Bowflex Max Trainer M6 Review – High Performance Stepper and Elliptical Combo

The Bowflex “elliptical stair climber combo” is the most popular exercise machine that Bowflex currently makes. Hopefully this Bowflex Max Trainer M6 review will help you determine if this compact home gym machine is right for you.

Personally, I don’t have room for one more piece of workout equipment to give a more thorough review. Therefore, I’m going to research this product best I can, using my experience in the field to point out the highs and lows of this popular home gym exercise machine, the Bowflex M6.

Bowflex Max Trainer M6 Review

This trainer is made by NAUTILUS home gym equipment which means it’s not only well made but also comes with strong customer support and warranty.

If you are aware of the previous Bowflex MAX Trainer M5, this became a worldwide bestseller in the segment of steppers. The Bowflex M6 and the Bowflex MAX trainer m7 are built on the same platform but has improved some features.

What Makes Bowflex MAX Trainer M6 Better Than Other Steppers?

The Bowflex MAX Trainer M6 is a combination of a stepper and an elliptical machine, optimized for indoor exercise. One of the best advantages of the MAX Trainer technology is that it is specifically designed to bring the best performance to you with a low impact on joints and tendons.

The pedals and bars are located in a natural manner, easing the friction between your joints and urging you to retain an erect posture, eliminating the damage to your knees and back, which you would usually cause on a standard stepper.

Combined with the very advanced MAX Intelligence Platform App (JRNY), this Bowflex home gym gives a challenging workout. When you install the app, the AI instructor will assess you with a simple fitness test. This later allows you to get personalized workouts for free.

It uses artificial intelligence to monitor and analyze every workout to predict what you need and make suggestions for the next challenge. The M6 Trainer comes with a free 2-month trial of the membership to the JRNY digital fitness coaching platform.

Bowflex MAX Trainer M6 Specifications

Number of workout programs	5 programs including manual settings
Resistance levels	16 levels
Maximum user weight	300lbs
Warranty	2-years frame and parts

16 Different Resistance Levels

The levels are progressively harder with each level and are very easy to switch with a single click.

Burn Rate Monitor

There is a burn rate monitor with a very cool look, resembling a tachometer much like an old-school one. It gives you an idea of how many calories you have burned so far in a workout. It can also give you a lifetime rate of how many calories you’ve burned in total since you bought the M6.

Intelligence Software Built into the App Is Very High Tech

You can download the app for free on a tablet or smartphone and you get full access to the MAX Intelligence advanced software. It includes 29 instructional videos and software that is tailored to your every need via a personalization mechanism.

The M6 offers a wide variety of pre-programmed workouts that you can easily select through the screen. You get a very smooth motion of all the moving parts in this machine.

The application would automatically remember your statistics for each of your workouts and allow you to monitor your rate of improvement.

You also get to share your personal goals with the app, and details like how much time you have for each workout are taken into consideration each time you step on the M6. Share the amount of time you are willing to commit each day, and the machine will devise a great workout plan for you.

Aside from that, the app will give you praise or push you harder when needed.

Bowflex M6 Dimensions

Despite its functionality, this workout machine is quite compact due to the steep angle of the pedal ramps. It can easily fit in most spaces, even in a small home gym or garage gym.

• Length: 124.5 cm (4 feet)
• Width: 77.5 cm (2.5 feet)
• Height: 166.4 cm (5.4 feet)

The Bowflex M6 weighs only 148 lbs and can be used by people weighing up to 300 lbs.

Benefits

Very Comfortable Foot Pedals

Both large and wide grip foot pedals that can be comfortable for many different foot sizes.

Stair Stepper and Elliptical Combined

While conventional steppers focus on hitting your legs, the best elliptical machines can give you a full-body workout also moving your arms. With the M6, you get both at the same time, since you can choose whether to use the handlebars or the dual touch sensors or neither.

Long Multi-Grip Handlebars

The versatile handlebars allow you to adjust your position and grab as high as your shoulders, or as low as your waist.

Dual Touch Sensors

The dual touch sensors are located right next to the console that can hold your phone, keys or other belongings. The dual touch sensors serve the purpose to measure your pulse and overall cardio performance. These are quite comfortable and large enough for a large person.

Large Console

An ample console is located between the dual touch sensors and is wide enough for you to place a water bottle and a smartphone together with other small belongings like a textbook. There is also a media deck that can hold a tablet for using the Bowflex MAX trainer app.

2-year Warranty

Bowflex offers a 2-year warranty plan for your parts and a 90 days labor included warranty. You can also purchase an add-on 3 year Bowflex warranty or a 5 year, relatively for $150,00 or $180,00.

