Everyone is busy, and for those individuals who want to get in shape but don’t have the time to go to a professional gym, a home trainer is a great option. Ellipticals allow low-impact exercise that eliminates undue strain on joints. A home trainer is superior to a treadmill as they often have an upper body attachment that creates a workout similar to cross-country skiing. Machines like the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 allow users to get a great workout in a minimal amount of time.For this review, we’ve subjected the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 to a variety of tests. We’ve assessed this machine in terms of its durability, construction, aesthetic elements, workout potential, results delivered, and price. We know that space in primary living areas is always limited, therefore, the overall size of any piece of exercise equipment will always be a big determining factor, too. Our conclusion is that if you’re in the market for a home trainer, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 provides the perfect combination of durability and effectiveness while also being compact and affordable.

What Is the Bowflex Max Trainer M5?

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is an elliptical training machine featuring multiple-position hand grips. The machine allows you to engage your arms, legs, and core in a full-body workout. The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 boasts a 14-minute max interval workout that will help you achieve your fitness goals quickly and efficiently. There is also an attractive, easy-to-read display featuring speed, time, and other information critical to monitoring the intensity and duration of every workout you tackle.

Product Specs

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is much more compact than other trainers in its class. It measures at 46.1” x 25” on the floor with an overall height of 62.9”. The minimum ceiling height for this trainer is the user height plus 15”. The assembled product weight is 143 pounds, and this includes integrated transport rollers to make the machine easy to maneuver around your home if needed. The maximum user weight for this trainer is 300 pounds.

Pricing

It is possible to purchase the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 for around $1,600. The unit is available from online retailers such as Amazon and the Bowflex web page. The trainer is also available at select local retailers of sporting and fitness equipment.

How It Compares

To fully and fairly test out the Bowflex Max Trainer M5, we compared it to several other trainers in its class. For comparison, we selected the Bowflex Max Trainer M7, the Nautilus E618, and the SOLE Fitness SC300 Hybrid Stepper/Elliptical Machine. These machines are all ellipticals that feature hand bars for activating the upper body and core to create a full-body workout. The machines featured a wide variety of design and engineering features which differed in terms of performance.

[amazon box=”B07BBRKZ43,B01DMFMDOA,B077ZB3VCX,B07D96F4LV” template=”table”]

Bowflex Max Trainer M5

[amazon box=”B07BBRKZ43″ template= “horizontal”]

Price 

$$

(Approximate): $1,600

Ease of Use

The blue back-lit display is easy on the eyes, and the numbers are large enough to read even during an exceptionally difficult workout. The machine itself has virtually zero impact on joints and is great at activating all the muscle groups the user wishes to target.

Assembly Time

Some listings indicate a four-hour assembly time is required, but for us, that was not the case. The machine arrives virtually complete, with minimal steps remaining, and we could follow the included instruction manual with no difficulty.

Design Quality

As we expect from Bowflex, the M5 trainer is a well-designed and well-engineered product. From its ease of assembly to the proven ability to withstand prolonged use, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 can keep pace with any trainer on the market. Also, to our eyes, it was the most attractive elliptical we tested.

Warranty

Again, keeping with the standard set by Bowflex, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 comes with a solid 2-year warranty.

Pros

• Low-impact, high-intensity workout
• Attractive and durable machine
• Great warranty

Cons

• Significant investment, though not out of the range of competitor pricing
• Shorter users might have difficulty reaching arm grips

Bowflex Max Trainer M7

[amazon box=”B01DMFMDOA” template= “horizontal”]

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is a similar machine to the Bowflex Max Trainer M5. It measures 49″ x 30.5″ on the floor and is 65.5” high. Just 15” plus the user height is the required ceiling space, and maximum user weight is 300 pounds. The M7 is essentially one level up from the M5 in the Bowflex line of elliptical trainers. Like the M5, the M7 features hand bars that can activate the full body in an intense and efficient home workout. The display system on the M7 is an oversized, high-contrast, dual back-lit LCD/LED screen that gives an abundance of readings that enable you to monitor your workout effectively.

