Bowflex Max Trainer M6 Review – The Perfect Cardio Machine?

Welcome to my Bowflex Max Trainer M6 review! If you’re looking for a compact cardio machine that can deliver an intense workout, the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 could be the machine for you. 

Specifically designed for HIIT style training, the M6 offers a full body workout that will burn off a tonne of calories way quicker than you are used to with traditional cardio machines.

In this Bowflex Max Trainer M6 review, we’ll delve into everything the Bowflex M6 has to offer so that by the end,  you’ll have a better understanding of whether the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is the right cardio machine for your home gym.

Bowflex M6 Max Trainer Review

What is the Bowflex M6 Max Trainer?

The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is not your average elliptical – it’s designed to tone your entire body and not just provide a cardio workout,  it’s built to challenge and push you to your limits. 

The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is a unique machine that combines the features of an elliptical and stair climber.  This unique vertical movement pattern engages more muscles, including your glutes, hips, thighs, and calves. 

It’s a far more natural movement pattern than a traditional elliptical, making it an ideal choice for anyone who feels awkward using them. 

The Max Trainer M6 engages both your upper and lower body, burning almost three times the number of calories. This means that you can say goodbye to separate cardio, arm, and leg workouts, saving time and effort.

Traditional elliptical machines are not very effective for upper arm strength training, as the handles are only there for support. 

Not so with the M6, which is designed to tone your entire body and not just provide a more intense cardio workout. This means that you can achieve your fitness goals in way less time than you would with traditional machines (plus you won’t have to swap between machines).

What’s great about the Bowflex M6 is that it delivers a high intensity workout but has a low impact on your muscles and joints since your arms and feet don’t actually leave the machine. 

You can also use the Bowflex JRNY fitness app with the M6 to access a variety of classes and workouts, helping you to stay motivated and reach your fitness goals.

And with its compact design, the M6 is perfect for those with limited space. 

While it’s not the cheapest elliptical on the market, its impressive features and focus on intensity make it well worth the investment.

Who should use a Bowflex M6 Max Trainer?

The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is a versatile and innovative elliptical machine that can cater to a range of fitness needs. 

One of its key features is its low impact workout, which is perfect for those who want to get their cardio in without putting too much strain on their joints.

This makes it a great option for those recovering from an injury or those who are new to exercise.

However, despite its low-impact nature, the M6 is also built for high-intensity workouts. Its vertical movement pattern, similar to a stair stepper, targets multiple muscle groups, making it a great choice for those who want to get the most out of their cardio session. 

There are 16 different resistance levels so there is a level for everyone no matter their current fitness level.

As you get fitter you can work your way up through the levels – the hardest level is a test for anyone!

The moving handles also allow users to engage their upper body, creating a full-body workout.

The M6 is also great for those with a mid-range budget for home gym equipment. 

While it’s not the cheapest elliptical on the market, it’s packed with features and offers a great balance between price and quality. 

It’s also Bluetooth compatible, allowing users to connect to the Bowflex JRNY app and follow along with their favorite classes.

For those who want to track their heart rate during their workout, the M6 comes with a built-in heart rate monitor. This is a great feature for those who want to make sure they’re working out at the right intensity level and getting the most out of their cardio session.

One of the key benefits of the Bowflex M6 is that it is very compact which means that it will fit more easily into homes and garages than most pieces of exercise equipment. 

Overall, the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile, innovative, and effective elliptical machine. 

Whether you’re looking for a low impact workout, a high-intensity cardio session, or just want to keep track of your heart rate, the M6 has got you covered.

Is there anyone that wouldn’t like a Bowflex M6?

While the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 offers a range of features and benefits, there are certain groups of people who might not find it to be the best fit for their needs. 

Firstly, those who want a built-in monitor for workouts and entertainment might not be satisfied with the M6’s simpler console. 

While it does have a backlit display and Bluetooth compatibility for tracking workouts and syncing with fitness apps, it does not have a built-in touchscreen or streaming capabilities like some other models (Check out the Max Total 16).

Those who are looking for a budget elliptical might find the M6’s price point of around $1200 to be on the higher end. 

While it does offer a range of features and benefits, including a high-intensity workout and compatibility with the Bowflex JRNY app, it might not be the best choice for those looking to save money on their home gym equipment.

Finally, those who want a simple assembly process might find the M6 to be a bit more challenging to put together than other ellipticals on the market. 

While Bowflex does provide detailed assembly instructions and most of the main unit comes pre-assembled, there are still several components that need to be attached and some users have reported that it takes longer than expected to get the machine up and running.

Overall, while the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 offers a range of benefits and features that make it a great choice for many people, those looking for a budget elliptical, a built-in monitor, or a simple assembly process might want to consider other options.

