Is the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 Elliptical Right for You in 2024?
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The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 stands out among ellipticals, thanks to its focus on challenge and resistance. While most ellipticals are designed to provide a low-intensity, smooth experience, the M6 is built for intensity, sweat and results.
Standard gym ellipticals use long, smooth strides, but the M6 has a vertical movement pattern, similar to a stair stepper. That movement pattern recruits more muscles, targeting your glutes, hips, thighs and calves. The moving handles even allows your upper body to get a workout in at the same time.
The M6 is designed to work with the Bowflex JRNY app, allowing you to follow along with your favorite classes as long as you maintain an active subscription after your one-year free trial ends. Some users have reported the initial app setup can be a little bit challenging, but once you’re set-up, you’re good to go.
And due to the vertical movement pattern, this elliptical takes up significantly less space, which means it’s a great choice for those with limited space. At $1,499, this isn’t the cheapest elliptical of 2024, but it’s packed with features.
Who the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is best for
- Those who want a low impact workout
- Those who want a high-intensity cardio workout on an elliptical
- Those with a mid-range budget for home gym equipment
- Those who want a Bluetooth compatible elliptical
- Those who want an elliptical with a built-in heart rate monitor
Who the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 will not work for
- Those who want a built-in monitor for workouts and entertainment
- Those who want a budget elliptical
- Those who want a simple assembly process
How to use the Bowflex Max Trainer M6
The M6 works like most other ellipticals—the user steps onto the machine, and moves their feet forward in a roughly oval stride. If you’ve ever used an elliptical before, you’ll know that it’s fixed on a track, so there really isn’t any worry about improper use or incorrect form.
However, while it does work with the JRNY app, users report that setting up the app can be a bit difficult in the beginning. You can receive a free trial membership, but it takes up to an hour to activate your account; in other words, don’t wait until you’re ready to work out to create your profile.
What we love about the Bowflex Max Trainer M6
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Calorie burn
While all ellipticals can provide a good cardio workout, the M6 really shines because it’s more challenging to use, thanks to it’s vertical movement pattern that engages more of the muscles in your lower body. You’ll get a much more difficult workout and significantly increase your calorie expenditure.
The up-and-down movement can engage more of your leg muscles and provide a great challenge, compared to ellipticals with a more horizontal movement path.
As an added bonus, this exercise machine features a unique burn rate display, which estimates how many calories you’re burning in real-time. Because every user has a different build, genetics and exercise history, these caloric estimates are often inaccurate on any machine, but it’s a nice metric to track. It allows you to easily set calorie targets for various phases of the workout, giving you visual motivation to increase your output as the workout unfolds.
JRNY app
The Max Trainer M6 is designed to integrate with Bowflex’s JRNY app, a subscription-based app that allows you to take on-demand workout classes designed for your machine. Your user account will track your progress and make recommendations over time for $19.99/month. If you’d prefer to pass on the monthly fee, you can also use the machine without a subscription.
One thing we don’t love: The M6 doesn’t have a built-in screen to follow your workouts, so you’ll need to watch them on your phone or tablet.
If you don’t feel like taking a class, the JRNY app can also help you explore around the world with instructor-led videos through real-world destinations. Additionally, you can log in to your streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ or HBO to watch a show while you sweat or listen to JRNY radio stations. You’ll be able to enjoy a show on your phone or tablet with your workout metrics displayed discreetly at the bottom of your screen.
Low-impact workouts
Some people develop ankle, knee and hip pain from high-impact exercises like running on concrete or asphalt, and an elliptical provides a low-impact alternative. Because your hands and feet never lose contact with the machine, there’s no force of impact and less stress on your joints.
Our Experience Using the Bowflex Max Trainer M6
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According to our tester, the elliptical is an easy but time-consuming assembly. She tackled the task alone in about an hour and a half, although Boxflex recommends you have an extra pair of hands for assembly. The equipment is shipped in two boxes, and all required tools are provided by Boxflex.
Once assembled, the machine has a solid feel. Floor stabilizers were effective in preventing rocking after small adjustments, she says. As far as comfort and ergonomics, our tester says the large, textured pedals help keep your foot secure, however, they lack cushioning and are not adjustable. The handlebars are more ergonomic, with a nice, soft grip. The elliptical’s odometer feature was one of our tester’s favorite aspects of the Max Trainer. The read-out lets you know if you need to back off or pump it up while you’re working out.
All in all, in our tester’s opinion—someone on the team who has extensively tested ellipticals—the Max Trainer runs a little pricier considering it doesn’t have a smart monitor. Having said that, the workout is “killer” (in a good way).
Bowflex Max Trainer M6 Specs
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Price
This machine costs $1,499, making it a mid-range option in the world of ellipticals which can range from $300–$2,500.You’ll need to pay an extra $169 for in-home assembly, and if you want to take advantage of the JRNY app, you’ll pay an extra $19/month after your yearlong free trial ends. You can assemble it yourself, though users reported the setup could take over an hour if you’re following instructions and doing it yourself.
Technical features
The Max Trainer features a magnetic media rack to hold your smartphone or tablet while you work out, so you don’t have to worry about your phone slipping and falling. You can also plug your phone directly into the USB-A charging port if your battery is running low.
