I have to say that what makes this review (to me) the best, is no background music playing, kids screaming, getting sidetracked and talking to a dog or some inanimate object. The video wasn't jumpy and moving so fast that I thought I was on a ride at the carnival, and I could understand everything you were saying. Thanks for taking the time to make the video.
My husband bought this machine years ago. I’m a runner and now having some knee issues. I got on the machine, it’s definitely a workout. I’m impressed. I’m getting into cycling now and I can see this has great benefits similar to uphills. Thank you so much for the review. This really motivates me to use it.
i have to tell you Buddy this was a great review great voice and tempo , very clear and technical in laymen terms if can say that because you made as clear as mountain spring water. Thanks
I know you posted this review in 2014 but this machine was posted at a local used fitness equipment store for about 700$. I just saw it yesterday brand new at a sporting store for $1200 on sale, the same exact model. Looked up videos and found yours and you helped me make the decision to at least go to the local used store to check it out and glad I did - it was barely used! Mint condition :) So thank you. I'm reworking my apartment with my boyfriend now trying to find a little corner for it now :)
You've done a great review. I got my M5 about a month ago and my only complaint is that for tracking purposes they need to have a way to erase a workout that clearly wasn't a workout (IE when I first set it up I did between 10-20) 5-15 second workouts and now those have thrown my averages out of whack and I cannot clear them out. Also say for instance user 2 accidentally forgets to switch over the data entered cannot be changed.) This is a small hurdle in the long run but it annoys the hell out of me. Wish they would add support for more than 2 users - I'm not saying 10 but 3 or 4 might be nice. And your data cannot be erased. So in the event someone visiting wanted to use it, one of us has to take on data that wasn't us. These are the fine details that they could easily fix but as of yet have not nor have any plans to do. I do like your custom desk - Well played sir!
We recently got the M3... It definitely will give you a workout. At first I could only do a few minutes before exhaustion would set in, each day I would add 30 seconds to a minute more to my time... I am now doing 45 minutes and have a lot more endurance. Ive never been a huge fan of home use machines... but this one is an exception to the rule and feels heavy, more like commercial equipment you would find at a gym. You get what you pay for. I highly recommend this machine. Thanks for the review by the way!Well done!
Thank you for taking the time to make and post this. I use to work out in the gym 6 days a week. I have had several spine surgeres in the last few years. Recovery from those has taken me out of the gym. I now live with my parents, and we are considering getting a max trainer. You answered many of the questions.
I purchased a second-hand M3, and had to spend more money repairing the four small bolts that had stripped out on the main upper drive pully spindle. They do damage themselves, and fall apart. Mine is now much stronger than it was. It was fortunate that I had the tools, and knowledge to make these repairs. I can say that those four little bolts holding this drive pully onto it's crank spindle are under-rated by design, with the loading, and unloading of the eliptical upon them. It's a common complaint. I replaced four stepper-arm bearings whilst I was at it, even though the old ones were mostly ok. The rest of the machine is good. If you want to check yours is not doing the same, you'll need to drop the left eliptical arm off the crank, and take out the two screws that hold the cover onto the crank out. Then you can inspect it. Mine was at the stage of total failure. One bolt had already fallen into the machine, and the other three stripped thread bolts were flopping around.
I needed an exercise machine and found the Bowflex online. I've used equipment in the past that was not well made so I decided to look at reviews before I bought. Your review has confirmed my thoughts and helped me make the decision to buy. Bowflex is running a special that ends today so I'll save some money and get free shipping. Thanks for taking the time to put together this video.
Excellent review!! To the point and covered the major concerns many have. So glad you mention the impact or lack thereof on the knees. I too can not run long distance due to the stabbing pain I begin to experience in my knees.
This was an incredible review! Thank you so much for sharing. And you're absolutely awesome, btw, that desk you built is amazing. Your wife must be thrilled she landed such a talented man!! Thanks again for this review!
Thanks for this review, I found it much more useful than the thousands of reviews on the Bowflex site (no way to know if they're real or fabricated). Nicely done.
