Working out on a cardiovascular machine can feel a bit lonely and boring.
Especially at home when all you have to look at is a wall and there is no one to push you to go harder it can be really difficult to build up the motivation to start a workout.
The Bowflex Max Total makes working out at home an activity you will want to do.
With its robust entertainment features, virtual coaching abilities, and built-in workouts, you will be excited for your fitness time and ready for a serious calorie burn.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Bowflex Max Total
Stop letting your home workouts have minimal excitement and only burn calories for a half hearted workout. Instead, use this cardio machine to breathe new life into your fitness time.
This machine is ideal for those who have not been too excited to workout from home as it gives you real time rewards, virtual coaching options, and multiple entertainment options.
If you are happy with the way your home workouts are currently going, then you do not need this particular machine.
There is a lot to think about before committing to having a cardio machine in your home.
Ask yourself these few questions to determine if this is the right item for you and your fitness needs.
Do You Prefer to Workout Outside?
If you prefer to take your workouts outdoors, however that looks, then you do not need this trainer.
Sure, it is nice to have some equipment in your house for those poor weather days, but you could get by with a less entertainment driven machine.
What is Your Favorite Way to Stay Entertained When Working Out?
Whether you chat with a friend, listen to a podcast, watch a show, or just sit with your thoughts, there are many ways to stay busy during a workout.
This machine is designed to keep you entertained during a workout through video streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu, radio stations, explore the world features, and real time rewards.
If these are not ways you want to stay busy during a workout, then opt for a different cardio machine.
Do You Like The Energy of Group Fitness?
While you may want to have a few items in your home gym for days you cannot make it to a group fitness class, if those are the types of workouts you prefer, then you do not need this machine in your home.
This machine puts a good effort into making you feel supported and motivated during a workout with a virtual coaching option, but you cannot always replace the feel of a live, in-person fitness class.
Introducing the Bowflex Max Total
This two-in-one cardio machine combines the motions of a stepper with an elliptical for a serious low-impact, calorie burning workout.
You will also get an upper body workout as the handlebars move to work your back, chest, and biceps, and triceps.
Your purchase comes with access to individualized workouts, bluetooth connectivity, and access to Bowflex JRNY for two months.
The machine does require you to assemble it yourself, but you have the option of paying for that separately.
The Bowflex Max Total is ideal for those who want a calorie-burning machine in their homes that provides them with lots of entertainment options and individualized workouts.
Pros of the Bowflex Max Total
- Low-impact, high-calorie burning workouts
- Access to Bowflex JRNY for two months with purchase
- Pre-loaded workout options from 4-30 minutes
Cons of the Bowflex Max Total
- The trainer is heavy at 148 pounds
- Assembly is required, or you can pay for it separately
- The app and touch screen may not feel intuitive to use
Bowflex Max Total Features & Benefits
What makes the Bowflex Max Total one of the better pieces of home fitness equipment to invest in?
Here are a few features and benefits you’ll want to be aware of that help it to stand out.
Combines Elliptical And Stepper
Steppers give you a serious calorie burn while ellipticals keep your workout low-impact.
This combination of motions makes you in for one serious workout.
Power Train Your Upper Body
With the moving handlebars on the Bowflex Max Total, you can power train your upper body.
By utilizing the handlebars, you will work your back, chest, biceps, and triceps during your workout for a full body experience.
This is ideal for those short on time who need to get a full body workout in at once instead of separating out their cardio workout and strength workout in the same day.
Virtual Coaching
With your machine, you get access to Bowflex JRNY which includes virtual coaching.
This means you will get cheered on as you workout when you hit personal bests or are demonstrating some hard work with your fitness time.
If you are motivated by live rewards and those milestones in your fitness, then you are going to enjoy this virtual coaching feature.
It does adapt to your workout needs as you get stronger and more fit.
Individualized Workouts
Your Bowflex JRNY subscription also includes individualized workouts so you can change up your workouts as you get stronger.
With long term fitness being the goal, you will surely never get bored on this machine and can still use it when you are in better shape than when you started using it.
Touch Screen
Having a touch screen to help with the flow of your workouts makes this cardio machine user friendly.
No more fumbling with buttons that stop working or can be accidentally pressed.
Your workout will flow so much better with a quick touch of your finger to access the screen you want to see.