Price

$$$

(Approximate): $2,200

The unit is available online through the Bowflex web page and at select sport and fitness retailers.

Ease of Use

The M7 is a more deluxe model than the Bowflex Max Trainer M5, and as a result in this case, it’s not as easy to use. The digital display offers an almost overwhelming flow of information, and we found we were referencing the manual continually to get everything we could from this machine. The display is nice, but we preferred the setup and display flow on the M5 machine.

Assembly Time

Added size and features resulted in an increase of assembly time when compared to the Bowflex Max Trainer M5. Like the M5, however, the unit has a good design, and it comes with a clear and easy-to-follow instruction manual.

Design Quality

We didn’t find the M7 to be as attractive overall as the Bowflex Max Trainer M5, and this is a consideration because this unit is likely to occupy a prominent space in your home. This trainer is certainly stable, solid, and well equipped to handle long-term, heavy usage. The additional readout features will be attractive to many users.

Warranty

The M7 is even better than the M5 in this category, offering a 3-year warranty.

Pros

• Deluxe model offers plenty of additional features
• Durable, sturdy design
• Great warranty

Cons

• Bigger than the M5
• More expensive

Nautilus E618 Elliptical

[amazon box=”B077ZB3VCX” template= “horizontal”]

Like the models from Bowflex we tested, the Nautilus E618 Elliptical is an elliptical machine with armbars and grips capable of activating muscle groups in the full body. The machine measures 50” in length by x 21.5” wide with a height of 33.5”. The maximum rated user weight is 350 pounds. The required ceiling height for this unit is the tallest user’s height plus 21 inches. The unit comes with an LCD display, but we found the readouts to be too small for our liking. We found the elliptical action to be acceptable, but overall, this unit felt less stable to us than the Bowflex units we tested.

Price

$

(Approximate): $1,300

The Nautilus E618 unit is available through Amazon and other online retailers and at local stores that sell sport and fitness equipment.

Ease of Use

The machine requires a greater ceiling clearance because it puts the user higher above the floor. The result was that we didn’t feel as stable as we did on either of the Bowflex machines. Also, the display had a lot of information but we found it difficult to read.

Assembly Time

This machine lacks the superior engineering found on the Bowflex models for quick and efficient assembly. The included manual was unclear and frustrating for our reviewers.

Design Quality

The Nautilus takes up significantly more floor space than the Bowflex Max Trainer M5, and yet it still doesn’t seem as stable. The overall elliptical action of the trainer was effective, but we felt the overall aesthetic of the machine was lacking, too.

Warranty

Nautilus offers a 15-year warranty on the frame, a 5-year warranty on the electronics, and a 2-year warranty on the labor. This is a great, fully comprehensive warranty.

Pros

• Great warranty
• Good overall elliptical action
• Low price

Cons

• Machine felt unstable compared to others tested
• Hard to read the display
• Overall, not as attractive a design as competitors’ elliptical trainers

SOLE Fitness SC300 Hybrid Stepper/Elliptical Machine

[amazon box=”B07D96F4LV” template= “horizontal”]

The SOLE Fitness SC300 Hybrid Stepper/Elliptical Machine is a trainer that offers 20 levels of incline to adjust the steepness of the workout. This trainer is 18” x 56” and stands 60” tall, with a 350-pound maximum user weight. The machine features a large digital display that seems more suited to a treadmill than an elliptical and wasn’t to our liking. There are also two static handles mounted somewhat awkwardly in front of the display with thumb toggle controls on the top.

Price

$

(Approximate): $1,300

This trainer is available on Amazon or from the manufacturer and select local retailers of sport and fitness equipment.

Ease of Use

This machine had the least appealing and useful display of all the machines we tested, and we didn’t like the static handles with the thumb toggle controls. Also, the incline feature on this elliptical seemed unnecessary and didn’t measurably improve the difficulty of our workout.

