Bowflex M3 Max Trainer Review – Pros and Cons of the Bowflex Max M3

Thinking about the Bowflex M3 Max Trainer? The M3 is the most affordable model in the Max Trainer series, priced at under $ 1000.

The other model is the M5, which is the premium version of this staggering hybrid elliptical trainer. The M5 costs around $ 500 more than the M3. This leads many people to wonder what the difference is between them, and if the M3 is really a good buy.

With that in mind, here is a review of the pros and cons of the Bowflex Max M3 to help you decide:

The # 1 Most Affordable, High Calorie Fitness Equipment on the Market

The M3 costs less than $ 1000, making it one of the most affordable Bowflex machines on the market (treadclimbers start at $ 2300 +). This in itself is a great advantage.

You can burn up to 2.5 times more calories than a treadmill, elliptical, or staircase with this machine. That means you lose weight faster.

According to the manufacturer, the Max is also designed so that you can get this high calorie burning effect even if you only exercise 14 minutes a day. So it’s great if you’re too busy to spend hours working on a treadmill.

# 2 Work the upper body and activate more muscles

According to the manufacturer, in the lab, the Max engaged more core and upper body muscles even than the elliptical trainer.

That not only explains the higher calorie-burning effects, but it also helps you tone your upper body, unlike a treadmill or stair climber.

# 3 low impact means less joint pain

The Max trainer was built to be very low impact, combining the action of climbing stairs with the upper body arms of an elliptical.

So if you have joint pain, leg pain, or even back pain, this could be the right machine to help you avoid it, while still doing your workouts.

# 4 M3 Max Trainer training keeps you burning calories For hours After your workout

Bowflex built the M3 and M5 models to include the specialized 14-minute high intensity workout. This workout has been designed to challenge your body with short bursts of activity followed by longer periods of rest.

This type of exercise has been shown to boost your metabolism for up to 24 hours after your workout. So you will burn more calories even at rest after your workouts on the M3.

# 5 Save space in your home

The M3 Max trainer takes up less space than most treadmills or even ellipticals. It measures 2.5 x 3.5 feet.

So if you don’t want or have room for a lot of bulky gear, the Max M3 is a great option.

So those are the pros, what about the cons?

Well the M3 is a “simpler” version of the M5 Max trainer. So you don’t get some of the luxury extras:

# 1 no backlit console

The M3 doesn’t come with the backlit console that you get with the M5. This may or may not matter to you.

But if lighting is limited in your training area, you may want to go for the M5 model to see your workout stats (or just buy a small flashlight).

# 2 Less resistance levels

The M3 has less resistance levels than the M5: 8 vs 16. So if you are in top physical condition, you may want the added challenge of the M5 trainer instead of the M3.

But for new athletes, they will probably be fine with 8 resistance levels.

# 3 Less built-in workouts

The M3 has a manual and the special Bowflex 14-minute interval program, but that’s about it.

The M5 has several other workouts built in like calorie target, fat burning, stairs, steady state, and fitness test. Again, this may or may not matter to you depending on your training style.

# 4 No handheld heart rate sensors

The Bowfex M3 Max Trainer comes with a wireless heart rate monitoring system, but there is no hand sensor option. The M5 has both the wireless sensor and the handheld sensor.

So what is the end result?

The Bowflex Max M3 is a simpler version of the premium M5 Max Trainer. Both offer the same calorie-burning, upper-body toning, high-intensity training, and compact design benefits.

So all the basics are covered so you can get in a high calorie burning workout.

The main differences are in the premium “extras” that many people like, such as the extra resistance levels, the backlit console, and the workout programs. So it really depends on you and what you prefer.

But if you’re looking to get faster results in less time during your workouts, the M3 might be the best machine for you!

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