I've had mine for a few years. I'm 58 years old and I have used it for a year or so and then left it sit for a year or so. At this point I am back to using it. It is a pretty intense workout for a guy my age. But I like the smooth flow and it's easy to change settings as you go. I have had an intermittent "thunking" that I could hear but not feel. Back when it first started they quickly responded to my complaint and sent me a new crank. They offered to send a tech around to install it but I managed it okay. Now its thunking again. It does not affect the "feel" at all but I can certainly hear it. At the end of the day I would have to say that you can buy an awful lot of gym time for the money of this one machine... but I like having it around for those days that I don't want to drive to the gym. But that thunking worries me....
I don't usually stop to post messages...but your effort deserves a "Awesome Job"...and I kept on being distracted by your 'standing desktop'...another "Awesome Job"...
I love mine. I use the steady state workout 4 times per week for 40 minutes each workout. I burn an average of 507 calories per workout. I did one 60 minute workout and burned over 700 calories. Do not expect long workouts to come quickly though. It takes time to build up endurance. I used an elliptical for 2 years and still had to build up endurance on the M 5. But it is well worth the investment. Age 52 and very impressed with what it does.
I just bought one today, and after seeing your review i do feel much better about my purchase. Thank you, for your review and the details are exactly what I wanted to know. BTW your set up is awesome, I might have to do something similar. ;)
Thanks! If you do build a desk of some type just make sure you have a small wireless keyboard and mouse, that's the only way my desk works. Obviously since my desk slide between the handle bars. I usually just go on resistance level 1 at a slow pace if I'm doing any work, otherwise you get distracted by the motion. It does work if you go slow.
Excellent Review - you answered pretty much every question I had about this product. appreciated that you showed the actual operation as well as explaining the screen options. Thanks for a great review!
Great video, very professional. I noticed the vid is from five years ago. Is the machine still working? The reason I’m asking is I’m thinking about buying one. Thanks for your help.
Thanks for posting this review! I've been eyeing this product for a while and trying to decide if it would be worth the purchase or if I should go a different direction. I definitely LOVE how it doesn't put as much stress on your body as running does which would be my main reason for purchasing it. After watching your review, I've decided to purchase this machine! Thanks again!
Really appreciate your review - have had a hard time finding real customers who have used it. Such a big purchase, but I feel a lot better about springing for the M5. Thanks!
Thanks for a very balanced and honest review. I had already decided on this machine from my research but this review filled in the few blanks I had remaining. based on amount of body getting the exercise, the cardio/strength/fatburn combination with the interval training which I was already doing in the small footprint combined make it the best machine, but the price cinches the deal.
My crazy wife bought this and didn't mention it until it landed on my doorstep. She demands that I workout 2-3 hours a day, everyday. I have mounted a keyboard and mouse framework to the machine, and now I play first person shooters and pretend that as I run, my character is running as well. Thus far, I have lost 45lbs and almost all of my friends. The wife doesn't even recognize me anymore.
Thank you so much! I've been doing a lot of research lately to find a piece of home exercise equipment that will provide me with a good cardio workout from a decent machine that will not take up too much space. I've been paying for a membership at Plant Fitness. And, although I do like the company and facilities, I am not always able to get out to travel to it. So, I decided that I needed to stop my membership and use that money towards a piece of home exercise equipment. But, I didn't want to put my money towards the first thing I had seen. So, I've been researching...A lot! And, I have to say that I've narrowed it down to the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 and a couple other brands/versions. I've looked at many reviews, but I have to say this review was excellent in helping me to decide to buy the Bowflex Max Trainer M5. Thank you so much! You should do this with other products as well. You have a great voice for it, and shared at a steady pace. I loved how throughout, honest and fair you were too. Nice Job! ;0)
I love this machine, I'm up to two programs in per session burning around 210 per program daily ,its a nice warm up for some strength training afterward , if you're dedicated it will tone your legs , glutes , upper chest and shoulders . You can easily shed fat also pretty well if you use it daily . The only issue I've had is that the wheels can get squeaky an easy fix is a can of blaster dry lube with teflon and you're back in business... the only sound this thing makes is a whirring from the fan but I usually have some loud music on to drown It out. If you get one the first week is tough but dig deep and it gets easier.
Thanks so much for the in depth review. I have knee issues as well. Been on the fence about buying it but it looks really cool. The M5 mixed with my kettlebells should do the trick. Going to get it!
thank, you, thank you, thank you... your review was exactly what I was looking for to make the decision to purchase the m3 or m5. Very informative and right on point. best of luck in your workouts.
