For the first time were seeing a fitness brand get wise to the fact that many people like watching TV while working out, so the Bowflex Max Total actually has the ability to connect to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video directly from the HD console. When folded, the treadmill measures 52.5 x 38.5 x 67 for easy storage, compared to a family-friendly 84.5 x 38.5 x 54.7 when in use. Learn more. Bowflex is getting smart in terms of what features the market wants, aside from a lackluster warranty (seriously, you guys). Home Gyms. While I never got injured, it was always startling. The Max Total must be purchased through third-party sellers that can be accessed through Bowflexs retailer locator feature. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Bowflex Max Trainer M5 University of Michigan (Discontinued) at Amazon.com. As such, it has the potential to help you burn more calories and increase total-body strength more than a treadmill might. While the M3 is no longer available from Bowflex, it was originally listed for $1,400 MSRP and may still be available at select retailers. This fitness assessment is what the machine uses as your baseline to tailor workouts specifically for you. Revolution 220 lbs. Bowflex Max Trainer M8 Review (Pros & Cons) - FitRated It also burns tons of calories. Learn how to do these exercises with weights, machines, or no equipment at all. Once I updated the machine to the correct time zone, I was able to access my account and haven't had any problems since. Bowflex Max Total Review - Is It Worth It? - HighYa If youre looking for an aerobic training machine that comes with a full range of technological features, Bowflex Max Trainers are worth considering. The Bowflex MT16 launched early November of 2021, so there aren't many reviews on the Bowflex website. Generally, though, JRNY is one of the newer digital platforms out there. At 53, I found the low and mid handles most comfortable. I also don't power off the machine: I leave it plugged in, and when I'm done working out, the screen eventually goes to sleep. Tom liked his longer workouts at first, but he found them difficult to maintain since he wasn't working out as much during the week as he'd hoped. Revolution 220 lbs. Bowflex Max Trainer Review 2022: Features, Comparisons, Cost - Greatist All the Max Trainers also have financing options. Bowflex Max Trainer M5 Review (Pros & Cons) 2023 - FitRated As a discontinued unit, the Max Totals on the market are used and going forward parts might be difficult to source. The other key selling point that carries over from the elliptical design influence is the fact that Max Trainer workouts are low impact, and thus preferred by those suffering from or recovering from past strains or injuries to their knees/hips/etc. Biceps, triceps, quads, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and core will all feel the burn if you maintain proper form. I wasn't familiar with Bowflex's Max Trainer series before trying the MT16, and one notable difference between the latest model and the previous version, the Max Trainer 9 (M9) is the handlebars. So whether or not one wants to pay the ongoing subscription of an app, they can certainly get their workout on with this machine. Joe confirmed an exact time for arrival, which I appreciated rather than waiting during a four-hour window. However, the M9 and Max Total offer a 3-year warranty on the frame and parts, compared with 2 years for the M6. This means that your lower body isnt experiencing the same pounding that affects the ankles, knees, and hips when walking or running on a treadmill. Bowflex Max Trainer M5 | Bowflex ), Those who do not want to pay for a subscription in addition to an exercise machine, Those who find virtual coaching or streaming entertainment options distracting instead of helpful. ), Those who enjoy low-impact, full-body cardio and HIIT workouts, Those who live in multi-person households, Those who may have limited space for home gym equipment, Those who own other Bowflex equipment and want to expand their home gym, Those with varying degrees of activity (i.e. I can layer world exploration or music on top of nearly any workout to make it more engaging. Another option is a vibration plate, which can help you lose weight when combined with proven exercises, such as HIIT workouts. Besides the initial price of the cardio machine, youll need to consider the cost of the annual membership ($149 as of this writing). Previous Explore the World Travel through hundreds of stunning virtual courses. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. I have it set up in the basement, and if I'm in my bedroom upstairs (directly above it) and my husband is working out, I can hear the machine's soft whir, but it's not very loud or distracting. As with other models, the machine has touch sensors for heart rate monitoring, however the range-topping Max Total includes a wireless armband heart rate monitor. There are wheels on the front of the machine, and I was able to tip it toward me onto the wheels and move it around on a concrete floor with no issues. An overhead press works muscles in your upper body and stabilizes your shoulder muscles and movements. Plus, despite the high price, Bowflex offers financing options that allow you to pay over time as opposed to shelling out $2,000 or more at once for your equipment. After a few more attempts to troubleshoot with no success, and consulting the FAQ page, I contacted customer service. The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 is a cross between a stair stepper and an elliptical, all wrapped up in a compact design - it offers the ultimate full body, no impact workout. How heavy is the Bowflex Max Total? One mom from Georgia noted that her family wanted a sturdy machine with the same quality you'd find in a gym. Note that all of the Bowflex products on this list require an AC wall plugin. I asked my husband to test the machine as well to get another perspective. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. The audio tones don't detract from the show I'm watching, and I like that I can adjust the volume for the audio tones and streaming services separately. The machine has a variety of built-in workouts at a range of levels to achieve fitness goals and reach targeted zones. Free Armband Wireless Heart Rate Monitor: Unlike many other machines that offer a wireless monitor at an additional cost, Bowflex includes it with the Max Total. Max Total 16 - Low impact, total body, cardio workout. | Bowflex Unlike an elliptical or stair stepper, there are multiple handle grips. That said, for individuals who have knee pain, knee injuries, or have been instructed by a healthcare professional to stick to low impact workouts, the Bowflex Max Trainers may be a good choice to limit or reduce knee pain. Between parenting, working, and other tasks that often limit our workouts, it makes me time satisfying and effective. Should You Eat Before or After Working Out? As always it is recommended to consult your physician before engaging in any sort of strenuous activity. If you stop to rest, the screen also pauses. In comparison, a traditional cardio workout such as running or swimming can take nearly twice as long to burn the same amount of calories. Bowflex BXT116 Review | TreadmillReviews.net Max Trainer M9 - High Intensity Total-Body Cardio | Bowflex Each program includes virtual coaching. The machine operates smoothly and quietly. I probably could have figured this out for myself had I opened the owner's manual that was literally a foot away from me, and I apologized to Lawrence for wasting his time. Instead, I was fiddling with the resistance level during the assessment, which caused me to slip out of some of the targets sooner than I should have. In other words, a level thats taxing yet sustainable for the entire session. Bowflex Products | Bowflex The description of any Max Trainer often boils down to it being a unique mashup of a stepper and an elliptical. Bowflex Max Trainer M9. The issues were resolved promptly thanks to Bowflex Customer Service, but more on that later.). This trainer has built-in transport wheels and can be easily tipped back to maneuver as needed. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Check out our M6 review here. The good news is that right now you can get a free 12-month trial when you purchase a Bowflex machine. With this model, figure at least 15 plus the height of the user. Plus, its a great way to loosen up after a tough workout. Bowflex Max Total 4.7 214 Reviews 7 Answered Questions This item is no longer available. It weighs 148 pounds (67 kg) when fully assembled and supports a maximum user weight of 300 pounds (136 kg). Bowflex Max Total 16 Review: Overall, an 8 out of 10 - Shape The brand is behind ingenious adjustable dumbbells and the trail-blazing home gyms that made Bowflex a recognizable name. It's important to note that some of the reviews appeared to have been submitted as part of a sweepstakes. The core is also used to help maintain stability and proper form. Its stepping motion is more fluid than what youll experience on a traditional stepper, as its pedals follow the required workout motion (like an elliptical). I'm not able to feel how much I'm increasing or decreasing the resistance level, so instead I have to watch the number change on the touchscreen. Bowflex Max Total Review - FitRated NordicTracks iFit training will set you back $39/month if you choose to pay for the subscription monthly, whereas JRNY subscriptions are only $19.99. For the MT16, $199 will extend the labor warranty up to three years, and $259 will extend parts and labor up to five years. All Bowflex Max Trainers come with full body workout capability, after burn effect, water bottle holder, media shelf and an AC adapter. Last Updated Nov 1, 2022 Written by Brian Boyce, CPT Editor's Rating: 8.6 /10 Update: This model has been discontinued. We've also been testing the Jrny membership, which includes a variety of videos, on-demand classes, streaming options, and more. I really enjoyed the on-demand classes led by instructors, but as someone who often works out for at least 30 minutes, I would love to see more 30+ minute videos. After comparing notes, Tom and I agree that the Jrny app's virtual coaching is extremely helpful. All of the Max Trainers come with a 90-day warranty on labor. I absolutely love everything about it. The virtual library of trainer-led videos is augmented by streaming partnerships with Netflix, Hulu, and other entertainment platforms, as well as more than 50 virtual locations around the world through which users can stroll at their own pace. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Details Total 16 Options Add In-Home Assembly [$189.00] Details Add a Bowflex Protection Plan Details Add to Cart Expected to ship within 1 week. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. From the companys original home cable-weight training equipment to its newer lines of aerobic equipment, Bowflex covers the complete spectrum of home fitness needs. Basic functionality with Max is available with the free version of the JRNY app, however a paid monthly subscription opens up a slew of additional customized workouts. Powered by. The slim profile of the MT16 is ideal for small spaces. You can listen to music while following voice coaching commands during a scenic world tour, for example. Is the Bowflex Max Total 16 worth it? It might look intimidating, but the Max Trainer is for everyone. Short on time? If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Bowflex Max Total 16 Review - How Does It Rate? (Note: The machine needs to be near an outlet.). If you find the price prohibitive but want to invest in a Bowflex machine, take a look at the Max Trainer comparison chart. After 675 days of not going to the gym, this machine restored my pre-pandemic workouts. Whether you should eat before or after exercise is a hotly debated topic. As production of the Bowflex Max Total has been discontinued, purchase does not include a free subscription to JRNY, but the machine still works with it, as do many other Bowflex pieces, including bikes and treadmills. The Mirror vs. Tempo Studio: Which Smart Gym Is Best? Shop limited time offers on in-stock Bowflex products. After spending several months of testing, I can honestly say that this is a heavy-duty machine with a lot going for it. I havent experienced any mechanical or streaming issues to date but will update this review if that changes. Quick Summary. From a design and use perspective the console of the Max Total is quite a bit different than that of other Max Trainer models. Once your fitness improves you can play with the variables by increasing the time or resistance or stacking programs to vary your training. The brand has developed multiple cardio machines over the years, and for the past two months, I've been using the newest model, the Bowflex Max Total 16 (aka the MT16), (Buy It, $2,499, bowflex.com) which is basically a combination of a stair stepper and elliptical machine. I've used this feature once to pretend I was strolling through Sequoia National Forest, and while I find other features more engaging, I think I'll revisit this program soon. This makes them great for individuals who are committed to home-based workouts and have the space available for a large piece of home cardio equipment although the footprint for the Max Trainers is less than that of most home treadmills. View All Offers Product Overview JRNY digital fitness platform (Membership required) 1 Built-in touch screen (Wi-Fi connection required) Track your fitness improvement over time Also keep in mind that the JRNY app costs an additional $12 or $19.99 per month, depending on your plan. Rating: 83/100. Bowflex C6 Bike - Sale Save $200 and ride with Peloton Xtreme 2 SE - Sale Limited time: Now only $1,199 While intensity level can be adjusted to all fitness levels, those who prefer really pushing themselves during a home workout may enjoy the challenge provided by the Max Trainers. Anna Knief is an associate director, home testing and former and former managing editor of partnerships for the e-commerce content team at Dotdash Meredith. I have a confession to make: I have yet to read the owner's manual for my MT16. That said, Bowflex Max Trainers offer a lower impact workout with the option of some upper body training. It strikes me as a bit pricey relative to the M6 , and if budget is an issue, check out our review here. "My husband, 15-year-old athlete son, and I have been enjoying our Max Total 16," she said. Since I finally have the space to build a home gym, I thought this would be a good start to hopefully get myself back into the habit of working out regularly. "brand": "Bowflex", Unlike other subscription services that cap the number of users per account, the MT16 supports an unlimited number of users within a single Jrny membership. At the top-tier model in the 2022 Bowflex lineup of Max Trainers, the Max Total 16 brings a solid machine for those serious about cardio. Resistance Levels: 16: 20: 20: Features: Bowflex JRNY compatible, includes 5 workout programs, workout history tracking for two users, ergonomic handles with water bottle holder For context, I'm a 5'5" female weighing 135 pounds, and Tom is a 6'3" male weighing 200 pounds. With a total weight of only 148 lbs, it shouldnt be difficult to move about the home. First and foremost, the Bowflex Max Total is the first in the series to come with a built-in touchscreen display, rather than simply having space to use your own tablet for entertainment or for connecting to Bowflex JRNY training. Turn it left to lower the resistance level and right to raise it. The Bowflex Total 16 is the new Max Total model - replacing the older (discontinued) Max Total model with a larger, more impressive 16-inch screen. 