Assembly Time

This machine took us the longest to assemble of all the units we tested. We would recommend paying the additional fee for professional installation on this unit.

Design Quality

The unit is narrow and top-heavy, making it the least stable of all the elliptical trainers we tested. We didn’t like the hand grips as we don’t feel they provided much variety in hand positions.

Warranty

The SOLE Fitness SC300 Hybrid Stepper/Elliptical Machine features a great warranty. There is a lifetime guarantee on the frame a five-year guarantee on the electronics, a five-year guarantee on the parts, and you receive two years of labor coverage as well

Pros

• Great warranty
• Incline feature 

Cons

• Difficult to assemble
• Unit feels unstable
• Hand grips provide limited variation

Conclusion

A good elliptical trainer should allow the user to achieve a tremendous, full-body, low-impact workout in the comfort of his or her own home. Multi-grip handles attached to the trainer allow the user to activate the core, upper and lower body to achieve a tremendous workout in a minimal amount of time. Trainers typically take up less space than a home gym and engage users aerobically. A good control display can help motivate the user to get the most out of every workout.The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is a compact, stable unit with an effective and smooth elliptical motion. We liked the variety of the hand grips, and the 14-minute interval workout is as efficient a full-body workout as we’ve encountered. The control and display panels on this unit were very intuitive and easy to read. Also, the price point on the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 was very competitive and represents good value for money spent.

Three Other Worthy Competitors for Best Trainer in this Class

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is slightly larger and considerably more expensive than the Bowflex Max Trainer M5. The M7 offers additional features to the M5, but with the additional features comes an additional level of complexity. The design, engineering, and durability of this unit were up to the Bowflex standard, but we preferred the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 for affordability and ease of use.The Nautilus E618 Elliptical had effective elliptical action, but the overall design of the machine meant that it had to occupy a greater amount of floor space. Even though the Nautilus E618 Elliptical is longer than either of the Bowflex models we tested, it requires the user to operate at a higher position. The result was that the machine did not feel stable. The display was too small for our liking, and the machine required a greater ceiling height than the others tested.The SOLE Fitness SC300 Hybrid Stepper/Elliptical Machine had an incline feature we didn’t like and featured a display that reminded us of an “off-brand” digital watch more than typical, high-quality trainer displays. The lack of a variety of grip positions on the hand grips didn’t impress us, and we weren’t fans of the static bars in front of the display screen with the thumb toggle controls. Overall, this was our least favorite of the trainers we tested.The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 represented the best combination of features, quality, and competitive pricing among the trainers we tested. We loved the compact nature of this trainer, and the included workout programs were as effective in activating full body muscle groups as anything we tested. The control panel was easy to operate, and the display contained easy-to-read, relevant information. The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 also looks good and will make a great centerpiece in any home fitness area.

Final Verdict for the Bowflex M5

The post Bowflex Max Trainer M5: Honest and Complete Review appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

There are many machines designed to help you get in shape with a short daily workout. Very few of these machines are as efficient as the Bowflex HVT. This advanced pulley system stands out from other similar machines due to its versatility and built-in workout programs.

What Is The Bowflex HVT?

You should know that HVT stands for Hybrid Velocity Training. This is a home gym machine that helps you work on cardio and strength at the same time. The machine comes with all the resources you need to get the most out of this advanced pulley station.

The workouts don’t last more than 20 minutes. This is a machine made for people who want to get in shape in spite of their busy schedule. The short workouts are intensive, but they target all your muscle groups while improving your resistance.

You will see a difference very quickly thanks to the intensive workout programs. If you want to invest in a home gym machine and are looking for something that delivers results, this is the right machine for you.

The Boxflex HVT features three sets of pulleys. There is a total of six hand grips that you can pull at different angles an in different positions. You can adjust the resistance of the pulley system to get different results.