Did you end up getting it? I know it’s been 6 years now, if you did get the machine is it still working? Reason I’m asking is because I’m thinking of getting one
Great review , one of the major “cons” of this piece was the price. You can find them used now for an average of about $350. Sure they make them with more electronics etc today, but it does not justify the extra $700
Thanks for the review. I had a hip replacement in 2013 and had to give up my WaterRower machine that I had really enjoyed each day for several years. I was instructed to get rid of the rowing machine because of the intense angle it puts your hips in, and instead to get a recumbent bike machine; so, after much research I bought a Nordic Track Commercial VRPro and it has been great this past year+, as I also added using 8 lb. weights during my Interval workout for upper body. But now I'm feeling the need to get off my butt and into a standing exercise routine, and so the Max Trainer with its additional upper body workout bars was a big selling factor for me. I plan to order one today, it was nice to watch your review, it was very helpful. Thanks, mike in the Oregon Coast
Thankyou for a very clear review, I feel less anxious now knowing about the machine.You also mentioned how long it would take to assemble, which is hardly mentioned for many exercise machines.Thankyou so much.
Husband is interested in this machine. I appreciate the non bias information. You sold me. Husband was already sold and now I am. Not a fan of the fan noise but with any machine, none are perfect. Thank you for your breakdown.
Good review. I just purchased it also! I like it and enjoy it. The assembling took about 1 1/2 hrs with the help of my wife. The workouts are intense if one isn't conditioned for sure. I did a complete 14min workout with the Fat burner program (although I went my own pace not worrying about where the program goal was directing towards lol) The knee aspect is crucial for me. I to can't run for long periods of time before my left knee acts up. So definitely a plus on that! Overall I enjoy the elliptical of the gyms (the one with incline and harder resistance). Its a good investment for good solid cardio workouts.
Thanks for this. Have been pondering whether to buy one and now I want it even more. I own the Bowflex XTL home gym, Bowflex weights (with stand) and did have the Treadclimber (lost in the divorce) and definitely stand behind the quality of the products.
Thanks for your excellent, informative 'real customer' review. Like others mentioned below, your review definitely made me more comfortable ordering it. The custom desk is an excellent idea too, and it makes me think that I'd like to craft a set up like that as well. Could I ask how you suspended that on your wall so that is secure and doesn't fall off due to any 'vibration' of the max trainer? Thanks again for your review. I look forward to owning an M5 very soon. I think it will help me stay in shape when I'm less motivated to get to the gym on very cold mornings.
Great review. I am trying to decide on this or a elliptical. It was helpful seeing it in a room to understand how small it really is. Seeing the display is action is helpful too. I think I will go with the M5. Thanks!
Really helpful review. I just purchased this machine but I am having a lot of trouble figuring out how to use settings ( I am not real tech savvy) So far I like it...I am not in as good of shape as I thought I was... Would really appreciate a video of how to use settings in more detail. Thanks again for review!
THANK YOU! I've been eyeing this machine for a long time and I've been wanting a personal unit for myself. I'm not much of a gym person, but I do need to get my exercise. This machine seems to be the answer to everything I'm looking for in an exercise machine and thensome. Especially since I'm huge on Mt Biking in the spring/summer/fall. Great review!
hi!! thank you for your summary. i am looking to buy one and was comparing three models/prices and this by far is affordable and meet my needs. thanks again for the video.
Elaine DHe has access to a Millwork shop or is a Cabinetmaker or Joiner. It's just Melamine with the edges taped. He did goof and had the chipped side out on the exposed side. Double extension hardware, could go to self closing to trick it out. I swapped all my drawer hardware to self close 35$ a set.Heck, I could make those.
as a biker I liked the analogy of charging up a hill on a bike. It seems this might be a good alternative to the bike on the trainer during the winter to keep from losing fitness gained during the warmer months...
The best review on the web thus far on the M5 unit. I saw a number of reviews and comments that there are hardware issues with the unit (plates and components). Did you experience any of those? Do you still recommend this unit? I'm exploring if worthwhile to purchase. thanks
Looking to purchase and thought your video was extremely helpful. I like the fact that you said it's more like walking up a hill that an elliptical machine. It's was between a stairmaster and this and after your review and its quality, I'm going to try and get this. Thanks for the incite.
