The Bowflex Max Trainer is a unique, low-impact machine by Nautilus that blends elements of elliptical and step climber trainers and combines them with interval training for increased metabolic rate and fat loss.
Designed to provide a full-body workout with pedals and handlebars, it is claimed to burn up to 2.5 times more calories than traditional machines in as little as 14 minutes.
Here you will find out how the Max Trainer works, its pros and cons, and whether it is a valid alternative to elliptical, step climber, or treadmill trainers.
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Who Is The Bowflex Max Trainer For?
The Bowflex Max Trainer is an uncompromising machine that offers a combination of high-quality manufacturing standards coupled with good ergonomics, providing effective workouts for fat loss and improved cardiovascular performance.
It is suitable for those who dislike working out in a commercial gym but still want quality home machines to help them get fit and in good shape and are prepared to go the extra leg in order to have a piece of equipment that not only does the job but also looks the part in a living room or anywhere indoor.
Since the Bowflex Max Trainer is also smaller than traditional cardio machines like treadmills or step climbers, it is also a suitable option for those with limited indoor space available, such as in a condominium apartment.
Their futuristic look coupled with clever ergonomics and workout effectiveness would make them desirable fitness tool for anyone except for their steep price tag.
Not anyone can afford, or is willing to spend, from $999 to $2199 for a machine, many elliptical trainers or basic barbell/dumbbell home kits cost less than that, not to mention that you could do a similar Interval Training workout without any equipment.
The Bowflex Max Trainer is suitable for those who like the best fitness gadgets with innovative and effective workout solutions, sleek design, good manufacturing quality and are prepared to pay for it.
The Bowflex Max Trainer resembles an elliptical machine with some aspects of step climbing in it.
The machine is very well made and good-looking, but the most interesting part is that the pedals and handlebars are designed to maximize the full range of motion for your legs and arms with zero impact on your joints.
The pedals run in an oval, reverse motion, like walking backward while the V-bars move in alternate back and forth motion which you can make more or less hard by changing your hand position on the bars.
The whole setup is designed to offer a full-body workout and burn as many calories as possible in a quick workout, without affecting your knees, feet, and hips.
The vertical building of the machines also means a smaller base area than treadmills, a bit like stationary bikes, meaning the Max Trainer is compact enough to be placed in an apartment.
However, it is also a sturdy and well-built fitness machine that weighs in at 143lb, no shortcuts have been taken in manufacturing, this is also why the 1 to 3-year guarantee looks so stingy for the price and quality, more on this later.
The Bowflex Max Trainer uses these complex but low-impact full-body ergonomics and couples them with interval training to create super-effective workouts that only require 14 minutes to complete.
Interval training has been proven time and time again to boost metabolic rate even at rest well after the end of a workout and is widely considered more effective than slow cardio for burning fat and keeping fit.
Since the Max Trainer was designed for busy people who want the most benefit in as little time as possible, Nautilus has come up with a really original way to keep users motivated and happy to use their machine and keep progressing.
Unlike other machines, the Max Trainer display does not merely count total calories spent and minutes. Instead, it gives an instant “Burn Rate” display of the calories you have burned and the effort range based on the selected program.
All programs have inbuilt different levels of resistance at certain times, but you can override the program settings and the resistance with a twist-knob on the handlebar, not unlike a bicycle gear change.
What Are The Benefits?
Calorie Burning
Bowflex claims in their pitch that the Max Trainer can make you burn up to 2.5X more calories than other equipment and they also back up their claim with a no better identified “University Study” without actually giving a reference link or a name.
However, whatever the hype and numbers, the Max Trainer workouts do work very well for burning fat and improving fitness levels as testified by a ton of positive testimonials by satisfied customers.
Having said this, the workouts are still only 14 minutes, not long enough to burn a lot of calories, even if you have your BMR increased for 48 hours. So if you have a lot of weight to lose, you may want to follow a diet plan as well and check it out with your doctor, as the Max Trainer is a fitness machine that addresses just one aspect of your weight management.
Time-Saving
The workouts are structured in intervals, 25 seconds of intense activity followed by slow-paced 80 seconds to recover, and so forth. This cycle goes on 8 times and before you know it the 14-minute workout is over.
You can also customize and change the workouts according to your preferences and fitness levels, but the Interval Training method is always there, increasing your metabolic rate for up to 48 hours after you finished your workout.
However short, the workouts are demanding, and even the beginner settings may be a bit too challenging for absolute beginners or people in rehab. This is no rehab machine, but a tool for fitness that requires a minimum level of general good health and fitness to start with, however small. See medical disclaimer.
Zero Impact
The Max Trainer is very well designed from an ergonomic standpoint. The foot platforms and bars allow for a smooth, energy-sapping motion without any strain on knees, feet, and hips.
This is particularly attractive for those who do not want or cannot engage in high-impact activities like running, jogging, or tennis, but still want an effective, fast workout.
Full Body Workouts – These are not the preserve of the Max Trainer, as elliptical trainers also offer some sort of upper body exercising. However, the Max Trainer does it better, as the bars are better built with a fuller range of movement which you can adjust by changing your hand position for more or less resistance or range.
Bowflex Max Trainer Range
The M3, M5, and M7 came in at the same weight and size. They weigh in at 143lb/65kg and are 117 L x 63.5 W x 160 H cm in size for a maximum weight load of 300lbs.
The difference is just in the software program complexity and some premium features. Here a quick summary:
Bowflex Max Trainer M3
8 Resistance Levels
Workout Programs: Manual, Max Interval.
Heart Rate Monitor: Included Chest Strap.
Water Bottle Holder
Media shelf / Tablet holder
Warranty: 1 year.
Bowflex Max Trainer M5
16 Resistance Levels
Workout Programs: Manual, Max Interval, Smart Max Interval, Calorie Burn, Fat Burn, Calorie Goal, Stairs, Steady State, Fitness Test.
Bluetooth 4.0 compatible with the free Max Trainer app.
Stainless steel “racing” pedals
Warranty: 3 years.
The Bottom Line
The Bowflex Max Trainer is a top-range fitness machine that combines a striking style with effective, time-saving full-body workouts.
With an aura of futuristic appeal, it would look good in James Bond’s penthouse or mansion. However, it is not just good looks.
More to the point, the pedals and bars allow for a more effective workout than traditional elliptical trainers, and the training principles of the different programs are based on solid high-intensity interval training, long regarded as very effective for increasing metabolic rate and burn fat well after the workout is over.
However, the short workouts are demanding and even the easiest settings could be a bit too much for absolute beginners without training history. Furthermore, the machines’ high price tag is not matched by a rather “parsimonious” length of warranty.
Overall, the Bowflex Max Trainer is an effective, good-looking fitness machine suitable for those who are willing to go the extra leg for a different, quality workout tool.
My name is Jay Fielding. I gained an interest in fitness since I was a child, and eventually developed my passion into a career path. I am now a Certified Personal Trainer with a natural ability to program customized body recomposition and motivate people in achieving their goals, be it gaining muscle or losing fat.