A low resistance setting allows you to perform short jabbing movements with a set of pulleys to develop your speed and cardio. A high resistance setting will improve strength and help you build muscle mass. The workout programs are about alternating different movements, positions, and resistance levels to get optimal results.

The machine features a central console you can use to choose a workout mode. There is a sprint mode that will help you build power and speed, a circuit mood for developing your strength, form, and your range of motion, and a builder mode for strength and endurance training. The console shows your progression through each workout session.

You can go further with the Bowflex app. You can install this app on a tablet or Smartphone and use the tablet holder built into the console.

The app features more than 50 exercises. You can watch videos where trainers show you how to perform these exercises. You can combine these exercises to create personalized workouts. There is a knob under the console to help you adjust the resistance of the pulley system as you progress through your personalized workouts.

The Bowflex app is free, and you can create a huge number of workout routines with these 50 exercises. The app will help make your workouts more interesting and is also a useful tool for meeting your fitness goals if the built-in workout modes aren’t a good match for what you want to accomplish.

This home gym machine is interesting because of its versatility. There are three sets of pulleys. You will find a set at ground level, a set at shoulder level, and a set directly above your head. You can pull on the hand grips to perform many different movements and activate different muscle groups.

The machine uses a fan to create resistance. This is a simple but efficient way to deliver different levels of resistance. A study of the HVT machine has shown that this workout system activates muscles five times more than a traditional strength training workout.

The machine measures 63.6×46” and is 83” high. You will need some clearance around the machine to work out safely. The machine takes up some space, but this is the only piece of equipment you need to work on strength and cardio.

What Is Unique About The Bowflex HVT?

Most pulley machines have one or two sets of pulley handles. Adjusting the angle of the pulley cable or using different position to work on different muscle groups isn’t new, but a machine with three sets of pulley handles stands out.

The six handle grips make the machine more versatile than any other pulley systems. You can perform a wide range of exercises and use the pulley system to work on strength, endurance, speed, form, and muscle mass.

We like the built-in workout modes and the free Bowflex app. It seems that home gym machines either lack digital features or overuse them. Bowflex has figured out how to get the most out of digital features without overwhelming the user.

Being able to choose between three workout modes will help you get started. These three workout modes will probably become your go-to workouts when you don’t have time to explore the app and pick the exercises that match your goals.

The app opens up multiple possibilities. It will show you all the exercises you can perform with the machine, and you can use this resource to create customized workouts to keep things interesting and achieve your fitness goals.

You can easily combine the Bowflex workouts with other exercises that don’t rely on pulleys. If your goal is to develop muscle mass, you could combine your pulley workout with weights or wear a weighted vest during your Bowflex workout.

In the end, the HVT machine stands out because you can get a full body workout and develop your cardio in twenty minutes a day. The machine is adapted to a wide range of fitness levels and is the only piece of home gym equipment you need if you enjoy working out with pulleys.

Pricing

You can get the Bowflex HVT for $1799. The app is available for free and doesn’t require a subscription.

The machine is an investment, but it is very durable and replaces other home gym machines.

What Do Bowflex HVT Reviews Say About The Product?

The Bowflex website has compiled reviews from 100 shoppers. The rating of the machine is 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Google Shopping has combined these reviews with the reviews written by shoppers who purchased the machine from the Canadian version of the Bowflex website, which sells the same product. The rating is still 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We found a handful of reviews on Amazon. Only one Amazon shopper had a bad experience with the HVT machine due to faulty parts, and it looks like customer service sent the parts needed to fix the machine.

People love the results they are getting with this machine. They say the machine is fun to use and think it is easy to commit to working out for twenty minutes a day. Many reviews recommend this home gym machine to those who have a busy schedule.

Advanced athletes use the machine as a supplement to other workout routines. They find that the HVT is a great way to work on cardio and overall strength.

A lot of reviews talk about using the machine to lose weight. People are amazed by how quickly they reach their goal. A lot of users also talk about getting defined muscles with this machine and about gaining muscle mass.