OK, after a mix up with the manual that cost me hours in assembly time, I finally got my first 14 minutes workout. Solid build, glides easy, noise level was good for me, only wish that fan action was directed towards my torso, cranked it right up to max level 16 then reduce 2 levels every 2 minutes, cranking up work out level time to time. definitely for those serious about working out. quads felt it too. I score it 80/100. not yet up to figuring out how to program stuff. no time yet, but can do easy time and level workouts. heart rate quick from the sensors too.
I've read several reviews concerning the machine hardware breaking down within several months of purchase. How is your machine holding up after 2 years?
Thank you for the review. It is very helpful. My knees are like yours for sure. Can't run very much as well and dont get the same benefits from a elliptical.
Loud machine. Good review. Still debating about getting it. I know there r two versiers of this machine. And the price is from what I looked at 1509 to 2500 depending on the modle. I have no problem spending this kind of money, like u my body dose not want to corporate with me. Not so much my knees. As is my lower back and hips. It's really tough to say if this is right for me. I'd need a 30 to 90 day trial to ensure this will not hurt me. I own an elliptical, it hurts my back and hips. Not giving me what I need.sucks cause it's new and rarely used such a wast of money. Like I said goid review marry Christmas happy new year to u and your family
I have to say that what makes this review (to me) the best, is no background music playing, kids screaming, getting sidetracked and talking to a dog or some inanimate object. The video wasn't jumpy and moving so fast that I thought I was on a ride at the carnival, and I could understand everything you were saying. Thanks for taking the time to make the video.
My husband bought this machine years ago. I’m a runner and now having some knee issues. I got on the machine, it’s definitely a workout. I’m impressed. I’m getting into cycling now and I can see this has great benefits similar to uphills. Thank you so much for the review. This really motivates me to use it.
i have to tell you Buddy this was a great review great voice and tempo , very clear and technical in laymen terms if can say that because you made as clear as mountain spring water.
Thanks
Francisco Hernandez I thought the same! very good!
So did I. Sobering voice, convinced me to go ahead and buy one despite other reviews.
Sexy voice
An excellent and comprehensive review. You've convinced me to purchase a second-hand M5 that I was considering purchasing... Thanks!
I know you posted this review in 2014 but this machine was posted at a local used fitness equipment store for about 700$. I just saw it yesterday brand new at a sporting store for $1200 on sale, the same exact model. Looked up videos and found yours and you helped me make the decision to at least go to the local used store to check it out and glad I did - it was barely used! Mint condition :) So thank you. I'm reworking my apartment with my boyfriend now trying to find a little corner for it now :)
You've done a great review. I got my M5 about a month ago and my only complaint is that for tracking purposes they need to have a way to erase a workout that clearly wasn't a workout (IE when I first set it up I did between 10-20) 5-15 second workouts and now those have thrown my averages out of whack and I cannot clear them out. Also say for instance user 2 accidentally forgets to switch over the data entered cannot be changed.) This is a small hurdle in the long run but it annoys the hell out of me.
Wish they would add support for more than 2 users - I'm not saying 10 but 3 or 4 might be nice. And your data cannot be erased. So in the event someone visiting wanted to use it, one of us has to take on data that wasn't us.
These are the fine details that they could easily fix but as of yet have not nor have any plans to do.
I do like your custom desk - Well played sir!
We recently got the M3... It definitely will give you a workout. At first I could only do a few minutes before exhaustion would set in, each day I would add 30 seconds to a minute more to my time... I am now doing 45 minutes and have a lot more endurance. Ive never been a huge fan of home use machines... but this one is an exception to the rule and feels heavy, more like commercial equipment you would find at a gym. You get what you pay for. I highly recommend this machine. Thanks for the review by the way!Well done!
+Brandon Shepard Are you seeing any changes in your physique after a month of working out using the M3?
Did you experience any heel or foot pain from using this machine?
Thank you for taking the time to make and post this. I use to work out in the gym 6 days a week. I have had several spine surgeres in the last few years. Recovery from those has taken me out of the gym. I now live with my parents, and we are considering getting a max trainer. You answered many of the questions.
