MaxPro SmartConnect Home Gym Review
MaxPro
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The MaxPro SmartConnect is a compact home gym that stacks a variety of effective exercises into a backpack-sized unit. Its size is both a benefit and drawback—it’s compact enough to fit in small spaces and pack in a suitcase, but the size limits the amount of exercises you can perform while using it. Our MaxPro review will dive into the pros and cons of this all-in-one portable system, including whether or not fitness experts think it’s ultimately worth the splurge in 2024.
MaxPro At A Glance
- What we like about MaxPro: Lightweight system under 10 pounds, multiple resistance settings (5 to 300 pounds), USB-chargeable, packs an entire gym into a backpack-sized unit
- What we don’t like about MaxPro: Minimal resistance for eccentric portion of lifts, high price point, important accessories (like a foldable bench) sold separately
- Dimensions: 19.1 inches long x 5.8 inches wide x 15.8 inches high
- Weight: 10 pounds
- App: Bluetooth compatible with MaxPro Performance and Coaching app, which offers trainer-led fitness classes, custom-built workouts, challenges and real-time performance feedback
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty
- Best for: Small spaces, people on the go, travelers
- Price: $1,099
What Is MaxPro SmartConnect Home Gym?
MaxPro’s SmartConnect is a smart home gym system that can fold up to fit into a backpack. The MaxPro fitness brand, which was initially funded by Shark Tank, was started in 2019 as a portable cable machine system that could fill a much-needed gap in the home gym industry. This space-saving solution combines numerous cable machines that you’d find in a regular gym into one portable gym unit that weighs just 10 pounds. It can be used for a variety of workouts such as strength training, high-intensity interval training and resistance training. If you want to follow trainer-led fitness classes or take on challenges, you can also use MaxPro SmartConnect with the free MaxPro Performance and Coaching app, which doesn’t require a paid subscription.
As an on-the-go, all-in-one portable cable machine designed to replace a gym membership or keep your home gym free of bulky fitness equipment, MaxPro SmartConnect is a great product for small spaces, people on the go and travelers. It’s also good for beginners looking to learn proper form. The unit currently comes in two color options—raw metal or sport orange—and has a wide resistance range of five to 300 pounds. MaxPro SmartConnect operates as a compact functional trainer that you can use anytime, anywhere.
Benefits of MaxPro SmartConnect Home Gym
MaxPro
For the customer with a small workout space or the busy person on the go, a portable home gym like MaxPro SmartConnect blends functionality and versatility for a unique full-body workout.
“A full-functioning cable machine that allows you to push through some seriously complicated movements like lat pulldowns, cable crossovers and heavy squats was a pipe dream before,” explains professional fitness competitor and online personal trainer Julie Lohre. “With the MaxPro system, you have an advanced cable workout machine that you can literally take with you anywhere. It allows you to seamlessly move between exercises with a few minor adjustments.”
“Cable systems provide a natural, flowing movement that gives you a greater range of motion than you would get with dumbbells or barbells,” Lohre says.
With its weight resistance range of 5 to 300 pounds, MaxPro SmartConnect is suitable for all fitness levels and can tackle a variety of fitness goals, like improving stability, building muscular strength or increasing flexibility.
Since this system is designed to be used for concentric training, or the portion of a lift where you contract your muscle (i.e. bringing your arms up during a bicep curl), this offers a handful of benefits on its own. Some literature suggests that concentric training is more effective for strength gain, and since eccentric training may cause more muscle damage, concentric lifts are thought to create less muscle soreness. This can be a pro or a con that we’ll dive into soon.
How Much Does MaxPro SmartConnect Home Gym Cost?
The MaxPro SmartConnect portable cable machine costs $1,099, but you can often scoop it up on sale for under $1,000. This purchase comes with a bundle of gym equipment and accessories that include one MaxPro SmartConnect, two workout handles, one USB charger, two door brackets and a door mount kit, one Quick Connect long bar, two ankle and wrist straps and access to the free MaxPro app. There’s also a premium version of the app that costs $19.99 per month and includes more advanced features and a bigger collection of workout routines.
How to Use MaxPro SmartConnect Home Gym
MaxPro SmartConnect Home Gym is relatively simple to use, and beginners should have no problem learning how to use the cable system, especially with the help of guided classes on the MAXPRO app. To use the MaxPro, you’ll simply unfold the unit onto the floor. Depending on what type of movement you plan to do, you can move and position the MaxPro as needed.
It comes with two foot rests for your feet (using your body as gravity to keep the unit in place), or can be mounted onto a door or wall. If you have the MaxPro folding bench, this unit can slide into the back of the machine for smooth and seamless movements. On each side of the unit are resistance knobs, and the MaxPro app is powered by Bluetooth. Inside the MaxPro unit are electronics and sensors that communicate with the app and track your workout data.
Working Out with MaxPro SmartConnect Home Gym
MaxPro
While you can find a handful of portable home gym systems on the market for a much lower cost (such as TRX), what makes MaxPro SmartConnect unique and ultimately worth the splurge for many are two important features: its smart technology and its 300 pounds of resistance. The portable cable machine can be used for numerous workouts, including stretching, cardio, HIIT, strength training and more. You can make the experience immersive by following a guided class on the MaxPro app, or work out on your own terms (and, conveniently, wherever you want).
