Bowflex Max Trainer M6Bowflex Max Trainer M6

Web Price: $1,999 | Sale Price: $1,599

Replacing the popular M5, this half elliptical and half stepper offers a low impact way to lose weight and target different muscle groups. Great for smaller spaces and those who have limited time to work out.

Overall Rating From Elliptical Review Guru: 4 / 5.0

Capacity:
Resistance:
300 lbs
16
Stride Length:
FootPrint:
NA
46″ L x 25″ W x 65″ H

Overview: The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is the new base model in the elliptical/stepper series, popular for its compact size and 14 minute interval workout that can help you burn more calories per minute than you can on a traditional treadmill or elliptical.

The M6 replaces the M5, and adds the new JRNY app, a subscription based program that gives you access to customized workouts, tracking and sharing capability and other motivational tools to keep you focused on your fitness goals.

Here are some of the highlights of our review…

Increased Resistance Levels/Workout Variety

The M6 gives you a lot more variety than the previous base M3 Max Trainer, including twice as many resistance levels (16 vs 8) and 9 different built-in workouts as opposed to just 2.

So there is a lot to choose from besides the Max 14 Minute Interval program, which is the only choice on the M3 besides Manual Mode.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The M6 only gives you one choice for monitoring your heart rate, the standard contact grips. If you want to measure wirelessly with a free chest strap take a look at the M9 and Max Total 16. The latter provides more accuracy, and is ideal for those looking to stay in the target zone throughout their workout.

Bluetooth Workout Tracking

The M6, mid-level M9 and top of the line Max Total 16 offer Bluetooth technology that allows the machine to sync with the new JRNY platform mentioned above.

This is a special program that tracks all of your workouts, giving you the ability to share your results, set personal goals for yourself and win awards for achievement. It’s a nice tool that keeps you motivated.

Additional Features

As we mentioned, all of the Bowflex Max Trainers have a compact footprint. At only 49″ long it is ideal for smaller spaces.

The M6 gives you upgraded grips and foot pedals, a media shelf, water bottle holder and 2 user profiles.

Bowflex Max Trainer M6 Test Drive

When we first reviewed the Bowflex Max Trainers, the M5 was the model that we tested out. This was before the introduction of the M7 in 2016, so the M5 was the top of the line model at the time.

In late 2018, the Max Trainer M5 was replaced by the new M6, and the Max Trainer M7 was replaced by the new M8. In 2021, the M8 was replaced by the M9, and a new Max Total 16 was introduced.

The Max Trainer M6 is essentially the same as its predecessor, with the only real difference being the addition of the new JRNY, a subscription-based interactive program similar to ICON Health’s iFit.

The elliptical/stepper motion on the M6 takes a little time to get used to, but once you do it feels natural and smooth. We did the popular 14 minute interval workout which certainly does make you sweat. The fact that you can grip the handles in different places and choose from 16 different resistance levels definitely helps you target different muscle groups throughout the workout.

And although it is strenuous there is relatively no impact so you don’t feel any of that typical pain that you sometimes do when you get off of the treadmill, or even those clunky step machines at the gym.

All of the Max Trainers give you a great workout, but if you want streaming capability and a touch screen display, definitely take a look at the M9 and new Max Total 16.

Bowflex Max Trainer M6 Review – Conclusion

For those looking for a low impact workout that will help you burn calories and hit different muscle groups, this capable elliptical hybrid machine is not a bad choice at all.

Max Trainers are very compact, at about half the length of your typical elliptical, and light weight so they are easy to move around.

The M6 gives you a nice amount of workouts to choose from, as well as 16 resistance levels. Best of all with the JRNY app you can sync all of your workouts automatically to keep you motivated to reach your fitness goals.

We would definitely recommend the M6 as the affordable choice in the new lineup, with the M9 and Max Total 16 better choices for those not on a budget. Keep in mind that Bowflex often gives you free gifts with purchase, which is a nice incentive.