I purchased a second-hand M3, and had to spend more money repairing the four small bolts that had stripped out on the main upper drive pully spindle. They do damage themselves, and fall apart. Mine is now much stronger than it was. It was fortunate that I had the tools, and knowledge to make these repairs. I can say that those four little bolts holding this drive pully onto it's crank spindle are under-rated by design, with the loading, and unloading of the eliptical upon them. It's a common complaint. I replaced four stepper-arm bearings whilst I was at it, even though the old ones were mostly ok. The rest of the machine is good. If you want to check yours is not doing the same, you'll need to drop the left eliptical arm off the crank, and take out the two screws that hold the cover onto the crank out. Then you can inspect it. Mine was at the stage of total failure. One bolt had already fallen into the machine, and the other three stripped thread bolts were flopping around.
Thanks
this machine HAS to be worth it if u took the time, money & effort to build a freakin' desk mount around it... I'm sold!
I needed an exercise machine and found the Bowflex online. I've used equipment in the past that was not well made so I decided to look at reviews before I bought. Your review has confirmed my thoughts and helped me make the decision to buy. Bowflex is running a special that ends today so I'll save some money and get free shipping. Thanks for taking the time to put together this video.
Excellent review!! To the point and covered the major concerns many have. So glad you mention the impact or lack thereof on the knees. I too can not run long distance due to the stabbing pain I begin to experience in my knees.
This was an incredible review! Thank you so much for sharing. And you're absolutely awesome, btw, that desk you built is amazing. Your wife must be thrilled she landed such a talented man!! Thanks again for this review!
Thanks for this review, I found it much more useful than the thousands of reviews on the Bowflex site (no way to know if they're real or fabricated). Nicely done.
I've had mine for a few years. I'm 58 years old and I have used it for a year or so and then left it sit for a year or so. At this point I am back to using it. It is a pretty intense workout for a guy my age. But I like the smooth flow and it's easy to change settings as you go. I have had an intermittent "thunking" that I could hear but not feel. Back when it first started they quickly responded to my complaint and sent me a new crank. They offered to send a tech around to install it but I managed it okay. Now its thunking again. It does not affect the "feel" at all but I can certainly hear it. At the end of the day I would have to say that you can buy an awful lot of gym time for the money of this one machine... but I like having it around for those days that I don't want to drive to the gym. But that thunking worries me....
I don't usually stop to post messages...but your effort deserves a "Awesome Job"...and I kept on being distracted by your 'standing desktop'...another "Awesome Job"...
I love mine. I use the steady state workout 4 times per week for 40 minutes each workout. I burn an average of 507 calories per workout. I did one 60 minute workout and burned over 700 calories. Do not expect long workouts to come quickly though. It takes time to build up endurance. I used an elliptical for 2 years and still had to build up endurance on the M 5. But it is well worth the investment. Age 52 and very impressed with what it does.
I just bought one today, and after seeing your review i do feel much better about my purchase.
Thank you, for your review and the details are exactly what I wanted to know.
BTW your set up is awesome, I might have to do something similar. ;)
Thanks! If you do build a desk of some type just make sure you have a small wireless keyboard and mouse, that's the only way my desk works. Obviously since my desk slide between the handle bars. I usually just go on resistance level 1 at a slow pace if I'm doing any work, otherwise you get distracted by the motion. It does work if you go slow.
Excellent Review - you answered pretty much every question I had about this product. appreciated that you showed the actual operation as well as explaining the screen options. Thanks for a great
review!
Thanks for a very details and informative review. I ordered mine on the last friday and it will be here next monday. Can't wait to try the machine!
Thank you. I just ordered the M5 based on your review. Awesomely helpful review. Good luck on your weight loss journey!!!
Great video, very professional. I noticed the vid is from five years ago. Is the machine still working? The reason I’m asking is I’m thinking about buying one. Thanks for your help.
Thanks for posting this review! I've been eyeing this product for a while and trying to decide if it would be worth the purchase or if I should go a different direction. I definitely LOVE how it doesn't put as much stress on your body as running does which would be my main reason for purchasing it. After watching your review, I've decided to purchase this machine! Thanks again!
i just ordered mine last nite cant wait to get it!!! this will be my 3rd bowflex product (power pro, xtreme 2 se) glad to get an honest review
Really appreciate your review - have had a hard time finding real customers who have used it. Such a big purchase, but I feel a lot better about springing for the M5. Thanks!