Overall, the MaxPro offers a smooth workout that rivals that of full-sized cable machines, but many buyers say the unit needs a little breaking in—about one month of use before you get the full smooth effect. (MaxPro even notes this in its user guide.) Still, MaxPro movements will feel much more seamless and challenging than exercising with resistance bands, for example, thanks to the high resistance range. As a concentric resistance training machine, it’s important to be mindful that this resistance range is only applicable to concentric parts of lifts; for eccentric parts, you’ll get maybe five to 10 pounds of resistance at most. Many lifters prefer movements that include both concentric and eccentric resistance, but this is ultimately a personal choice.
While MaxPro SmartConnect is a versatile piece of equipment that blends many exercises into one compact machine, some movements are tough to do with this unit, if not impossible. Since you don’t have much wiggle room for foot placement (you’ll stand on a platform with designated areas for both feet), exercises that require a wider stance, like a sumo deadlift or wide-stance squat, don’t work well with this system. You also can’t use the unit with other weightlifting benches—the MAXPRO is only compatible with the MAXPRO foldable bench, so you won’t have much flexibility with mixing and matching equipment from other brands.
What Customers Say About MaxPro Home Gym
The MaxPro SmartConnect home gym has a high rating of 4.76/5 stars on the manufacturer website at the time of writing. Customer reviews are mostly positive, with many buyers praising its convenience. “I love that this compact system is sitting right next to my home office desk so that anytime I have a couple minutes, I can jump on it and do a few reps,” writes a buyer named Rachel. “It’s versatile as well, so I can hit all muscle groups.” Another buyer, Frank, enjoys the ease of use. “I like how I can transition from one exercise to another so quickly,” he says. “Setup is way faster than free weights.”
There are a few common complaints that many customers share. The cables “don’t pull evenly,” says a customer named Edgardo, who also notes that one cable side tends to “jerk.” A second buyer, Matthew, echoes this problem. “I tend to experience a bit of a ‘catch’ on one side of the machine during heavier resistance,” he writes. “It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s not smooth resistance and can be uncomfortable.”
MaxPro Home Gym Construction and Durability
Despite its small size, MaxPro SmartConnect is a mighty unit with a durable build and feel. The base of the unit is made out of aerospace-grade aluminum, and it folds and unfolds easily without any hiccups. As with any cable machine, however, Lohre suggests keeping a few safety tips in mind. “Cable systems require excellent form and proper technique,” she says. “If you are not careful, the cables themselves can get in your way. I recommend starting slowly and working your way up to the type of advanced exercises this machine shines at.”
MaxPro SmartConnect Home Gym Pros:
- Weighs 10 pounds and can fit in a backpack
- Wide resistance range of five to 300 pounds
- Connects to free MAXPRO app and classes
- Combines multiple machines into one unit
- Can also be mounted to a door or wall
MaxPro SmartConnect Home Gym Cons:
- Limited one-year warranty
- Expensive price point
- Important accessories sold separately
- Minimal resistance for eccentric portion of lifts
Who MaxPro SmartConnect Home Gym Is Best For
MaxPro
MaxPro Smart Connect can be an attractive purchase for home gym enthusiasts with limited space; after all, if you have a small home gym, every square foot of space matters. Since the cable machines that this unit packs into one system are bulky and can easily fill an entire room and then some, anyone looking for a space-saving solution that combines strength, cardio and resistance training can benefit from owning a MaxPro. It’s also a great option for beginners looking to learn proper form and exercise variations, thanks to the guided classes offered on the MaxPro app, but is equally challenging for more advanced individuals. People on the go or who travel often will also love the light weight and small size of this system.
Who MaxPro SmartConnect Home Gym Will Not Work For
As with any fitness equipment, the MaxPro isn’t for everyone. If you have limited mobility, back pain or trouble standing, the standing and bending nature of MaxPro workouts may be aggravating to existing pain or injuries. If you’re a very advanced lifter, you may also find that the 300-pound resistance cap isn’t enough for heavier movements. Of course, those looking for a machine or system that supports both concentric and eccentric resistance won’t find that on the concentric-focused MaxPro; however, some people may actually prefer this feature.
Sample MaxPro Workout Routine
While you can put together numerous workouts with a MaxPro home gym, here are two sample workout plans Lohre recommends for this portable cable machine.
Upper Body Workout
Complete three to four sets with 8 to 10 reps of each of the following movements:
- Suspension push-ups
- Overhead shoulder press
- Lat pulldowns
- Bicep curls
- Tricep pressdowns
“These movements engage most of the upper body from chest and pectoral muscles, biceps, triceps, deltoids, latissimus dorsi and trapezius,” Lohre says, “as well as core for stability.”
