Bowflex Max Trainer M5 Review

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 was the ideal cardio exercise equipment for home use. It’s designed in such way as to maximize its functionality while taking as little space as possible. You can definitely see the Bowflex know-how at work with this piece of equipment. However, no exercise equipment is without its flaws. In this Bowflex Max Trainer M5 review, we will be looking at this piece of equipment in-depth, with all its pros and cons.

Note that the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is no longer being sold. However, we do recommend you check out the newer Bowflex Max Trainer model, the Bowflex Max Trainer M7. You can take a look at our Bowflex Max Trainer M5 review to compare the two models.

 Bowflex Max Trainer M5 Main Features

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is a cardio machine, with 16 resistance levels and 8 preprogrammed workout routines. In this respect, it might not seem like it offers a lot of variety but if you can find ways to mix and match routines and resistance levels, to create a personal workout regiment.

As mentioned, one of the biggest advantages of this cardio machine is its small footprint. And since the Bowflex M5 was designed for upright cycling, most of your body will be withing that footprint. Which means you don’t have to worry about hitting yourself or anything around the house while working out. It’s also quite light, at just 166 pounds.

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As far as software is concerned, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 features a small computer that helps you track your heart rate and calory burn rate.  The computer is equipped with the Max TrainerTM App, which is free without a subscription. It is worth mentioning that this app is available for Android devices and Apple iOS as well.

Other built-in workout programs include various options such as Fitness Test, Fat Burn, Calorie Burn, Smart Max Interval, and more. Heart rate can be monitored by using a chest strap or the contact grip sensors situated on the handlebars.

The Max Trainer M5 also has a media shelf and water bottle holder. This media shelf allows users to use their own smartphones for music or entertainment because the Max Trainer does not have entertainment and audio features.

Bowflex Max Trainer M5 Additional Info

Warranty and Guarantee Information

Bowflex Max Trainer M5 comes with a 2-year warranty and a full coverage but most customers stressed that it was better if the product had a longer guarantee period.

Maintenance Advice

The Bowflex M5 will require regular maintenance. However, there’s nothing out of the ordinary here. If you use it on a daily basis, you’ll have to wipe off the monitor after use. It’s very important not to get moisture on the monitor, as this can damage it very easily. You should also check to see if everything is well screwed in before every workout session. Other than that, there’s really not much else you have to do.

Accessories

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The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 doesn’t come with any accessories. You can purchase a floor mat separately. We would recommend doing so if you are planning on installing it on hardwood or similar surface.

Recommended Routine

The Bowflex M5 has a pretty wide range of programs, with a very gentle learning curve. The most intense workout program, however, the 15 minutes Max Interval, might a bit too intense for beginners. And it doesn’t have a warm-up period It may be advisable to combine it with a lighter program, instead of jumping straight in.

Some users rely on a daily program of 30-minute workout which helps you burn more than 500 calories in a short notice. In other words, if you stick to this routine, you will get rid of 3.500 calories per week.

A person needs an average of 2.000 to 2.500 calories every day, so with the Max Trainer M5 users can burn even double than this amount every week.

Experts advise users to choose around 3 modes that suit them best and be perseverant with those if they want to see any results. Switching programs will make the process may be too challenging. Your best bet is to take it to step by step.

Pros and Cons of Using the Bowflex Max Trainer M5

Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is generally regarded as a safe investment because customers did not complain about major issues regarding their products.

User Reviews

Bowflex Max Trainer M5 reviews are generally positive. Most users agree the machine is very well-built, and with care and maintenance, it can last quite a while. Users also noted how convenient this machine is, as it has a very small footprint. The problems seem to be mostly with the software and monitor. Many users complained about compatibility and sync issues, as well as software errors that came seemingly out of the blue. A few users also noted weird sounds coming from the machine after only a couple of months of use. However, most users did not encounter these issues.

Our Recommendation

M5 can be regarded as a decent and classic gym asset developed to achieve various fitness goals at the same time.

This model is strongly recommended for people who want to burn many calories fast as the Max Trainer M5 is equipped with Smart Max and Max Interval programs. These workouts allow users to reach the maximum amount of burnt calories in less than an hour.

Even if M5 is designed for a difficult workout as well, the first programs and resistance levels are ideal for beginners who want to test their limits.

The Max Trainer M5 is labeled as dynamic, challenging, durable, and easy to customize by every user.

Despite the fact that some customers complain about the 2-year warranty, compared with its price range and with other products on the market, this warranty is good enough for a safe investment.

The Bowflex Max cost is lower than the latest treadmills which have a larger size and might be harder to put together.

A lot of people have home-gyms nowadays and the Max Trainer M5 might come in handy because it is compact, easy to assemble, and it offers the perfect time window for people who are too busy for outdoors physical exercises.