People love the built-in workout programs and the Bowflex apps. The machine looks intimidating at first, and some shoppers say they weren’t sure where to start.

The built-in workout programs make these high-intensity workouts accessible to everyone. The app is an amazing tool for those who want to go further and build customized workout plans.

A lot of people say this machine is a great alternative to going to the gym since they can get results with workouts that last between 18 and 25 minutes.

We found a few neutral and negative reviews for the machine. A shopper received an HVT machine with damaged platform joints, and another person ran into a problem with a broken mount. Another shopper thought the quality of the plastic of the wheel didn’t match the price of the machine.

It is possible that these shoppers received faulty units and it looks like customer service took care of these problems by sending spare parts. We don’t think running into quality issues is likely given the large number of shoppers who had a positive experience.

How Does The Bowflex HVT Compare To Other Home Gym Machines?

We didn’t find any other home gym machines that use a similar pulley system. We compared the Bowflex HVT with machines that deliver a full body workout.

Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym

Compared to the HVT, the PR1000 machine is a budget option with its $500 price tag. This machine is an interesting alternative if you aren’t ready to commit to a more expensive machine.

This is a pulley machine that lets you adjust the power rods to change the resistance of the pulleys. There is only one set of hand grips so you won’t get the same range of movements and exercises as with the HVT. The performance of the machine is worth mentioning since you can get up to 210 pounds of resistance.

The machine also features a bench you can use to lift weights. The bench also works as a rowing machine, which is a great way to work on your legs, core muscles, chest, shoulders, and arms.

You can do more than 25 exercises with this machine. This isn’t nearly as many as you can do with the HVT, but you can easily combine these 25 exercises to create personalized workout routines.

You can fold the machine to save space. The downside of the machine is that there are no digital features. There is a phone and tablet holder you can use to watch shows when working out, but there are no built-in workout programs. You will have to manually adjust the resistance of the pulley system.

Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym

This $100 home gym machine features a double pulley system and a leg developer system. There are up to 210 pounds of resistance, and the machine will help you develop your strength and cardio with more than 50 different exercises.

We like this machine because it comes with different attachments you can use to grip the pulley system in different ways. There is a sturdy frame and this machine represents an excellent investment if you are looking for an advanced pulley system.

The double pulley system doesn’t allow for the same range of exercises you can perform with the HVT, but the leg developer system makes the PR3000 home gym an interesting option if you want to build leg strength.

The downside of this machine is that you will find all the different exercises in a printed manual. An app with videos would have been preferable since printed material can’t show you how to keep good form when working out.

Marcy Multifunction Steel Home Gym

We think this machine is a great pulley system if you are shopping on a budget. It also features a press arm you can use to do vertical butterflies and chest presses.

The double pulley system allows you to perform exercises such as pull-ups, pulley rows, and more. It isn’t as versatile as the other pulley systems we have looked at, but the combination of this simple pulley system with the chest arm is interesting if you want to build strength.

There is a leg developer feature to help you develop your leg muscles and a bicep pad. You can use the bicep pad with dumbbells to build up muscle mass.

The machine isn’t ideal if you want to work on your cardio since there is only one set of pulley handles, but this is a good choice if your goal is to develop strength and muscle mass. The machine is a good value at $400 and has received great reviews.

What We Think

The Bowflex HVT is one of the most advanced pulley systems we have ever seen. The range of exercises you can perform with this machine is impressive.

We like the built-in workout programs and think they are suitable for a wide range of fitness goals. The Bowflex app will help you get more out of your HVT machine by providing you with everything you need to create personalized workouts.

The price of the machine is the main drawback. However, the HVT machine is an excellent buy if you are ready to commit and work out every day.

In the end, the HVT machine is one of the best pieces of home gym equipment if you want to work out with pulley systems. Very few machines will help you build up strength and resistance like the HVT.

The post Bowflex Hvt Reviews: Workout Station appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.