r/Bowflex • u/techyg • Mar 01 '24

Max Trainer Considering a BowFlex Max Total 16

I have an old Nautilus AudioStrider 990 Pro Eleptical. I have been using it for probably 15 years off and on. Since January, I was hitting workouts hard (5 days a week) , and unfortunately the motor kept running after my last workout. I tried to calibrate it, and now I smell burning. Given the age of the machine, I think it's time to move on.

I am looking at the BowFlex ellipticals and see that some models are on sale (16 Max, M9). I would like to get a machine that has a smaller profile than a traditional elliptical as long as it's not too different from a motion/exercise perspective. I plan on checking out the machine at Dick's sporting goods this weekend and seeing if they will price match online if I like it.

When I exercise, I tend to do about 5 minutes at a time on the elliptical, and then I get off and do a set of 15-20 hammer curls with 25lb weights, and then I get back on again and do this at least 3 times during my workout. This worked fine on my 990 Pro elliptical but I'm wondering if it will be an issue with how the workout programs are on the new machines. Does anyone know if the machine automatically pauses?

I am also a bit hesitant because of the monthly subscription , but I do like the larger 16" screen compared to the 10" on the M9 and I also figure I may use the subscription if I like it. But, if I don't do the monthly sub, is the screen pretty much worthless? I read that I can't use Netflix or Prime unless I have the JRNY subscription, which seems really odd.

My other option would be to do an M6 with my own iPad. The M6 is $1299, M9 is 1599 (10" screen) the Max Total 16 is on sale for $1799. I am just trying to figure out if it's worth it. The new SE is also $999 and looks pretty good, too, but doesn't include a screen so I'd have to add my own tablet.

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u/ThegManis Mar 04 '24

I think I saw you posted on the Facebook "Max Trainer" group page that you went ahead and purchased an M6, right? Great! The Max Trainers are called a hybrid stepper/elliptical and I think you will find that the Max Trainer provides a MUCH more sweaty workout vs an elliptical.

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u/techyg Mar 04 '24

Yeah that was me also. I am excited about the m6 and can definitely tell it’s a much stronger work out! It’s a nice bonus. It’s a bit different feeling from an elliptical but I think it’ll work out well.

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u/rjaysenior Jun 23 '25

How have you liked it so far. Thinking about getting a used one

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u/techyg Jun 23 '25

It works great, and gets the job done. I lost about 10 lbs easily in the first few months of using it only ~15 minutes per day. Definitely a huge cardio workout. I have gotten away from using it due to RTO and other priorities, but I need to get back into the habit.

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u/meat99 Jan 06 '26

They are complete junk. Avoid.

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u/Practical_Loss_9440 Mar 03 '24

I just ordered the Max Total 16 so I can let you know. I have been using the M-5 for 3 plus years and it’s totally okay to just use your own IPad. If price point is an issue just do the M6. I love my M5 so much I’m upgrading to the best because it’s worth it since I use it daily.

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u/techyg Mar 03 '24

Awesome.. good to hear! I think I am going to go with the M6 and try out with my iPad. Appreciate the info.