Max Trainer M5 Review

The Bowflex M5 is the premium model in the new Max Trainer line, yet its price is low compared to highly-rated ellipticals, the space it aims to disrupt. With the highest rating between the two Max Trainers to choose from, the M5 is our Editor’s Choice in this small but powerful new product category.

It has more features than the M3, a better overall rating, a longer warranty, and more resistance levels, all in the same compact size, at a reasonable price.

Bowflex Max Trainer M5 Model

The M5 combines the physical challenge of resistance, stepping motion, and an upper body workout that directs the movement from the handlebars. Athletes and personal trainers have long understood the importance of this winning combination, and now with the M5’s decent price and in-home comfort, you can benefit from it, too.

Max Trainer M5 Features

• 16 Resistance Levels
• Manual, Max Interval, Smart Max Interval, Calorie Burn, Fat Burn, Calorie Goal, Stairs, Steady State, And Fitness Test Workout Programs
• Integrated Contact Grips For Heart Rate And Included Chest Strap
• Media Shelf And Water Bottle Holder
• Bluetooth Syncing With Android And iOS Bowflex App For Persistent User Tracking Over Time
• Backlit Display
• 2 Year Warranty
• The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 comes with a two-year warranty package that covers the entire machine.
• Return Policy: 6 weeks, 100% money-back. If you want your money back for any reason, ship back for a refund of the purchase price.

How does it work?

The M5 gets your upper body involved in the workout, as you can generate a lot of force with your arms, chest, and core through the handles in addition to the steps. I could definitely feel the effects, but I was really surprised by how much my legs felt weak after each workout, which was a good thing. My body is likely accustomed to running, but generally, all I feel now after my daily outing around the local outdoor track is joint pain, whereas the M5 resulted in the kind of post-workout burn and general weakness that indicates actual progress.

For those interested in the quantified self, the machine can sync your workout stats via Bluetooth to Bowflex’s Max Trainer app, which is available for Android and iOS. It presents a nice summary of your overall accomplishments and breaks down individual workouts with data like average heart rate and calories burned. Late-model iPhone owners can also sync with Apple’s Health app—nice if you want to mix your M5 activities into your big-picture data.

Final words

Endurance, stamina, strength, fat loss… If you’re an elite-level athlete (or fitness geek), you already know about the benefits of interval training. The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 was built to deliver the safest and most effective low-impact interval workout ever created. MAX’s unique design provides infinite challenge, so you’ll never outgrow it and always have the challenge you desire. So test your limits. To top it all off, there’s zero joint impact, so it’s much better on your knees and back than any treadmill out there.