Thanks for a very balanced and honest review. I had already decided on this machine from my research but this review filled in the few blanks I had remaining. based on amount of body getting the exercise, the cardio/strength/fatburn combination with the interval training which I was already doing in the small footprint combined make it the best machine, but the price cinches the deal.
I am interested in buying this machine. Any update after 6 years? Thanks for the review, it helped me a lot.
About 2 weeks with the M9. Excellent machine. It works the hell out of you.
My crazy wife bought this and didn't mention it until it landed on my doorstep. She demands that I workout 2-3 hours a day, everyday. I have mounted a keyboard and mouse framework to the machine, and now I play first person shooters and pretend that as I run, my character is running as well. Thus far, I have lost 45lbs and almost all of my friends. The wife doesn't even recognize me anymore.
HandOfMe nice. Just do not buy an Oculus rift VR with this bowflex. you might not recognize yourself after a workout.
Lol great way to get motivated!
...LOVE your "crazy" wife...
This was hilarious hahah
Poor guy no friends.
Great review. Thank you for taking the time to create this review. It really helped me decide what we want.
Great review of the M5. My wife and I are thinking of getting this and your review sealed it for us. Thanks again!
Thanks for taking the time for such a detailed review. Helped me to make the decision to purchase.
Thank you so much! I've been doing a lot of research lately to find a piece of home exercise equipment that will provide me with a good cardio workout from a decent machine that will not take up too much space. I've been paying for a membership at Plant Fitness. And, although I do like the company and facilities, I am not always able to get out to travel to it. So, I decided that I needed to stop my membership and use that money towards a piece of home exercise equipment. But, I didn't want to put my money towards the first thing I had seen. So, I've been researching...A lot! And, I have to say that I've narrowed it down to the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 and a couple other brands/versions. I've looked at many reviews, but I have to say this review was excellent in helping me to decide to buy the Bowflex Max Trainer M5. Thank you so much! You should do this with other products as well. You have a great voice for it, and shared at a steady pace. I loved how throughout, honest and fair you were too. Nice Job! ;0)
I just ordered my M5 today.. Very excited.. :)
I love this machine, I'm up to two programs in per session burning around 210 per program daily ,its a nice warm up for some strength training afterward , if you're dedicated it will tone your legs , glutes , upper chest and shoulders . You can easily shed fat also pretty well if you use it daily . The only issue I've had is that the wheels can get squeaky an easy fix is a can of blaster dry lube with teflon and you're back in business... the only sound this thing makes is a whirring from the fan but I usually have some loud music on to drown It out. If you get one the first week is tough but dig deep and it gets easier.
Awesome review! Great job on that custom desk as well!
Thank you for your review. I've had mine for 2 weeks now and just this morning, really making my routine to use it. I love the M5.
has it been working for you?
Really good review. Thank you for taking the time. I am thinking about purchasing this item.
Great Review.
Thanks for taking the time and showing us all the key elements of the M5
I just purchased the Max m5. Can't wait to get it. Thank you for your review.
Thanks so much for the in depth review. I have knee issues as well. Been on the fence about buying it but it looks really cool. The M5 mixed with my kettlebells should do the trick. Going to get it!
thank, you, thank you, thank you... your review was exactly what I was looking for to make the decision to purchase the m3 or m5. Very informative and right on point. best of luck in your workouts.
Did you end up getting it? I know it’s been 6 years now, if you did get the machine is it still working? Reason I’m asking is because I’m thinking of getting one
I just purchased the m5 and will have it delivered and assembled. This review made me happy of my choice!
How do you like your machine? I am planning on buying one
Thank you for taking the time , I just purchased one .
Thank you for your review, i just caught this product on tv and the first vid to come up was yours. Great review
Thanks for the share. Real customer reviews are worth their price in gold.
Great review , one of the major “cons” of this piece was the price. You can find them used now for an average of about $350. Sure they make them with more electronics etc today, but it does not justify the extra $700
Terrific review. Thanks for taking the time to do it.
Thanks for the review.