Bowflex MAX Trainer M6 Training Programs

The standard programs that are included in the machine’s software can all be adjusted according to your needs. You can add more time to them, and you can also decrease time. The interval of increase or decrease is 3 minutes and 45 seconds.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Can be used by heavier customers up to 300 lbs.
• Very light and compact.
• The machine can be used without a Bowflex subscription.
• There is a 2 month trial for the MAX Intelligence App personal trainer.
• Low Impact on Joints and tendons, and High performance for muscles.
• The Bowflex 2 year warranty. (You can pay to extend it to 3 or 5 years)

Cons

• The full potential of the MAX Intelligence software costs $15 per month
• This Machine may be too expensive for some home gyms

Bowflex MAX Trainer M6 Reviews

The Bowflex MAX M6 gets tons of great reviews. At the time of this article, their website had around 700 Bowflex MAX Trainer reviews with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. Click on the review below to see others like it.

Alternate Bowflex Elliptical Trainer and Stepper Combos

Bowflex offers other products like the Bowflex MAX Total and the MAX Trainer M9, which both serve similar purposes. These Bowflex Trainer options are more expensive. However, they may be a better choice for individuals wanting a higher level of intensity.

Both exercise machines are roughly the same compact size (The MAX Total is smaller). So if you’ve already made the calculations, all of them would most likely fit your garage or room.

The biggest difference between the three versions is that the M9 and the Bowflex MAX Total come with a built-in touchscreen, whereas the M6 is equipped with a back-lit console.

Bowflex MAX Trainer M9

The Bowflex M9 version of the trainer comes with 20 resistance levels, compared to the 16 of the M6. It relies on the same technology but comes at a slightly increased price. Much like the Bowflex MAX Trainer M6, the M9 is also equipped with a system that can pair with most devices via Bluetooth to further enhance the training experience. In regards to Bowflex M6 vs Bowflex M9, you simply get more but spend more.

Bowflex M9 Dimensions:

• Length: 49.2″ (145 cm)
• Width: 30.5″ (89 cm)
• Height: 65.1″ (165 cm)

In the package, there is an Armband that serves the purpose to monitor your heart rate, as well as a free training mat. The programs included in the software also feature some HIIT exercises (High-Intensity Interval Training).

The M9 also comes with a free 2-month trial of the membership to the JRNY digital fitness coaching platform.

Bowflex MAX Total

The Bowflex MAX Total version is the flagship of Bowflex when you are talking about the steppers segment. This advanced machine also allows you to simultaneously train the upper muscles of your body with power training. It comes with 8 standard workout programs with 20 resistance levels.

It comes with a 3-year warranty as a standard option for the frame and parts and guarantees you free labor on the first 90 days if something needs fixing, which isn’t very likely.

The Bowflex MAX Total gives you real-time feedback and pushes you harder or rewards you depending on your behavior and results. It can also be paired with Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu, in order for you to watch videos, movies or tutorials during training. The built-in touch screen requires Wi-Fi connectivity.

Bowflex Total Max Dimensions:

• Length: 49.2″ (124 cm)
• Width: 30.5″ (77 cm)
• Height: 65.1″ (166 cm)

The MAX Total, like the other two options, also comes with a free 2-month trial of the membership to the JRNY digital fitness coaching platform.

Bowflex M6 FAQ’s

What Is the Bowflex JRNY App?

The Bowflex JRNY is a mobile app that usually goes hand in hand with the cardio machines produced by Bowflex, like the M6, M8, M9, and Max Total. This premium Bowflex app includes personalized coaching videos, tutorials, and workouts that allow you to track your progress.

Typically, the Bowflex Cardio products unlock the premium version of the app for a couple of months, and later you would need to pay around $15.00 to continue your membership if you’d like.

Does the Bowflex Trainer M6 Require Assembly?

Yes, the Bowflex M6, M9, or Max Total trainers all require assembly. You can do that on your own or request a technician to do that for you. This would cost anywhere between $150 and $300.

However, there are plenty of getting started videos available on Bowflex’s Website, to guide you step by step on how to assemble your chosen trainer.

What Is the Bowflex M6 Weight Limit?

Both the M6, M9 and the Bowflex Max Total cardio machines have a limit of 300 lbs for the person that uses them.

Does the Bowflex M6 Need Electricity

Yes, the Bowflex M6 is not a manual elliptical and runs on electricity. You would need to connect it to power with the AC Adapter it comes along with. The M6 and M8 come with a back-lit console and the M9 and the MAX Total offer a built-in touch screen. This all requires power as well.

Bowflex MAX Trainer M6 Review Wrap Up

The Bowflex MAX M6 is an all-in-one piece of home gym equipment. It can provide a full-body workout while combining both cardio and strength building. At the same time, you will be getting the best low-impact exercise routine that is easier on your frame.

Bowflex Trainer M6 comes with16 resistance levels for a challenge, and 5 different types of workout programs to choose from. The large display keeps track of your vitals and each workout being compatible with Bowflex fitness apps to track progress.

Because this unit stands in an upright position, the Bowflex M6 is a fairly compact home gym machine with a 300lb weight capacity and comes with a 2-year warranty.

If you have any questions or comments about the Bowflex M6 MAX Trainer, please leave them below and I will respond.