Bowflex Max Trainer M3 Review

Item: Bowflex Max Trainer M3 Review
Rating: 4
Author: Treadmill Reviews

Reviewed by TreadmillReviews.com

Features

8/10

Tech Specs

6/10

Build Quality

10/10

Treadmill Review

Last Updated: 4/29/2022

The Max Trainers from Bowflex are a unique piece of cardio equipment. It’s not quite an elliptical, not quite a stair climber, but more like a combination between the two. The upper body moves the handlebars up top while the lower body operates the footrests below and the entire body is engaged in one fluid motion for a full body workout.

Classification: Elliptical
Price: $999
Shipping Costs: $100-$249
App Subscription: $14.99/month

The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is a great machine for these users:

Recovering from an injury
Dealing with recurring knee, back, foot, or other joint/bodily pains
Limited budget

More Benefits

Full body engagement

The handlebars on the Max Trainers give your upper body more opportunities to join in on the workout. Depending on your efforts, you can fully engage all, part, or none of the upper body.

Lightweight Cardio Equipment

A large selling feature of the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is its compact size, which has a much smaller footprint than a standard home treadmill. This small home exercise machine is limited in its function but can still provide most users with a good cardio workout. The smaller footprint of the M3 also contributes to it’s lighter weight. The M3 is a manageable size and can be moved around in your home when needed.

Quiet Machinery

Noise levels will be based on your preference and you may not care if one treadmill or elliptical hums louder than another. But for households with more people, smaller spaces, sleeping babies, or shared walls, noise can quickly become a problem. The M3 is a quiet piece of cardio equipment compared to even the best home treadmills.

Great Alternative To A Treadmill

Treadmills can wreak havoc on problematic joints or injuries. Ellipticals are a great alternative to running when you’re in need of something low impact. The M3 is low impact and still provides a more efficient calorie burn than most ellipticals.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The M3 comes with a free Bluetooth chest strap for heart rate monitoring.

Bowflex Max Trainer M3 Specs:

Resistance Levels: 8

On-board Workout Programs: 2 - Max Interval, Manual
Heart Rate Monitor: Free Chest Strap
Water Bottle Storage: Yes
Tablet Holder: Yes
Footprint: 49" L x 26" W x 64.7" H
Ceiling Height Requirements: User height + 15"
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Machine Weight: 143 lbs
Display: Digital read out. No backlighting.

User Profiles: 1
Fans: No
Speakers: No
Other Features:

Target-Zone & Burn-Rate Indicators

Max Trainer Subscription Service

Name: Max Intelligence

Brief Description: Moderately sized library of instructor-led exercise classes. Pre-recorded workouts. Bowflex stresses in their marketing verbiage that this is an evolving service, growing to meet the demands of their customers. We’re looking forward to a more developed program for home exercise.

Cost: $/month. Free two-month trial comes with your purchase of a Bowflex Max Trainer M6 or M8, converts to a paid subscription after the trial period ends. $14.99 per month.

User Profiles: 2

Class Varieties: Max Trainer fitness classes

Community: N/A

Subscription Limitations: This product is still being tested by our reviews. Stay tuned for more information.

Additional Bowflex Services

Max Trainer M3 Delivery and Assembly

In-home assembly is available for $169. This includes moving the M3 from its delivery spot (usually the garage) to the room of your choice. Then it will be assembled by a Bowflex partner.

Bowflex Warranty Info

Standard M3 Warranty - Included in the purchase price of your M3.
1 Year Parts, 90 Days Labor

3-Year Bowflex Protection Plan - $89.00
3 Years Parts, 3 Years Labor

5-Year Bowflex Protection Plan - $119.00
5 Years Parts, 5 Years Labor

Extended warranties are also available for purchase.

Bowflex Financing

The Bowflex credit card allows you to purchase Bowflex exercise equipment. Approval for financing is based on credit score. If approved, you can purchase the Bowflex M3 without a deposit and make regular monthly payments. No interest if the entire balance is paid off in 18 months or less. If you fail to pay off the full purchase price, interest (at 29.9% APR) will be applied to your outstanding balance dating back to the original purchase date.

Bowflex Max Trainer M3 Limitations

Only two programs (manual and MAX interval).
Low tech
Display is difficult to read in low-light settings
Limited one year warranty
Newbie gains can be expected, long-term progress not so much.
No extras like speakers or fans.

Overall, the M3 is a cardio machine that holds up well. It’s got a sturdy build and we find there are very few complaints about machine failures. For the price, the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is worth the purchase.