If you want to use an external heart rate monitor, like a chest strap, you can connect it to your Bowflex M6 via Bluetooth for a more accurate calorie burn display. The Max Trainer features built-in heart rate sensors in the hand grips, but the accuracy isn’t always perfect.
This elliptical offers 16 levels of resistance, allowing both beginners and experienced users to enjoy a challenging workout. All the while an LCD display shows your workout stats in real-time.
Bowflex M6 dimensions
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6’s full dimensions are compact: 46-inches in length x 26-inches in width x 64.2-inches in height. Ellipticals commonly found in gyms can be nearly twice as long, so this one can save you some space thanks to its more vertical movement path.
It weighs 148 pounds after assembly, though it includes transport rollers, making it somewhat easier to move around the house if needed. It has a maximum user weight of 300 pounds.
Assembly
You'll need to assemble the Bowflex M6. While not too difficult to assemble, some users report the initial set-up can take two to three hours, depending on your experience with tools and whether or not you have assistance. Be prepared, and don’t expect to be able to use this within minutes of opening.
Warranty and return policy
The M6 Max includes a two-year warranty on parts an 90-day labor warranty.
The pros of the Bowflex Max Trainer M6
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Compact: This elliptical machine is small enough to fit in nearly any home or office gym. Because it allows you to train your lower body and upper body together, you don’t need multiple pieces of fitness equipment to get a complete workout.
Intensity: Most ellipticals aren’t very challenging, so it can be difficult to increase the intensity for experienced users. The M6 is challenging for users of all levels, though if you’re a beginner, you can certainly keep the resistance low and ease your way into things.
Many users say that the M6’s vertical movement, similar to a stair climber, is a refreshing challenge, as many ellipticals feature a more horizontal path.
Smart features: In addition to pairing with the JRNY app (Android and iOS compatible), the M6 can store two user profiles, allowing multiple people to track their progress over time. We also love the burn rate feature, magnetic rack for your smartphone or tablet and Bluetooth capabilities.
The cons of the Bowflex Max Trainer M6
Inaccurate heart rate: While the handlebars allow you to monitor your heart rate in real-time with the contact grips, many users report that the readings are inaccurate. To be fair, this is a problem with many contact grip heart rate sensors, not just the Bowflex machines. Users can remedy it by wearing their own Bluetooth heart rate monitor.
Subscription: You don’t need the JRNY app to use the machine, but it certainly enhances the experience for a monthly fee.
How the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 stacks up against other products
Peloton vs Bowflex Max Trainer M6
The Peloton is one of the most popular home workout devices on the market, and while both the Peloton and Bowflex Max Trainer M6 are premium options, they suit different needs.
Peloton provides a traditional spin-class experience from the comfort of your home. You can choose from thousands of recorded workout programs, or even join a live class, where you can interact with other users and receive feedback from instructors. The M6’s JRNY app allows you to follow pre-recorded workout programs as well, but they aren’t live interactions with a trainer.
Because you’re seated on a spin bike, the Peloton really only works on your lower body. The M6 has handles which engage your upper body, providing more of a full-body workout than the Peloton.
The Max Trainer costs $1,499, while Peloton starts at $1,195 for the base model, and $1,420 if you want to get the weights and spin shoes.
If you're interested in the Peloton exercise bike, check out our in-depth Peloton bike review!
Nordictrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical vs Bowflex Max Trainer M6
Both ellipticals offer a smooth ride, and allow you to follow along with recorded classes. However, the Nordictrack includes a built-in touchscreen display, allowing you to follow the workouts directly on your screen. With Bowflex, you’d need to use your phone or tablet to follow along.
The Nordictrack includes a few other premium features, like auto-adjusting resistance to match your trainer’s instructions. Nordictrack has more bells and whistles, but at $1,799, you’re paying an extra $300 for those features.
Bowflex Max Trainer M6 FAQs
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Does the Bowflex Max Trainer work your abs?
While the Bowflex Max Trainer mostly works your lower half (glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves), it does require you to engage your core for stabilization. It doesn't target your abs, but you will need to use your abs to stay upright.
Is the Bowflex Max Trainer good for seniors?
The Bowflex Max Trainer can work for seniors, especially those with joint pain, since ellipticals provide low-impact exercise. The M6 model has more vertical rotation than standard ellipticals, so it may be too intense for those with heart issues or those new to elliptical machines.
Related Post: The Best Exercise Bikes for Seniors to Help Improve Health and Maintain Mobility
Is the Bowflex M6 hard on knees?
No. Ellipticals like the Bowflex M6 provide a much lower impact workout for your joints than a treadmill. Still, it's important to maintain good form—make sure your knees aren't bend over the tips of your toes, and always stop if you notice any knee pain.
Is the Bowflex M6 worth it?
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is a great option for anyone seeking a high-intensity, full-body workout. It doesn’t have all the premium add-ons some competitors feature, but it’s one of the only ellipticals that functions more like a stair stepper, with vertical movement.
However, if you want a built-in display that can play your video workouts, you may want to spend a little extra and choose a different option.
If you enjoy a challenge, want the high-intensity workouts this machine can provide and don’t mind using your phone or tablet to follow along with JRNY workouts, this is a good option to add a challenging cardio workout to your home gym.
Related Post: Best Bowflex Home Gyms
Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.