I had a hip replacement in 2013 and had to give up my WaterRower machine that I had really enjoyed each day for several years.
I was instructed to get rid of the rowing machine because of the intense angle it puts your hips in, and instead to get a recumbent bike machine; so, after much research I bought a Nordic Track Commercial VRPro and it has been great this past year+, as I also added using 8 lb. weights during my Interval workout for upper body.
But now I'm feeling the need to get off my butt and into a standing exercise routine, and so the Max Trainer with its additional upper body workout bars was a big selling factor for me.
I plan to order one today, it was nice to watch your review, it was very helpful.
Thanks,
mike in the Oregon Coast
Thankyou for a very clear review, I feel less anxious now knowing about the machine.You also mentioned how long it would take to assemble, which is hardly mentioned for many exercise machines.Thankyou so much.
I appreciate your candor.... great review! Just ordered the M5 and really anxious to "get after it".... thanx
Great review - easily the most detailed review I've seen of the M5 yet, and now I'm comfortable in pulling the trigger on buying it. Thank you.
Husband is interested in this machine. I appreciate the non bias information. You sold me. Husband was already sold and now I am. Not a fan of the fan noise but with any machine, none are perfect. Thank you for your breakdown.
This is incredible to get in shape before a season starts
Very helpful review thank you so much for taking the time to film this review
thank you for the video, i just recently purchased this and i can't wait til it comes to start
Great review! I am also a fan of the desk you built. Great job!
Great review! Purchased one yesterday for same reasons as you. Can't wait tob get started.
Good review. I just purchased it also!
I like it and enjoy it. The assembling took about 1 1/2 hrs with the help of my wife.
The workouts are intense if one isn't conditioned for sure. I did a complete 14min workout with the Fat burner program (although I went my own pace not worrying about where the program goal was directing towards lol)
The knee aspect is crucial for me. I to can't run for long periods of time before my left knee acts up. So definitely a plus on that!
Overall I enjoy the elliptical of the gyms (the one with incline and harder resistance).
Its a good investment for good solid cardio workouts.
Thank you for the excellent user review. You've convinced us more of this machine.
My review of the Bowflex Max Trainer:
First run, 45 seconds-1 minute.
*Dead.*
Dead? meaning your tired or the machine went belly up?
The machine died, or you died? Can you please be more specific (if you are still alive, that is?!!!!!)
Lmao he is being sarcastic like "the workout killed him" guys not literally but figuratively speaking 😣😆😂🤣 he's joking.
If a workout is so tough it beats the hell out of you that’s a great sign! 👍
Did someone write the comment, because you apparently died.
Thanks for this. Have been pondering whether to buy one and now I want it even more. I own the Bowflex XTL home gym, Bowflex weights (with stand) and did have the Treadclimber (lost in the divorce) and definitely stand behind the quality of the products.
Thanks for your excellent, informative 'real customer' review. Like others mentioned below, your review definitely made me more comfortable ordering it.
The custom desk is an excellent idea too, and it makes me think that I'd like to craft a set up like that as well. Could I ask how you suspended that on your wall so that is secure and doesn't fall off due to any 'vibration' of the max trainer?
Thanks again for your review. I look forward to owning an M5 very soon. I think it will help me stay in shape when I'm less motivated to get to the gym on very cold mornings.
Great review. I am trying to decide on this or a elliptical. It was helpful seeing it in a room to understand how small it really is. Seeing the display is action is helpful too. I think I will go with the M5. Thanks!
Really helpful review. I just purchased this machine but I am having a lot of trouble figuring out how to use settings ( I am not real tech savvy) So far I like it...I am not in as good of shape as I thought I was... Would really appreciate a video of how to use settings in more detail. Thanks again for review!
Thank you! Are you referring to the user settings, controls, programs or the the readings on the display?
Great review. Explanation was thorough in a relaxed tone. thank you for sharing. I'm currently shopping for an elliptical as I cant go to any gym.
THANK YOU! I've been eyeing this machine for a long time and I've been wanting a personal unit for myself.
I'm not much of a gym person, but I do need to get my exercise. This machine seems to be the answer to everything I'm looking for in an exercise machine and thensome. Especially since I'm huge on Mt Biking in the spring/summer/fall. Great review!
