low as $84 a month.
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10″ HD Console
Not too big, not too small, the 10″ console lets you access the JRNY fitness app with easy visibility. The machine also comes with Bluetooth speakers.
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Full Body Workout
With four-grip handlebars, you’ll get an upper body workout as well as lower. These trainers combine the motions of an elliptical and stepper which remind me of a cross-country skiing.
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Heart Rate Monitoring
The trainer comes with heart rate monitors in the handlebars as well as Bluetooth-enabling for other types of devices. Whether you’re using the JRNY app or another, you’ll be able to match up your workout to your heart rate easily enough.
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Handy Media Shelf
You won’t have a problem fitting either your smartphone or tablet into the little shelf situated at the top of the console. Whether it’s for the JRNY program or Netflix, you’ll be able to watch what you want while you exercise.
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20 Levels of Magnetic and Air Resistance
With 20 levels of resistance, even toughies will be tired. I was easily tired by using just the first 10.
What We Don’t Like:
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Shorter Warranty
This machine’s warranty is three years for the frame and mechanical parts. Given the price, I’d rather see a more substantive warranty.
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Assembly
Bowflex offers in-home assembly for $189, some of their rivals offer free in-home assembly. I’ve assembled trainers before and it’s not rocket science, but you’ll probably want some help.
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JRNY-Dependent
Bowflex machines do work without the JRNY app, but frankly they lose a lot of value.
This Elliptical Could Be For You If You Want:
- A low-impact, high-intensity workout
- A mid-priced trainer
- A trainer with 20 levels of magnetic resistance
- A trainer with an interactive screen
Our Verdict:
There’s a reason the M9 continues to dominate our rankings year over year. I’d say if you’re looking for an interactive screen and are okay with keeping the JRNY app, the M9 is a great deal. If the screen isn’t a big concern to you and you’re unsure of the app, the M6 is a very comparable machine for a little less money. In terms of training value, I’d recommend users of any level consider this machine. The odds of you ever outgrowing it are nonexistant
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to assemble the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 myself?
No, you can choose an in-home assembly plan for $189. The good news is there are plenty of instructional videos if you decide to DYI. You'll definitely want some assistance if you do.
Does the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 work without the JRNY app?
Yes, that said, the machine goes into a manual mode and loses a lot of its value.
Are 20 levels of resistance enough to generate a good workout?
Yes. Given that with a trainer like this your own bodyweight becomes a factor in the workout, you'll not struggle to hit your zone here.
