If your in the market for a low-impact but challenging workout that can provide both an upper and lower body result, most people turn to an Elliptical machine. But with so many on the market, how do you know what’s best for you?
First, you need to determine what type of elliptical will fit your needs. Factors such as cost, feature functionality, size and accessories will play a part in your decision. Once you have narrowed down your needs, your research should be a bit easier. That being said, let’s take a detailed look at one of the highest rated elliptical machines on the market today, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5. The Max Trainer also features a slightly less expensive model (M3) as well as a high-end model (M7), but we’ll review the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 here.
Overview
Calling the Bowflex M5 “just an elliptical” probably doesn’t do it justice. Sure, it provides the low-impact workout that most want out of an elliptical machine, but combines that with treadmill like speeds because of its ability to effectively limit harsh impact. This can create a workout that is challenging to say the least, but also reduces the time it takes to burn calories compared to other machines.
But don’t fear, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 does offer up to 16 levels of resistance and has up to eight training programs to accommodate beginners or advanced users and allow you to change up your workout as your body gets more in shape. The M5 can also provide two separate user profiles for those who want to save and access a profile different than another user.
What the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 does extremely well, is give you an excellent total body workout, allows you to burn calories at a faster rate, and reduces fat and builds muscles. And isn’t that what you wanted it for? So for people with a limited amount of workout time, the M5 can help you to reach your calorie burn time at a rate literally twice as fast as some other machines. Want more insight? Check out this review on Getbestelliptical.com.
Here are a few of the other key features the Max Trainer M5 offers not previously discussed;
Bluetooth 4.0 compatibility for tracking data long-term online
Conveniently placed water bottle holder
Wireless and contact pulse sensors
Media ledge for computer, Kindle or magazine
Compact in size
Customer and industry feedback has been that the two-year warranty should be longer and that assembly can be an issue. But when you can get a machine that provides the results the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 does, you can live with the warranty and have someone professionally assemble it for you.
Conclusion
The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 does what it’s intended to do, and then some. At a cost of $1,599 it’s been named as one of the best Ellipticals for home use under $2,000. So if your serious about getting in shape, not afraid of a challenging workout, and this machine is within your budget, you can’t go wrong.
Anna Leake is a health blogger that focuses on topics related to nutrition, fitness, and mental health. She was born in New York City but at age 6 moved to the Midwest where she spent her childhood exploring nature with friends and family. Anna graduated from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with degrees in psychology & human development.