9 Max Total 16 4.8 267 Reviews $1,999 $2,499 $500 Off + Free Shipping! Its the biggest Max Trainer screen to date (by several inches), yet doesnt feel overwhelming. Choosing a Bowflex trainer depends on your goals, wants, needs, and budget. This means a user 72 tall should figure an 87 ceiling. of resistance Xtreme 2 SE 210 lbs. Ive long struggled with this monthly fee model in general, as the idea of bringing fitness into the home revolves around not having to deal with the impracticalities and costs of a conventional gym membership. Bowflex MAX Trainer Reviews - Details, Models, Features, Pros - HighYa HighYa Fitness & Exercise Bikes, Elliptical, & Treadmill Machines Bowflex Max Total Be The First To Review Summary The Bowflex Max Total is the company's top of the line cardio machine, and it's designed to give you an intense total body workout in 14 minutes a day. The stair-stepping/elliptical motion focuses on the muscles of the lower body, including the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. I tried the "forgot password" troubleshooting process, but I never received an email to reset it. One of the defining features of the Bowflex Max Trainers is the integration of technology to guide your workouts. Chances are theyll be in luck as the Max Total has a lot going for it. No longer in active production by Bowflex, a number of these machines are still available online, and if in good condition, make an excellent addition to the . It also comes with integrated heart monitor contact grips and an arm band for real-time monitoring of your workout intensity. by PowerReviews. 20 Resistance Levels:This range will work for beginners as well as the most advanced exerciser. "@type": "Review", Membership required for full JRNY experience. If you prefer to leave the assembly to the professionals, youll pay an extra $169 for the in-home assembly. The machine offers the ability to connect to Bluetooth and other devices. You can layer music, TV streaming, or world exploration options over these workouts. Discontinued for 2021 and replaced as the top Bowflex unit, the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 remains worth a look as used models are still available online, and even on clearance from Bowflex. Customer service is helpful and responds quickly to queries. While Bowflex offers instructional videos to assemble equipment yourself, and many people have successfully done so (more on that later), I recommend the expert assembly service, which is currently $169. Bowflex sent us a review unit, and weve thoroughly tested the machine and its virtual platform, JRNY. There's no question 20 resistance levels will be sufficient for even the heartiest of users. In many respects it is similar to the Max Trainer M8, with a few key differences to keep in mind. Its more intense than a conventional elliptical, and rolls in the upper body training that is lacking in a stepper. Another user who had surgery agreed. Why this hasnt been done previously is beyond us, but were happy to see a brand like Bowflex stepping up here. Unlike many other machines that offer a wireless monitor at an additional cost, Bowflex includes it with the Max Total. Display and interface are high quality and easy to use. Bowflex Max Total 16 - A High-Performance Cardio Machine - Running Wilder See which NordicTrack treadmill would fit best in your home gym. The focus on high intensity workouts is also worth noting. Occasionally, I'll hear the virtual coach's voice if Tom doesn't use his headphones, but it's not constant and I don't find it annoying. A representative for Bowflex offered to send me a free sample of the MT16 to test. Back in her hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, Anna and Tom still have adventures in the form of trying new recipes (and restaurantsdepending on how the cooking goes), playing board games, and going on long walks with their dog, Toast. Measuring 49.3 x 30.8 x 65.7 at a weight of 155.4 pounds, the unit fits nicely into small home studios. Its a true whole-body workout. The M9 is similar to the MT16, aside from its 10-inch screen and four-grip handlebars, and it costs $500 less. The base price of the Bowflex Max Total 16 is $2,499. Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Find a store 2-Month FREE Trial for New Members1 Product Overview Built-in JRNY experience on HD touchscreen. I admit that I was in a little bit of a hurry when doing my fitness assessment. Bowflex Max Total 16 4.8 265 Reviews 3 Answered Questions $2,499 $1,999 or $112/mo* *Suggested monthly payment with 18-month promotional financing. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. On days when you want to focus on your upper body, the Alexa-enabled dumbbells from NordicTrack will help keep you in shape. Given the different grip positions, you are able to target your shoulders as well as your biceps and tricepsthe latter by using the downward grip configuration. Even if youre a beginner, a few quick sessions a couple of days each week can make you stronger and fitter. Read our hands-on Bowflex Max Total 16 review to find out! I also like the low-impact nature of the machine. However, some workouts with voice coaching extend to at least 60 minutes. . All rights reserved. "reviewRating": { How many boxes is the Max Trainer shipped in? Bowflex Max Trainers are designed to provide a high intensity, low impact cardiovascular workout at home. For that reason, youll probably get the most bang for your buck if you already love working out and want a fun cardio machine to mix up your routine. And, well, we all know what happened in March of 2020. Trying to get a workout in on an AMT or an older model Bowlfex is quite hard if you're 5', because the bars put you in a poor position and leave you with a sore neck. Bowflex Treadmills. Low impact. Nautilus, Inc. Introduces New, Enhanced Bowflex Max Total 16 Bowflex Max Trainer M8 Review | TreadmillReviews.net In fact, it would probably be more than enough for serious athletes. There is a slight rotation to the motion, but its very much more of a stepping experience, coupled with the alternating forward pushing motion for your upper body. This price does not include additional programs and streaming services that are accessible with a Jrny membership. Substandard warranty compared to other pieces of equipment, the Max Totals warranty (3 years Frame & Parts / 90 days Labor) is very short, especially given the cost of the machine. If you'd rather be in nature or sightseeing while you work out, this will likely be your favorite feature. "review": { Before buying a used treadmill, you should research to be sure they are getting a well-functioning machine that will satisfy their unique fitness requirements.. You can find an excellent machine at a great price if you know what you're searching for and . I was in a workout slump, no longer motivated by home workouts yet not comfortable to return to a gym in person. As of this writing, the longest trainer-led video is around 30 minutes long. Its a big advantage of this machines unique design. This article provides a comprehensive review of the Bowflex Max Trainer models to help you choose the best equipment for your needs. 65.5 in. Also, the Bowflex Explore The World featurea program that lets you follow real-world routes from around the globeis also available by way of a JRNY subscription. Bowflex BXT216 Review | TreadmillReviews.net $2,799 (or $156/mon.) I entered my username and password, but I received an error that the credentials weren't recognized. Is the Bowflex Max Total 16 worth the money? This offer's availability is subject to change without notice. What is the minimum ceiling height required to use a Bowflex Max Total? Low Impact 2-in-1 Blends the motions of an elliptical and a stepper into one unique workout. While this may seem confusing to some at first glance, its really not that complicated. The Max Trainer beats out treadmills and stair climbers by a significant margin in that regard. "bestRating": "100", The 11 Best Heart Rate Monitor Watches for 2023, 7 Lower Back Stretches to Reduce Pain and Improve Mobility, Everything You Need to Know About NordicTrack Treadmills. Having multiple hand positions targets your core and upper body, which helps strengthen muscles and lose weight faster. Save up to $300 plus Free Shipping! Hell pipe up during your workout to add encouragement, and take note of your pacing to in order to determine the required resistance level and timing of your next workout. I've sampled quite a few of the app's workout programs in the two months I've used the platform, and I'm still discovering new favorites. 20 total ratings, 15 with reviews At the heart of this machine is a 16-inch HD touchscreen. The price includes a free mat and free shipping when you order from the Bowflex website. Connie from Oregon said, "You work every part of your body, but it is low impact so it doesn't bother the plates and screws on my leg and foot. Thats plenty for most HIIT workouts, which is what the M16 is built for. But that's the beauty of this platform: You never stop learning and progressing. With a variety of training options, high tech features, and price points, the Bowflex Max Trainer series is a great addition to any home gym. As for the entertainment options, I enjoy watching sitcoms on Netflix that are about the same length as my typical workout (it beats watching the same thing from the couch). Our goal with this website is to make it easier for you. Provides as little as five or as many as 210 Pounds of resistance. If you have no interest in fitness subscription services, the MT16 is not for you.