In your quest to improve your body’s insulin sensitivity, exercise is paramount, and using the right equipment is critical to long term success, here we take a closer look at the popular Bowflex Max Trainer M5.
QUICK UPDATE 11/16: In the National Diabetes Month 2018, November, Bowflex has released an updated version of the M5 model, the new model is called M6, and has much to offer. Next week we will update the information here to reflect the new model and the new offerings from Bowflex. Stay tuned, and don’t miss out on Bowflex Black Friday deals coming next week.
If you are trying to get in shape, whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, or both, you know how dreadfully awful it can be. It can seem impossible at times, but your problem might have a pretty simple solution- the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 Review. This machine is crazy popular, so I figured it was time to try it out for myself, my full review is below.
Top Features/ Specs Reviewed
- Weight: 143 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 300 lbs.
- Warranty: 2 years
- 8 Workout Programs
A common reason people hit a wall with their fitness goals is because they do the same workout every day, so their body gets used to it and is no longer being challenged. However, the Bowflex M5 has 8 unique preset workout programs, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs on a given day and also vary your workout. The workout programs included are: Max Interval, Smart Max Interval, Calorie Burn, Fat Burn, Calorie Goal, Stairs, Steady State, and Fitness Test. Or you can use manual mode and workout however you want. - Syncs with Free Max Trainer® App
When you buy the Bowflex Max Trainer M5, it’s a good idea to download the totally free Max Trainer app. It is available on Android and iOS devices and is a very powerful tool. From the app, you can customize fitness goals and track your progress. You can also stream video from professional trainers and even get one on one training as a trial. After the trial you have to pay for content from the professional trainers, but you can always set and track your goals with the app so it is always useful. - Digital Display
The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 also features an easy to read backlit display, so you can see your stats in real time. The display shows things like how long you’ve been working out, how many calories you’ve burned, your heart rate, and the intensity of your workout. This can help you stay motivated to meet your goals since you can see your progress. - Heart Rate Monitors
Working out is all about getting your heart pumping and your heart rate up. With two ways to track your heart rate, this machine makes it super easy to keep an eye on your heart rate to meet goals and monitor your safety. The M5 has heart rate monitors built into the grips on the handles, which I like because you’re probably already using the handles anyway. It also comes with a chest strap that can monitor your heart rate, this can be good if you don’t plan on using the handles much.
Bowflex Max Trainer M5 – First Impressions
When I first got my Bowflex Max Trainer M5 I was excited to use it, not so much to assemble it. Still, I unboxed it right away and got to work. What seemed at first to be a daunting task wasn’t really that bad with the easy to follow instructions that are included with the machine. The whole thing ended being a lot more compact than I thought, so I was glad because I was worried about storage, it is just over 2 feet wide,25”, and under 4 feet long, so it doesn’t take up too much space. Once it was all set up I plugged it in and decided to give it a go.
I played around with all the workout programs and finally settled on the Max Interval workout, which is just 14 minutes long, and by the time I was done I was sweating bullets. I didn’t expect the workout to be so intense, but that’s the whole point, so I was very pleased. Over the next few weeks I tried out the various workout programs, but when I’m in a hurry, the Max Interval workout is always my favorite. I love the digital display because I love seeing exactly how many calories I’m burning. Watching the number tick up is such a good motivator for me, it just makes me want to keep going.
Needless to say, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 made a very positive first impression on me, and others; here and here, but it takes more than first impressions to see actual results, keep reading for my final verdict.
Max M5 Pros
- Bluetooth 4.0 compatible
- The water bottle holder can double as a media shelf for your phone or tablet
- Creates a full body burn
- 16 resistance levels
- You can see exactly how many calories you have burned
- Easy to userrsrsrsrs
- The padding on the grips makes it comfortable while using
- Burns 2.5 times more calories
Trainer Downsides
- It’s an investment, not something most people can afford to buy on a whim
- You must have somewhere to store it
- You must assemble it; or you can purchase professional in-home assembly
Bowflex Max Trainer M5 – Final Verdict
In the end, this machine gets two big thumbs up from me. After using the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 for a few months, I have seen definitive results. I haven’t met my long term fitness goals, but I have met countless short term goals and continue to do so. The hardest part of losing weight with this machine is just sticking to your routine. It’s a whole lot easier to watch TV than it is to work out, but if you actually stay motivated and use the machine regularly, and maintain a healthy diet, you will see results.
I won’t lie and say the Bowflex makes exercising as fun as eating ice cream, but it does make it easy to track your progress, which is perfect for goal oriented people like myself. For those reasons, I highly recommend the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 for people who are serious about getting into shape.
Further reading:
If you’re serious about your health, it is more than worth the initial cost of the machine, which can scare people off at first. However, you’re really investing in your future, which is hard to put a price on. Feed-back is appreciated.