Saturday 9 December 2017

Bowflex M3 vs M5 vs M7 Max Trainers, Comparison Review

What is a Bowflex Max Trainer?

The Bowflex M3, M5 and M7 Max Trainers are cardio machines that engage both the upper and lower body for a total body workout that is highly effective yet low-impact on your joints.

Renowned for their HIIT training (high intensity interval training), the Bowflex Max Trainers are designed to give you all the cardio benefits of a much longer workout  – the M3, M5 and M7 all feature the Max 14 Min Interval Program for maximum results in a shorter space of time.

Benefits of working out with a Bowflex Max Trainer include improving your cardio health and increasing your overall stamina, strength and endurance.
 
Benefits of a Bowflex Max Trainer compared to an Elliptical

Working out on a Bowflex Max Trainer can burn up to 2.5x more calories compared to a standard elliptical trainer and engages more muscle groups (more core, lower & upper body muscles) for better overall results.  In actual fact, you can use up to 80% more upper body muscle with a Max Trainer compared to an Elliptical.


The Bowflex M3 vs M5 vs M Max Trainers Compared

So now that you know what a Max Trainer is, what’s the difference between the M3, M5 and M7 cardio machines and how do they compare?

To begin with, the Max Trainer M7 is the premium machine with commercial-grade construction and offers more resistance levels, more program variety, more user profiles and upgraded design features compared to the M5 and M3 machines.

The Max Trainer M5 sits in the middle of the range, while the M3 is the more basic model with less resistance range and only 2 programs.

As previously mentioned, all 3 of the Bowflex Max Trainers feature the renowned Max 14 Min Intervals Program and a Manual Mode that puts you in control.

Max Trainer M7's monitor, image, with dual display backlit enhanced LCD/LED screen, 4 user profiles, Bluetooth, 11 programs, 20 resistance levels
Max Trainer M7's monitor
The Max Trainer M7 offers 11 programs in total, while the M5 offers 9 programs.  The M7 offers the greatest resistance range of 20 levels, while the M5 offers 16 levels and the M3 offers 8 levels.  (See tables below for full list of programs and other features and specifications compared.)

The Max Trainer M7 allows for up to 4 user profiles so 4 different people can use the machine on a regular basis and keep track of their workouts, while the M5 and M3 both allow for 2 user profiles.

The display screens on the monitors of the Max Trainers differ, with the M7 having the best with its dual display backlit enhanced LCD/LED screen.  The M5 features a backlit LCD/LED display while the M3 features a standard LCD/LED display.

The Max Trainer's M7 and M5 monitors are both Bluetooth compatible so you can connect to the free Max Trainer App for online fitness tracking, which is a feature that the M3 does not have.  All of the monitors feature target-zone and burn-rate indicators.

Max Trainer M3's monitor, image, with standard LCD/LED display, 2 programs, 8 resistance levels
Max Trainer M3's monitor
Max Trainer M5's monitor, image, with backlit LCD/LED display, Bluetooth, 9 programs, 16 resistance levels,
Max Trainer M5's monitor



All 3 of the Max Trainers offer telemetry heart-rate monitoring, but the M7 and M5 also have the addition of contact heart-rate monitoring.

Other differences between the 3 Max Trainers include differences in design of the handlebar grips and foot pedals, with the M7 having commercial-grade / sports performance designs.






Fitness Tip:  HIIT (high intensity interval training) involves short bursts of intensive exercise followed by longer periods of less intensive activity or periods of rest.  HIIT delivers an “afterburn” effect – increased metabolism with which your body continues to burn calories for hours after your workout has finished


Let’s take a look at the main differences and similarities in features between the Bowflex M3 versus M5 versus M7 to help you decide on which is the best Max Trainer for you:


MAIN DIFFERENCES in features between the Bowflex M3 vs M5 vs M7 Max Trainers:


BOWFLEX MAX TRAINER M3

BOWFLEX MAX TRAINER M5
BOWFLEX MAX TRAINER M7
Differences
Price
Lowest price
Middle price
Highest price
Model No.
M3
M5
M7
Resistance
8 levels
16 levels
20 levels
Programs
2 programs:
Max 14 min intervals
Manual mode
9 programs:
Max 14 min intervals
Power interval
Calorie goal
Steady pace
Fat burn
Calorie burn
Stairs
Fitness test
Manual mode
11 programs:
Max 7 min intervals
Max 14 min intervals
Max 21 min intervals
Power interval
Calorie goal
Steady pace
Fat burn
Calorie burn
Stairs
Fitness test
Manual mode
User profiles
2
2
4
Heart rate monitor
Telemetry
Contact & telemetry
Contact & telemetry
Monitor
Display
Standard LCD/LED
Backlit LCD/LED
Dual display backlit enhanced LCD/LED
Bluetooth
No
Yes
Yes
Handlebars
Standard grips
Premium upgraded ergonomic grips
Commercial grade handles & Aero Bar grips
Foot pedals
Standard pedals
Upgraded pedals
Sports performance racing pedals
Dimensions
Approx.
117 cm long
63.5 cm wide
160 cm high
Approx.
117 cm long
63.5 cm wide
160 cm high
Approx.
124.5 cm long
30.5 cm wide
166.4 cm high



SIMILARITIES in features between the Bowflex M3, M5 & M7 Max Trainers:


BOWFLEX MAX TRAINER M3

BOWFLEX MAX TRAINER M5
BOWFLEX MAX TRAINER M7
Similarities
Indicators
Target zone & burn rate indicators
Media shelf
Integrated media shelf
Water bottle holder
Water bottle holder included
Portability
Front-mounted transportation wheels
Power
AC adapter included




Summary:

All 3 of the Bowflex Max Trainers are well-made and sturdily constructed and designed for HIIT training.  For many people looking to get fit in the comfort of their own home, the M3 would be more than adequate for their needs with its Max 14 Min Interval Program, Manual Mode and 8 resistance levels.  The M3 is the cheapest option, saving you some hard earned $$s!

However, if you prefer more variety/challenge in your workouts, then the wider range of programs and resistance levels offered by the M5 will help to keep you motivated plus you get the added bonus of Bluetooth connectivity for tracking your workout stats online.

If there are more than 2 people who are likely to use the Max Trainer on a regular basis and want to keep track of their workout stats, then the M7 is the machine for you.  It’s designed for higher-use with commercial-grade and sport-performance components and offers even more variety in programs and resistance levels.  It offers the best display screen for easy viewing of your workout stats and also offers Bluetooth connectivity for online fitness tracking.  Note that the M7 sports a slightly larger footprint overall as listed in the dimensions in the tables above.




N.B.  It’s always advisable to consult your doctor or health care professional before undertaking any new exercise regime.

*Prices/discounts/shipping indicated correct at time of writing/publishing and may be subject to change anytime.  E&OE.


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