GVCC Members Review: Bowflex Max Trainer M5

Take you cycling to the next level this spring with a new “secret weapon”, check out our Bowflex Max Trainer M5 review below.

Full disclosure: the spring has come and gone, it has long passed and a few things have changed. As Black Friday 2018 draws nearer, Bowflex has announced that the Max M5 model is coming to an end, it will be retired, and it will be dearly missed, but despair not, there is light. At the same announcement we where told that there will be a new and improved model released. The new model is called Bowflex Max Trainer M6, and soon enough will update this review to reflect the changes introduced by Bowflex.

As usual GVCC members can contact us directly for private reviews and membership discounts. Here is our third review over the last 3 years, we are planning to release 2 more mini-reviews later this year, stay tuned.

Bowflex is widely known for its workout equipment. The company’s Max Trainer M5 is one of their latest products. This exercise equipment is unique and comes with a wealth of high-tech features. It is also compatible with the Max Trainer app, which is available for Apple and Android devices. This machine is designed to exercise the upper and lower body simultaneously. It also offers a grueling cardio workout. Additional details about this machine will be provided in greater depth below.

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 Comes w/ Backlit Display And Heart Rate Monitor

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is equipped with a backlit display. The display offers comprehensive information regarding your workout. This includes heart rate, calories burned and more. The user’s heart rate can be measured in two ways. The machine includes a chest strap and contact grips. This can clearly be seen looking at pictures of the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 published in online reviews of the Bowflex Max Trainer M5.

Includes Several Workout Programs (Review the Instruction Manual)

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 machine also comes with a handful of workouts. The user can easily find a workout that suits their needs. For instance, they can choose from Fat Burn, Calorie Burn, Stairs, and Fitness test. In total, the machine comes with 9 individual workout programs.

Compatible With Max Trainer App

As mentioned above, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is compatible with the free Max Trainer app. The information can be transmitted from your Max Trainer M5 to the app. The app gives the user the ability to track various statistics, including heart rate, burned calories and so much more. It also allows the user to define their goals and win awards for reaching personal records. It is also possible to stream video content from Bowflex’s personal trainers. The machine is Bluetooth compatible, so you won’t have to worry about dealing with cords or cables. Everything can be transmitted from the device wirelessly.

Free Workouts

If you purchase this machine, you’ll also receive free workouts. This includes a free live one-on-one training session. The company will also provide you with a personalized workout plan for free. It also includes three online group workout classes.

Bowflex Warranty

It should also be noted that this machine comes with a two-year warranty. Bowflex is known to have reliable customer support as well. If anything goes wrong within two years of ownership, the owner will be able to get the problem fixed for free.

Max Trainer M5 Comes With 2 User Profiles

The M5 comes with two user profiles. This makes it suitable for households with multiple athletes or fitness enthusiasts. Each user can save their statistics and keep track of their progress along the way.

A True Full Body Workout

One of the most notable things about the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is the fact that it delivers a full body workout. The machine is capable of challenging your entire body simultaneously. According to the company, it requires eighty percent more upper body activation. Plus, it requires more lower body and core muscles to be utilized than ellipticals. The machine also takes pressure off of the joints. According to Bowflex, it is two times easier on the user’s joints.

M5 Owners Burn More Calories

Most people will use an elliptical to burn calories. The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is designed to burn more calories. According to the company, this machine has been proven to burn up to two and a half times more calories than other ellipticals. It offers a smooth, minimum impact workout that is effective.

16 Resistance Levels

There is a good chance that more than one person in your home is interested in working out. The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 can accommodate multiple individuals, because it offers 16 resistance levels. Those new to working out can take advantage of the lower resistance levels, until they’re able to boost their strength and endurance. Veterans and athletes can enjoy the higher resistance levels. If you read any Bowflex Mac Trainer M5 review, you will see that 16 resistance levels are more than what you’ll get with most alternatives.

Superior Grips

The handles are ergonomically designed to provide user with full control. Each handle is covered with a slip-resistant material to prevent accidents during workouts. Even when your hands get slippery with sweat, you will still be able to maintain a full grip. They are also designed to offer superior comfort, as you can place your hands and forearms just about anywhere on the handle.

Straightforward Assembly Instructions From Bowflex

As with any elliptical, it requires time to complete the assembly process. To ensure its customers that they glide through this process with ease, Bowflex provides a step-by-step instruction guide just for the assembly. If problems are encountered during the assembly process, consumers can contact Bowflex customer service. In addition to this, all assembly parts are labeled and tools are included in the package.

Maximum 300-Pound Weight Capacity

The Max Trainer M5 has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. This capability proves the elliptical is sturdy and durable. If you weigh less than 300 pounds, you can hop on the M5 and workout for hours, without fear of getting injured due to broken parts or frame.

User-Friendly Interface on the Bowflex Max Trainer M5

The Bowflex M5 console is very easy to understand and navigate. The user-friendly interface allows users to search through preset workouts, readings and other information. The console is backlit to ensure superior visibility, even in dark. Each reading is labeled to ensure they are found with ease. The readings are also listed in small and large white numbers.

Media Shelf And Cup Holder

Workouts can sometimes be intense and boring. This is why The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 comes equipped with a media shelf and cup holder. Not only can you listen to and store your media devices while you work out, but you will also always have access to a cold beverage, in the event that you get parched. This will allow you to keep your heart rate up without having to stop to get something to drink.

Small Footprint

Not everyone has access to a large workout room or has the ability to go to the gym every day. The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is only 46-inches (L) by 25 inches (W) x 63 inches (H), so it will fit in some of the smallest places.

Bowflex Designed For Experts Or Novices

Starting to get in shape or beginning an exercise routine for the first time can be both frightening and hard. Bowflex has specifically designed the Max Trainer M5 so that it is suitable and comfortable for both experts and complete beginners.

Max M5 – Sturdy All Metal Frame

Workout equipment can take a lot of abuse over the years. This is especially true if you use it on a daily basis. The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 was specifically designed with a durable metal frame to withstand intense workouts. In addition to this, in a review from Steve Frazier on ellipticalconsumers.com he points out that the sturdy design ensures that the piece of equipment always stays stationary.

Notable Specifications

  • Includes 16 resistant levels (Max Trainer M5)
  • Compatible with the Max Trainer App
  • Backlit display for tracking stats along the way
  • Can help the user burn up to 2.5 times more calories
  • Equipped with computer-controlled resistance
  • Contains 9 workout programs
  • Chest strap and contact grips heart rate monitor
  • Provides a full body workout
  • Includes a water bottle holder and media shelf
  • Can accommodate 2 users
  • Protected by a 2-year warranty

Bowflex Max Trainer M5 – Overall Assessment

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is equipped with tons of high-tech features. It is sturdy and protected by a 2-year warranty. It works like a stepper and an elliptical.

Send GVCC your feedback and support now!

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 could certainly be a good investment (but check the reviews first)  for anyone who wants to get into shape.