Thanks for doing what you said in the title and for making it concise and simple. Thank you
Thanks for doin the video, Best one I have seen since I started checking them out. I am going to buy a used one and this helped!
Thank you for all the detailed info! Great review! Can't wait to get mine!
hi!! thank you for your summary. i am looking to buy one and was comparing three models/prices and this by far is affordable and meet my needs. thanks again for the video.
M5 is the one in my opinion.
You should sell the custom desk. I'd love one of those!
Elaine DHe has access to a Millwork shop or is a Cabinetmaker or Joiner. It's just Melamine with the edges taped. He did goof and had the chipped side out on the exposed side. Double extension hardware, could go to self closing to trick it out. I swapped all my drawer hardware to self close 35$ a set.Heck, I could make those.
Thanks for putting up the vid. A little noisy for me but your effort is appreciated. Still looking for that "quiet" elliptical.
Cheers.
Awesome review. I am still waiting for mine. Huge delay in delivery. I am looking to lose 100 lbs and I really am excited to get going!!!
I love the bike, it was very easy to assemble and it is very quiet. It's exactly what I needed.
as a biker I liked the analogy of charging up a hill on a bike. It seems this might be a good alternative to the bike on the trainer during the winter to keep from losing fitness gained during the warmer months...
Great review man! I'm about to purchase this
Thanks for the thorough review. It is very helpful and may be one of the reasons for me to move forward and purchase.
Awesome review. They should pay you for this. Thanks for giving us your time.
Very good review sir. I'm buying one soon. The display is beautiful. Like a BMW.
I loved the review and I will buy the machine, but....what I definitely want is the desk! I want to be able to do work while on this machine like you!
Thanks for the review, this is now on my wish list.
The best review on the web thus far on the M5 unit. I saw a number of reviews and comments that there are hardware issues with the unit (plates and components). Did you experience any of those? Do you still recommend this unit? I'm exploring if worthwhile to purchase. thanks
Great review!!! Thank you so much for posting this.
thanks this review was very helpful in solidifying my decision to buy the M5
Now that's what I was looking for a good review 😊✈️Just orderd mine
Any updates?
Thinking about buying this. Thanks for the review. Still thinking...its a bit out of my budget but you never know!
Looking to purchase and thought your video was extremely helpful. I like the fact that you said it's more like walking up a hill that an elliptical machine. It's was between a stairmaster and this and after your review and its quality, I'm going to try and get this. Thanks for the incite.
Great review! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
OK, after a mix up with the manual that cost me hours in assembly time, I finally got my first 14 minutes workout. Solid build, glides easy, noise level was good for me, only wish that fan action was directed towards my torso, cranked it right up to max level 16 then reduce 2 levels every 2 minutes, cranking up work out level time to time. definitely for those serious about working out. quads felt it too. I score it 80/100. not yet up to figuring out how to program stuff. no time yet, but can do easy time and level workouts. heart rate quick from the sensors too.
Thank you so much for this video! It really gave me information I was looking for! Can't wait to buy and start shedding fat! 😀
I've read several reviews concerning the machine hardware breaking down within several months of purchase. How is your machine holding up after 2 years?
I have the same concern.... haha 4 years later
Thanks so very much for this review. Very impressive! Much appreciated!
Can you share how you made your desk set up? It's brilliant
Thank you for your interesting informative review. I ordered an M5 today.
how is the bowflex m5 now that you have had it for a while ? basically i ma asking about the durability ..
Great review! Can't wait to get one! Thanks!
great honest review - thank you. I am buying this machine!
Makes me want one for Christmas I'll be showing my wife a present for both
Thank you for the review. It is very helpful. My knees are like yours for sure. Can't run very much as well and dont get the same benefits from a elliptical.
Loud machine. Good review. Still debating about getting it. I know there r two versiers of this machine. And the price is from what I looked at 1509 to 2500 depending on the modle. I have no problem spending this kind of money, like u my body dose not want to corporate with me. Not so much my knees. As is my lower back and hips. It's really tough to say if this is right for me. I'd need a 30 to 90 day trial to ensure this will not hurt me. I own an elliptical, it hurts my back and hips. Not giving me what I need.sucks cause it's new and rarely used such a wast of money. Like I said goid review marry Christmas happy new year to u and your family