If you are looking for more Bowflex Max Trainer M6 Reviews, you can read them here.

Is the Bowflex M6 Max Trainer easy to use?

Using the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is fairly simple and intuitive. The user simply steps onto the machine and moves their feet forward in an oval stride, similar to using a standard elliptical. 

The machine is fixed on a track, ensuring proper use and form.

Setting up the JRNY app can be a bit challenging for some users. Although the app is designed to work with the M6, it can take up to an hour to activate your account, so it’s recommended to set up your profile ahead of time. 

While the app provides a range of workouts and classes to follow, it can be frustrating for those who are not tech-savvy. 

Overall, using the M6 is a straightforward process, but it’s important to be patient when setting up the app.

Is the Bowflex M6 a good way to burn Calories?

The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 offers a unique vertical movement pattern that sets it apart from other ellipticals.

This pattern engages more muscles in your lower body, making your workout more challenging and helping you burn more calories. 

The up-and-down motion provides a great workout for your legs, while also offering a new challenge compared to the more traditional horizontal movement path of other ellipticals.

The M6 also comes equipped with a burn rate display, which estimates how many calories you’re burning in real-time. 

While this estimation may not be entirely accurate for every user, it is still a helpful metric to track and can provide visual motivation to increase your output throughout your workout. 

With the burn rate display, you can easily set calorie targets for different phases of your workout, allowing you to push yourself and reach your fitness goals faster.

Can you use the M6 Max Trainer for HIIT workouts?

The M6 Max Trainer is specifically designed for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), a workout style known for its calorie-burning and weight loss benefits. 

To achieve the desired results, HIIT workouts need to be intense enough to get the heart rate pumping, ideally to at least 80% of the maximum heart rate.

Fortunately, the M6 is well-equipped to help you achieve that. Its full-body movement pattern involves a stepping motion with the legs and alternating push/pull motions with the arms. 

This motion pattern activates more muscles and increases the heart rate faster, providing a more effective workout.

Moreover, the M6 has 16 resistance levels that allow for easy adjustment of the intensity, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes. 

The magnetic resistance system ensures a quiet and smooth workout, while the fan at the bottom of the machine provides some additional air resistance to augment the magnetic system.

Although the M6 is designed primarily for HIIT workouts, it can also be used for lower intensity, steady-state cardio workouts. 

With the M6’s combo of stepping pattern and magnetic resistance, users of all fitness levels can be challenged to the extent they desire.

One of the significant advantages of the M6 is its quiet operation due to the magnetic resistance system. 

The 16 resistance levels allow users to tailor the workout’s intensity to their liking, making it ideal for beginners and advanced athletes alike. 

The fan at the bottom of the machine provides additional air resistance, although most of the resistance comes from the magnetic system.

How big is the Bowflex M6 Max Trainer?

Bowflex M6 Dimensions: 46 in. × 26 in. × 64.2 in

The M6’s compact size is a significant selling point, especially for people with limited space. With a footprint of just 46″ x 26″ x 64.2 (L x W x H), it occupies only half the space of many full-sized treadmills and ellipticals. 

This feature is ideal for individuals who reside in smaller apartments or have limited room in their homes for bulky equipment.

Despite its small size, the M6’s frame is sturdy enough to accommodate users weighing up to 300 pounds. 

This weight limit is a good indicator of the machine’s overall quality, and a higher value usually means a tougher and more heavy-duty piece of equipment. 

The assembled weight of the M6 is 148 pounds, which is heavy enough to provide a stable base during workouts and minimize any unnecessary movement or wobbling.

How does the Bowflex M6 Max trainer deliver a low impact workout?

The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 offers a low-impact workout option that’s to its elliptical design. 

By keeping your hands and feet in constant contact with the machine, you’ll experience less stress on your joints and a lower risk of developing pain. 

This means that using a Max trainer is much better for you joints than high-impact exercises like running on concrete or asphalt which can cause ankle, knee, and hip pain.

So if you’re looking for a workout that’s kinder on your body, the M6 is a great choice.

What is Bowflex JRNY?

The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is a highly interactive machine that is designed to integrate with the Bowflex JRNY app, which is a subscription-based app that offers on-demand workout classes specifically designed for your machine. 

By creating a user account, you can track your progress and receive personalized recommendations over time for a monthly fee of $19.99. When you buy the machine from Bowflex you get 1 year of subscription included.

Don’t worry, if you prefer not to pay the monthly subscription fee after the free year, you can still use the machine without a subscription.

One downside of the M6 is that it doesn’t come with a built-in screen to follow your workouts, so you’ll need to watch them on your phone or tablet. Since Bowflex have included a magnetic media rack, this is a pretty straightforward. 

If you would prefer a built-in touchscreen you will need to go for one of the more expensive Max Trainers, you can read our Bowflex M9 review to find out more or read our Bowflex M6 vs M9 comparison.