Lower Body Workout
Complete three to four sets with 10 to 12 reps of each of the following movements:
- Suitcase squats
- Romanian deadlifts
- Low cable glute kickbacks
- Weighted reverse lunges
- Core rotations
“These movements target the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal muscles and abdominal muscles,” Lohre explains. “This workout plan will help build lean muscle and strengthen bones while improving balance and coordination.”
MaxPro Home Gym Accessories
The MaxPro starter pack costs $1,099, but many important accessories are sold separately. While they’re not essential to your workout, we recommend investing in them to get the most out of your MaxPro. You can also purchase an Elite Bundle that includes everything in the starter pack plus all additional accessories for $1,884. Otherwise, these accessories can be bought individually or in smaller combo packs. The SlimLine Wall Track, for example, is $325 and lets you attach your portable cable machine to the wall for greater range of motion. The foldable MaxPro bench, which costs $225, is extremely useful for upper body workouts like bench presses and rows. While these costs can quickly add up, you’re still paying a fraction of the price when compared to buying individual cable machines that give you the same effect.
MaxPro Performance and Coaching App
MaxPro
MaxPro’s smart technology rests exclusively on the MaxPro Performance and Coaching app, which you can use for free or upgrade to a paid version with elevated features. The app includes trainer-led fitness classes (which can be helpful for learning form and what exercises you can do with the system), advanced metrics tracking and challenges that you can take on. The app connects to the unit via Bluetooth and transmits information via sensors inside of it.
Assembly and Installation
Luckily, MaxPro SmartConnect doesn’t require any assembly and arrives ready to use. The only installation you’ll need to do is to install a door or wall mount, both of which are optional and aren’t required to use the system. For that, you’ll need a power drill and a tape measure.
Warranty and Customer Service
For the higher price tag, MaxPro comes with a rather lacking limited one-year warranty that’s low by industry standards. This warranty doesn’t include any coverage for cables or normal wear and tear, and you’ll need to reach out to the MaxPro Fitness Support team via phone or email to activate your warranty. In the event that you need to return your MaxPro, you’ll be responsible for return shipping charges and any damage or loss that occurs during shipment.
MaxPro vs. Tonal
Tonal is arguably the most popular smart home gym system on the market, but while this system also uses cable pulleys, it’s an entirely different concept than MaxPro. Unlike MaxPro portability, Tonal permanently mounts to your wall (like a mirror) and features a touchscreen on which you can access a wide variety of fitness programs and classes. Tonal programming also goes beyond what MaxPro offers to include yoga, golf, Pilates, boxing and more. Still, for the elevated fitness experience, you’ll pay nearly four times the price ($3,995, not counting Smart Accessories or a Tonal membership) and you’ll lose the option to transport your machine.
Related Post: Tonal Review: Is the Tonal Smart Home Gym Worth the Hype and Money?
MaxPro vs. Future
Future is a unique fitness app that pairs with your Apple Watch to let you exercise virtually with a Future personal trainer. Together, you’ll work on a custom workout plan to meet your fitness goals. While MaxPro’s app lets you take personal trainer-led classes and develop custom workout options, you don’t get the one-on-one experience that you will with Future, since Future lets you select a qualified trainer from a pool of candidates. Future is also an app-only program and doesn’t come with any equipment or accessories, which you’ll need to buy on your own.
Related Post: Future Fitness App Review: A Personal Trainer at Your Fingertips
MaxPro vs. TRX Suspension Trainer
TRX is a portable suspension training system that, like MAXPRO, is compact and small enough to fit into a backpack. However, TRX can be used only for suspension and resistance training, and doesn’t offer nearly the same level of capabilities that MaxPro does. (MaxPro has a wide resistance range of up to 300 pounds, plus a compatible app with guided classes.) One benefit that TRX offers, however, is a significantly lower price point of $229.95. It’s also much smaller (yes, you can get even smaller than MaxPro) and can be hooked over a door without the need for a door mount or power tools; this can be a better option for those who rent their home.
Related Post: TRX Bands Review: Our Take on the Home Suspension Trainer
MaxPro SmartConnect Home Gym FAQs
Can you build muscle with the MaxPro Home Gym?
Exercising with a MaxPro home gym is a great way to build muscle. Research shows that resistance training is the best exercise you can do for muscle growth, especially when you exercise with high loads of resistance.
Can you use the MaxPro Home Gym without a subscription?
A subscription isn’t necessary to use the MaxPro home gym. It can be used on your own or alongside the free MaxPro training app. The app comes with a paid premium version, but this is an optional choice that nets you more advanced features and more fitness class options.
What exercises can you do with the MaxPro Home Gym?
There are dozens of exercises that you can do with the MaxPro home gym. These include, but aren’t limited to: rotating torso twists, chest flys, deadlifts, bent over rows, tricep extensions, straight arm pulls and squats.
The Takeaway: Is the MaxPro Home Gym Right for You?
If you have a small home gym, love to travel or find yourself frequently on the go, investing in a high-quality portable home gym system like MaxPro SmartConnect can be a great way to save on space and stay active on vacations or business trips. Weighing just 10 pounds and small enough to fit into a backpack, MaxPro offers both convenience and versatility, while keeping workouts challenging with up to 300 pounds of resistance.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
