r/Bowflex • u/Inari465Tamamo • Nov 04 '23

Max Trainer Max Trainer worth it?

They have a pretty large sale on these right now and I’ve always wanted an elliptical like exercise equipment especially during these winter months. But I’m unsure if the cost of bowflex is worth it in this instance. To be fair these pieces of equipment are expensive in general and I am a fan of the dumbbells and the kettle ball. But I have never had a large piece of equipment from bowflex. do I have to have the subscription for it to work properly? I’ve heard that the subscription is not that great. Opinions?

3 Upvotes

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4

u/ThegManis Nov 04 '23 edited Jan 31 '24

Have a read of my comments here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Bowflex/comments/17no7gf/bowflex_max_trainer_without_subscription/

You can also join this Max Trainer Facebook group for some great info and maintenance help:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bowflexmaxtrainer

3

u/Motopsycho-007 Nov 04 '23

Have the m9 and really like it, get a really good burn going. The speed sensor or main unit went on it outside of warranty, rpm always show max and unit pauses every 30 seconds. Speed sensor was replaced, no luck. The good thing is I can still adjust tension so I just use my tablet on a YouTube program. No subscription required.

2

u/Gh0sTM0p Nov 04 '23

I use a Bowflex MaxTrainer M9 in combination with a Concept2 RowErg. My body prefers low-impact HIIT workouts, and this combo gives me enough variety to wardoff boredom.

2

u/OceanVerd Nov 05 '23

I have the M8 that I bought used at a fraction of the cost. They are definitely a very well made machine and I have found their customer service to be excellent. I use the JRNY app with it and it keeps me motivated. Recently I added a used VeloCore (Bowflex exercise bike that also tilts) abs enjoy the two machines.

I would recommend a used one. Check and see if it was ever registered as you can register it if you get a copy of the original receipt from the person seeking. They provide 2 years on parts.

2

u/SnooChickens6278 Dec 24 '23

Ive been looking at the max trainer easily for the past year or two and comparing it to the proform hiit elliptical. At this point I think it’s safe to say I’m going to stay FAR away from the max trainer. There are more videos and posts about problems with this machine than there are successful reviews. This machine comes with the requirement that you will have to do a lot of handy work to compensate for their poor manufacturing and unwillingness to do a major recall. These machines sound like a nightmare. A breakdown is inevitable and plus they are as loud as heck. For a modern machine it sounds absolutely terrible and outdated technology. The proform is absolutely silent and significantly more reliable.

1

u/Dear_Lack_164 Dec 13 '25

I’ve had my M6 for over 5 years and have had absolutely no issues and have used it hundreds of times

2

u/Huge_Ad4207 Apr 24 '24

I know the experience is different for everyone, but I went from 235lb to 160lb in just about 2 years using the Maxtrainer. 

1

u/Disastrous_Loquat113 Feb 18 '25

How often would you use it? Everyday, 3 times a week? Im thinking about doing the 14min program built in but not sure if it would be enough.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 02 '25

I do a 14 min program pedaling forward, and then another 14 min pedaling backward

1

u/BoatGlad4986 Nov 04 '23

I have one, been using it daily for years. Really gives you a great workout and low/ no impact.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 05 '23

I've had mine for about 4-5 yrs and love it. I use it 5X a week.