Bowflex Max Trainer M9 Hybrid Elliptical Review

Overview: The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is one of the newest models in the best-selling series, replacing the previous M8 that was released not too long ago. The Max Trainers have become extremely popular due to their compact size and calorie-burning workouts. The M9 adds to the mix a large touch screen display and Bowflex JRNY unlimited workout options, sweetening the pot even more.

Let’s take a look at the best features on the new M9 as well as our test drive…

New Touch Screen Display

Usually found only on the higher end NordicTrack and ProForm ellipticals, Bowflex now offers touch screens on their Max Trainer M9 and Max Total 16 models. You get a large 10″ HD touch screen that not only provides your workout stats and on-demand JRNY workouts, but you can also stream your favorite programs and videos via Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and others. It’s interesting to note that you can’t stream currently with any of the other brands, giving Bowflex a huge edge at the moment.

(Note that the base Max Trainer M6 does not have a touch screen display.)

Tons of Workouts

The Max Trainer M9 has 4 built in programs, including manual, fat burn, calorie burn and stairs, plus you get unlimited workouts through JRNY, which you can often try for free for two months with your purchase. After that it’s a monthly or yearly fee.

JRNY gives you a wide variety of on-demand classes, tracking and sharing capability, individualized workouts and over 50 locations worldwide that you can virtually train in. It’s very similar to NordicTrack’s iFit program, with tons of features to keep you motivated.

Advanced Heart Rate Monitoring

The M9 comes with a free heart rate armband so you can accurately measure your heart rate via Bluetooth, something most elliptical machines do not have. This helps keep you in your ideal zone throughout your workout, allowing you to get maximum cardio benefits. There are also heart rate hand grips so you can keep track that way as well.

Additional Features

The Max Trainer M9 also gives you up to 20 resistance levels to choose from, 4 grip handlebars, oversized pedals, media shelf and Bluetooth speakers.

So those are the top features and capabilities…now let’s jump into our in-depth Max Trainer M9 review…

Bowflex Max Trainer M9 Test Drive

As we mentioned, the M9 replaced the M8, and the two machines are very similar as far as look, size and feel. However, with its touch screen display the M9 is much more like the top of the line Max Total 16 model, also relatively new.

These machines are all very compact, which makes them a great option for the home, especially for those with limited space in their workout area. You also get two motions in one, as all of the Max Trainers are kind of like ellipticals combined with step machines.

So if that type of workout appeals to you, the Max Trainers might just be a great option.

The addition of the touch screen console, a relatively new offering from Bowflex, really changes up the workout. If you’ve ever been on the M6 or any other Max Trainer with a basic display, you’ll really notice the difference. It makes the whole experience a lot more like one you’d get in the health club, and makes all of the features that JRNY provides that much more enjoyable.

On the Max Trainer M9 and top of the line Max Total 16, everything unfolds on the machine itself, as opposed to having to use your tablet or smart phone on the base M6 model.

JRNY brings you unlimited workouts for all levels of training and the machine automatically adjusts its resistance levels to match the program you’ve selected. There are beautiful locations all around the world that you can choose, and it’s like you are right there training.

More and more companies are offering this membership-based programming, such as NordicTrack & ProForm with iFit as we discussed above and of course Peloton, the innovator when it comes to live in-studio classes. Although it does require a subscription, you can try it out for free to decide if you like it or not which is pretty cool. And frankly, theres nothing not to like as there’s something for everyone and the workout selections are ever expanding.

The Max Trainer M9 has some nice upgrades, including oversized pedals, workout tracking for unlimited users, steel resistance dial, transport wheels and USB charger. It’s not the sturdiest elliptical we’ve ever been on, but that’s mainly due to the compact design and hybrid elliptical/stepper workout.

Overall, our workout was effective and enjoyable. The fact that you can stream on the touch screen gives you an added level of entertainment that you can’t get elsewhere. Sure, you can always work out in front of your TV but this gives you everything you need right on the machine itself.

Bowflex M9 Review – Conclusion

We definitely like the new M9, as it improves upon the M8 in many ways and provides a very good workout. We like the new touch screen display as it brings you closer to a health club experience, with unlimited workouts, streaming capability and workout tracking/sharing.

If you’re in the market for a compact cardio machine that you’ll actually enjoy using, definitely consider the Max Trainer M9. If you want to save a little bit of money, consider the base M6 model as well. It doesn’t have the touch screen display or curated workouts that the M9 and Max Total 16 have, but the machine itself is nearly identical and will still give you a great workout.

Check out the latest model on sale now at the company site and compare it to the other models to see which one most appeals to you.