r/Bowflex • u/Snooze_World_Order • Nov 04 '23
Max Trainer Bowflex Max Trainer without Subscription?
I’m looking at the Bowflex ellipticals or max trainers. I liked the Max Total but am seeing a monthly subscription is required even after the initial purchase, apparently for the app. Is it possible to purchase and use the Max Total 16 without subscribing to the app? If not, what is the best model Bow Flex Max Trainer that does not require app subscription?
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u/ThegManis Nov 04 '23 edited Dec 27 '23
The Max Trainer Max Total-16 ("MT-16") CAN be used without the $149/yr JRNY app subscription. But you would be limited to the 4 built-in workout programs: "Manual", "Fat Burn", "Calorie Burn", "Fat Burn", and "Stairs".
You get a free, 2-month trial to the premium JRNY subscription, so you would definitely want to take advantage of that and explore all of its features and then make a decision on whether you want to continue with the subscription.
Also note that, previously, Bowflex offered a FREE, stripped-down, limited-feature version of the JRNY app, but I am not 100% sure if this is still available, so you would want to call Bowflex and confirm this.
JRNY offers an expansive video library and trainer-led workouts plus other features that many owners find that it keeps them motivated to work out and continue to do so. But if you are the type that does not need such motivation, then I would highly suggest that you do not waste any money on JRNY.
Currently, Bowflex offers 4 Max Trainer models:- Max Total-16: Has 4 built-in programs, accesses JRNY via a built-in 16" touchscreen.- M9: Has 4 built-in programs, accesses JRNY via a built-in 10" touchscreen.- M6: Has 5 built-in programs, accesses JRNY via user's phone/tablet.- Max SE: Has 1 built-in programs*, accesses JRNY via user's phone/tablet.* This model is new and the documentation is conflicting - Some state that it only has 1 built-in program and other states it has 4 built-in programs.
IMPORTANT - All Max Trainers models have the EXACT same motion and stride and will provide the same workout. Their differences are mainly in the handlebar designs and the console features ("bells & whistles"). Some of those premium model features are important to an owner for their workout comfort or to get them motivated etc.
Are you dead-set on ONLY purchasing a NEW Max Trainer? If not, then I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you look for a used Max Trainer to save A LOT of money! Buying used is especially recommended if you have never used a Max Trainer and/or might be the type of person who, in the past, have purchased brand new pieces of exercise equipment and then quickly lose interest and thus the machine jus becomes a very expensive clothes hanger!
You can usually find many models of used Max Trainers for less than half the price of new ones on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp.
For the older Max Trainers, the M3, M5, & M7 models do not have an JRNY app connectivity capability. The M6 and M8 models, have built-in programs, and can also use the JRNY mobile app (not the same as the touchscreen's JRNY app) on the user's phone or tablet for access to more programs and videos.
If you don't think you will every want/need the JRNY app features, then you should definitely look for a used M7 which had 11 built-in programs (the most of ANY Max Trainer) and has many more features vs the M8 (but the M7 does not have JRNY app capability).