Bowflex Max Total Review: Complete Cardio in Your Garage
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In today’s world we are driven to being connected and to having the ability to watch and interact with our devices much more than ever before in the history of the world.
Bowflex has brought this all together in the Bowflex Max Total which has the ability to provide on screen movies from your streaming accounts to virtual coaching sessions with the JRNY subscription.
Now more than ever you should expect more from your fitness devices and the team at Bowflex has a home run with this piece of technology!
The Bowflex Max Total has an attitude of being “the boss” of hardcore workouts!
Here’s a rundown of what we’ll provide in this Bowflex Max Total review:
- First we’ll share the features and benefits that you’ll find useful
- Next, we’ll take a look at the drawbacks you might need to know about
- Then, we’ll tell you a bit about the Bowflex company
- And finally we’ll provide a sampling of actual customer and Independent reviews to give you better insight into the product.
Sound good? Let’s get started!
Features and Benefits of the Bowflex Max Total
- Compatible with Bowflex JRNY™ – FREE 2-month subscription!
- Celebrate Milestones – Real-time feedback, tracking, and rewards.
- Streaming Shows – Access your personal Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu accounts while you workout.
- Friendly Virtual Coaching – Max guides you through workouts that evolve with you as your fitness improves.
- Individualized Workouts – Max meets you with custom workouts that adjust time and intensity as you improve.
- Connected – Bluetooth® enabled for smart devices and heart rate monitors.
- Workout Variety – Pre-programmed and individualized workouts.
- Save Time – Explore quick, energizing workouts ranging from 4 to 30 minutes.
- Low Impact 2-in-1 – Blends the motions of an elliptical and a stepper into one unique workout.
Special Features (Pros) of the Bowflex Max Total
Controls Are Easy To Use Even for Taller People – There is many people who say that at 6′ ad over finding a machine fit them is difficult and that this is a perfect match where they can easily use the controls while using the device without leaning.
Simple To Assemble – It isn’t the fastest assembly but if you take time to watch their assembly video and separate out the parts prior everyone has said it could be built without much issue. Additionally Bowflex provides a service to install if you don’t want to do this!!!
Intelligence Feature – Many people have said that this is a perfect match as it help evaluate the workout and make suggestions for the next workout. This will help you move more and get better benefits from your workouts!
Drawbacks (Cons) for the Bowflex Max Total
Connectivity Issues With Phone to Device – There was an overwhelming feeling from people on the comments that Android and iPhone equally seemed to have connectivity issues, some resolved by firmware upgrades.
Belts Can Fray Along Edges – Over reading the reviews from people and other sites there is a chance of the belts running along the side getting frayed over the time of use. Though there is a three year warranty specifically to help quell this.
Video: Bowflex Max Total
About the Bowflex Company
Bowflex started in the 1980s and they were more focused on making home workout equipment that wasn’t just like gym gear. They started developing an innovative way to bring gym-quality results into the home.
As it turns out, people really liked that idea. No gym membership, no waiting for equipment, no judgment. Just you, a goal, and a convenient solution sitting in the next room that guaranteed results.
Bowflex Max Total Reviews
Looking at the features and benefits is great, but taking a look at what real-and-actual customers have to say about a product offers a deeper dive of insight.
Here we’ve curated reviews that reflect the Bowflex Max Total, providing feedback from product users and reviewers on independent review sites as well as online from real users.
Independent Reviews and Recommendations for the Bowflex Max Total
For those who need a low-impact, seriously calorie burning workout, the Bowflex Max Total is going to be a great option.
Not only can you train your cardiovascular system, but you can train your upper body as well.
This machine is also ideal for those who love to be entertained in different ways while they workout as you have access to video streaming apps, pre-made music playlist, virtual trainers, world explorations, and real time fitness rewards.
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It not only gives you the main benefit of Max Training (higher calorie burn and total body training in minimum time) but it also gives you a more immersive, enjoyable training experience.
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Though it’s at the top end of the price spectrum for home fitness equipment, the more we dug into the Bowflex Max Total the more we found that we appreciate about its design and construction. Bowflex is getting smart in terms of what features the market wants
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What Online Customers Have to Say About the Bowflex Max Total
Want to get a better sense of what others are saying about the Bowflex Max Total? Here’s a quick take from a few reviews I was able to find to save you some time.
My Dad purchased this for himself to lose weight per doctors advice. He had difficulty using this machine but I think it was motivational not any other reason, I have taken this to my house where after having 3kids, being 32years old, I need the workout and strength training this has provided me.
I have always been in good shape but getting older has made it very difficult to keep up on. This machine has greatly helped. I lost 70lbs in 8months, not working as often as I should, but as much as possible w/3small kids and a house to take care of, at most, I was able to fit in 15mins, 2-3x a week. Definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to better themselves.
Check out reviews here.
With Max Total it takes only 14-21 min and I get the same results. If I try hard I could burn > 200 calories but I prefer to stay in this range at least for now.
I really like its intelligence feature. Every time it recommends a new/harder interval with option to make it easier or harder. I always go buy the recommended one. It is kind of challenging and also fun. Some days I use it in the morning and other time I use it after work.
But I prefer to use it after work as I have lots of time to relax. Max Total is very easy to use and comes with workout videos, which I find it very encouraging as they are interactive.
Check out reviews here.
I was looking for a cardio machine that gave me a great workout with max calorie burn and a low impact on joints. This is exactly what i was looking for.
I can get a great workout and good sweat in only 30 minutes. The best part is my knees and especially my Achilles feels great the next day. Using it at least 5 times a week for the past 4 weeks and can already see the weight loss – 5 pounds.
All that with not following an aggressive diet – just watching portions. I was unsure if this would really work and at this point I’m completely satisfied as its a good fit for what i need at 45.
Check out reviews here.
I have had my Bowflex max total for 3 weeks now and absolutely love it. I use it 3 to 4 times a week following the custom workout plan. Regular ellipticals I’ve used in the past feel almost unnatural in the way your body moves on them but the max total feels incredibly natural.
It’s very comfortable on my joints and provides me with a fantastic full body workout that gets my heart rate up! I’ve really been having a lot of fun using it! I highly recommend investing in this equipment!
Check out reviews here.
Final Thoughts on the Bowflex Max Total
I love Bowflex as a company as everything I have bought has lasted, I have never had to fight over warranty issues and things like the SelectTech 552 have lasted me 9 years which more than pays for itself.
So then is Bowflex Max Total worth it? Most definitely as the hardware and software along with a year long subscription to JRNY make it a perfect tool for someone looking to get a good workout in. This and the small and compact size make it a perfect device for any home or apartment.
I would suggest that having a good elliptical or treadmill at home is vital in a time that has shown that access to gyms is at best incredibly questionable. This means prepping your home to allow you to continue making progress even with a ongoing pandemic.
