Bowflex Max Trainer M8 Review



A Bowflex Max Trainer with a black and gray body frame standing on a white background witha Eliptical Reviews logo on the side.

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Bowflex Max Trainer M8 Rating

Features
Display Console
Durability
Customer Service
Overall Rating

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Detailed Overview

The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 is the premier trainer manufactured by Bowflex.

If you are looking for a low impact, efficient and effective workout option: this is it!

It’s a great alternative to an elliptical and treadmill. In fact, it is created with the motion and movements of an elliptical and a stair stepper – making for an intense full body workout.

Twenty levels of resistance – that’s a big range – means just about any fitness level from the beginner to the most advanced athlete will be challenged to reach their next level of fitness. And those levels aligned with the new Bowflex Max Intelligence platform… let’s just say if you’re looking for one piece of must have for your home gym, this would be it.  The Max Intelligence is based on artificial intelligence technology. It will assess your fitness level, and create/suggest a workout for you from manual to trainer-led on-demand workout videos; each and every time you exercise on the trainer. It’s like having your own personal trainer on call. The app also has 29 on-demand videos! The free version has 17 videos and the subscription has an additional 12, along with personalized options.  The Max Intelligence App subscription ($149/yr. or 14.95/month) is an additional cost, separate from the cost of the trainer.

The enhanced dual mode LCD/LED screens are simple and easy to read your unique burn rate display. A media rack holds your smartphone or tablet. The multi-grip handles make it comfortable and easy to keep moving while working your heart rate, which you can track through the heart rate monitor via the  integrated accessible contact grips.

Because the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 is sure to be a popular machine at home, there are four profiles for individual users that can be connected and monitored.  

Bowflex Max Trainer M8 Performance Pack

If the above basics aren’t enough for you, Bowflex has an additional offer:  the Bowflex Max Trainer M8 Performance Pack. In addition to the above, you will get a customized Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 Tablet, armband heart rate monitor, Bowflex machine mat and advanced tracking capabilities. Access to the subscription for the Max Intelligence is still an additional cost not included in this package.

Our Favorite Features

  • Max Intelligence Platform enabled (it’s like having your own personal trainer).
  • 20 resistance levels – The range will keep you challenged for years to come.
  • Enhanced-dual mode LCD/LED screens: big enough and easy to view.
  • Up to four individual profiles.
  • Compact size-will fit in most spaces.
  • Performance Pack: Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6” Tablet/ armband heart rate monitor

Our Least Favorite Features

  • Warranty – although three years is fairly decent for frames and parts, the 90-day labor is short, considering if anything could go wrong it won’t likely be in the first 90 days.

Bowflex Max Trainer M8 - Notable Specs:

Overall Rating:5-stars
Compact / Folding:yes
Incline:N/A
Stride Length:N/A
Flywheel:magnetic and fan based resistance
Programs:29
Fan:no
Weight Capacity:300 LB
Dimensions:49” " L x 30.5" W x 65.5”" H

The Bottom Line

The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 is a good value purchase even at the higher end cost. The range of resistance means you will not quickly outperform the machine, if ever. The Bowflex Intelligence App is like having a personal trainer who assesses and monitors your workouts and suggests increase in difficulty (appropriately) without you having to ask or think about it. You will always be challenged and encouraged on your fitness journey. Also, with 29 on demand workout options, you will never get bored.  

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