The JRNY app offers a wide range of features to keep you motivated, including instructor-led videos that allow you to explore the world’s real-world destinations.

The JRNY app also allows you to log in to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or HBO, so you can watch your favorite shows while you work out. 

The app even offers JRNY radio stations, so you can enjoy your favorite tunes while you exercise. All of your workout metrics are displayed discreetly at the bottom of your screen, so you can stay focused on your workout while still enjoying your entertainment.

What are the main features of the Bowflex M6?

The Max Trainer M6 offers several impressive features that make it a versatile and user-friendly fitness machine, including:

1. Burn Rate display – The Burn Rate meter on the console is like a speedometer, but it displays the number of calories you’re burning in real-time, which can be a motivating factor during workouts.
2. Bluetooth compatibility – The M6 can be synced up with Bowflex’s JRNY app or other popular fitness apps for tracking your workout progress.
3. Heart rate monitoring – The machine is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to connect a wireless heart rate monitor for more accurate readings during your workouts.
4. USB charging port – The M6 features a USB charging port that enables you to charge your devices while you exercise.
5. JRNY compatibility – With the JRNY app, you’ll have access to unlimited instructor-led workouts, metric tracking, scenic routes, and more for a monthly fee of $19.99. You can use the app on your phone or tablet while using the M6.
6. Two user profiles – The M6 can save two user profiles, and both profiles can use the same JRNY subscription.
7. Five workout programs – The machine comes with five standard workout programs, including 14-minute interval, manual, stairs, fat burn, and calorie burn. With the JRNY app, you’ll have access to unlimited workouts.
8. Magnetic media rack – The large media rack at the top of the console is magnetic, which helps keep your phone or tablet secure during workouts.
9. Multigrip handles – The machine features large, comfortable handles with different grip options, allowing you to customize your workout and target different upper body muscle groups.
10. Water bottle holder – There’s a large water bottle holder in the front of the machine for easy access to your drink during your workout.

Is the Bowflex M6 easy to assemble?

Bowflex has done an impressive job with their assembly manuals. What I like about them is how they incorporate detailed and clear images with each step, including zoomed-in images of the hardware. This feature makes it easier to identify where each part goes.

Fortunately, the assembly process for the M6 is straightforward. Most of the primary unit arrives pre-assembled, and you’ll only need to attach the stabilizer feet, handles, pedals, and console. There are also a few covers to attach, but it’s nothing complicated.

Moreover, all the necessary tools come with the package, so you don’t have to worry about getting extra tools.

Overall, putting the M6 together is achievable for most people. You should expect to spend around an hour or so getting it unboxed and assembled.

Does the Bowflex M6 have a warranty?

Bowflex provides the Max Trainer M6 with the following warranty coverage:

• 2-year frame warranty
• 2-year parts warranty
• 90-day labor warranty

To be honest, the warranty duration is not great, especially for a cardio machine in this price range. The 2-year frame warranty is particularly concerning since most comparable machines offer a lifetime frame warranty.

While the 2-year parts warranty is reasonable, the 90-day labor warranty is substantially shorter than the industry standard of 1 year.

In summary, the warranty offered for the M6 is one of its biggest drawbacks. But, Bowflex is a great brand and their machines are usually trouble-free.

Does the Bowflex Max Trainer work your abs?

Although the primary focus of the Bowflex Max Trainer is on the lower half of your body, including your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves, it also engages your core for stabilization. 

While it’s not specifically designed to target your abs, you’ll need to engage your core muscles to maintain your balance and stay upright during your workout. 

Therefore, while the Bowflex Max Trainer may not directly work your abs, it can help improve your core strength and stability.

Is the Bowflex Max Trainer good for seniors?

Seniors who experience joint pain may benefit from using the Bowflex Max Trainer due to its low-impact nature, similar to other elliptical machines. 

However, it’s important to note that the M6 model may not be suitable for those with heart issues or those who are new to elliptical machines due to its increased vertical rotation.

Bowflex Max Trainer M6 Review – Is the Bowflex M6 worth it?

The Max Trainer M6 is a great option for those looking for a new way to exercise, especially if they find traditional treadmills or bikes boring. Its compact design also makes it ideal for homes with limited workout space.

In addition to being a great option for small spaces, the M6 is also perfect for those with limited workout time. Its 14-minute interval workout is designed to provide an effective workout in a short amount of time. This means that even the busiest individuals can fit a quick workout into their day.

The M6 is a very solid investment. If you’re looking for a more advanced console, consider upgrading to the M9, which comes with an HD touchscreen and streaming entertainment apps. It’s supposed to be a bit more expensive but sometimes (like today – I just checked), Bowflex reduces it to the same price as the M6!