Access Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu
Keep yourself entertained while not missing an episode of your favorite shows.
This trainer lets you access your Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu accounts right from its own screen.
You can get in your workout and get one episode further in your favorite series all at the same time.
For those with limited time to watch shows and workout, this is an ideal way to marry the two.
Keep in mind that a subscription to these video streaming apps is not included in your purchase.
You need to already have your own account to them to be able to use them on your trainer.
Bluetooth Connectivity
With the bluetooth connectivity option, you can easily connect your heart rate monitor, smart watch, or smartphone to the Bowflex Max Total.
This will help give you more accurate heart rate readings, show you phone notifications, and give you a more accurate calorie burn.
Preloaded workouts
Feeling uninspired on what to do with your two-in-one machine?
Not to worry.
The Bowflex Max Total comes with preloaded workouts that range from 4-30 minutes.
Just choose the workout that will fit the time you have and get it done.
No more excuses on not knowing what to do as a reason to skip your entire workout.
Access to Bowflex JRNY For Two Months
With your purchase of the machine, you get access to Bowflex JRNY for two full months.
This app is where you will find your virtual coaching, your real time rewards, and an adaptable training plan to fit your current fitness needs.
300 Pound Weight Capacity
No matter where you are starting in your fitness journey, you can rest easy knowing the Bowflex Max Total will support you.
With a 300 pound weight capacity, you can easily start a new fitness habit in a low-impact way.
Comes With Rollers to Transport The Machine
While the Bowflex Max Total is large and may be a bit hard to move around, it does come with rollers.
These make it easier to move the machine a bit in your workout space without having to get a team to lift it.
Bowflex Radio
If you prefer to listen to the radio while you workout, you will enjoy the Bowflex Radio feature.
With an ever changing playlist for different music genres, you can throw on the tunes and get moving without fumbling with your own phone and playlists.
Three Year Warranty
Keep your cardio machine in working order with this three year warranty.
Whatever you need, customer service will be happy to help you.
Scenic Locations
If the radio, show streaming, and real time rewards are not enough, you can ramp up the entertainment during your workout by exploring 19 different locations around the world as you workout.
Included with the machine are explorations of places like the Swiss Alps and Death Valley.
What Others Are Saying About The Bowflex Max Total
Want to get a better sense of what others are saying about the Bowflex Max Total?
Here’s a snapshot of a few reviews I was able to find to save you some time.
Review #1
Lydia states, “the machine works your arms at the same time as your legs. This lets you exercise more muscles at once than a treadmill, stair stepper, or spin bike, which can lead to more calories burned in the same amount of time.”
Review #2
If you are concerned about the self-assembly, do not stress. Vince says, “The installation video made construction a breeze. Very well done.”
Review #3
This reviewer claims the comfort of the trainer since, “The pedals offer a wide surface area that accommodate any size and shape of foot.”
Bowflex Max Total Alternatives
You have a great deal of choices on the market when it comes to your in home fitness equipment.
To be sure this is the right option for your and your fitness goals, take a look at some of the other choices.
Body Power 2-in-1 Elliptical Stepper Trainer
The Body Power 2-in-1 Elliptical Stepper Trainer provides a total body workout with the synchronized handlebars and stepper movement.
With this elliptical stepper, you can get a total body workout with a simple display and space saving design.
Body Power 2-in-1 Elliptical Stepper Trainer Highlights
- Curve-crank technology to eliminate dead zones as you step
- LCD screen shows calories burned, time, speed, and distance
- Weight capacity of 250 pounds
ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer
Providing you with a unique hybrid stride, the ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer gives you a total body workout with the stepper, elliptical, and multi-function handlebars.
Including 24 levels of resistance and an inertia enhanced flywheel, you will have an effective and smooth workout.
With this trainer, you also receive a 30-day free iFit trial membership for interactive training sessions, global workouts, and fitness tracking.
ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer Highlights
- 325 pound weight capacity
- 30 day iFit trial membership
- 24 resistance levels
Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine
The Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine is a combination machine of setting and striding where you can get a low-impact workout that has smooth operations.
With this machine, you’ll find goal oriented features like a calendar, clock, and thermometer.
Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine Highlights
- Integrated pulse sensors measure heart rate
- 8 resistance levels
- 260 pound weight capacity
Final Thoughts
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.
