In Episode 18 of Dan Escapes I review my Bowflex Max Trainer M5 that I bought last year and show you a killer 14 minute workout I do on it. Music: www.musicbed.com Social Platforms: / danescapes / danescapes
Started using my M3 on January 1st and I weighed in at 223lbs. By mid March I was down to 185lbs but what was more impressive was my stamina! First day I could only go 3 minutes and my legs were shaking and it just about killed me 😜 but by March I was going 45 minutes a day at level 5 intensity and I felt great. Still very tired like it should be after any good workout but my heart rate recovery was much improved and I felt 10 years younger! I know these aren’t cheap but they are SO WORTH IT! Absolutely amazing machine and great workouts!!
thanks for sharing! makes me feel like this machine is truly worth it! This is a big purchase for me but I am willing to pay the price for the health benefits.
@@elisatorres3429 Me too! I just ordered one yesterday and was worried about the price but it seems like such a good and sturdy machine! This review is very helpful
After mine collecting dust for 2 years, I have decided to use it. Today I did 6 minutes. It was tough but proud of myself. I will keep it up until I’m able to do 14 minutes 4 days a week.
Since making this video I’m pushing the bowflex a lot harder now! Really helps build up the cardio. At my gym there is an airdyne and it is a lot harder but so noisy and for me the bowflex was perfect.
Thank for watching, really appreciate it!! Between 200-240 is really good! I just wanted to see how hard I could push my self haha, wouldn't sustain that number all the time. Managed to get 310 but will never do that again!
I have the exact machine, always felt that posture is uncomfortable for someone on the shorter side, it has been unused for months. You have motivated me to use it again, I will try one of the iFIT app hikes on nature trails see if that's more exciting.i brought it because at gym, I enjoyed the step master and the elliptical. I wonder if there is anything to hold a tablet better, maybe airplay to a tv screen is a solution
I know what you mean, the machine is definitely not built for long sessions. But in terms or quick hiit cardio it’s amazing. I do stick my iPad over the dials and just put on a show sometimes and even after half an hour I’m drenched in sweat. I wish there was a dedicated holder, I’ve seen people put it facing a wall with a tv screen. Guess you could put a holder for your tablet on there.
First of all, love your t-shirt! I'm a Chicago Bulls fan and from Chicago area. I saw the Bulls' and Michael Jordan's dominance first hand! We just pulled the trigger on the M6 model because it's just the Max Total & M6 model that is available nowadays. The Max Total is very expensive. I can understand if there's a family of 4 or more that's going to use it. For us, the M6 will be fine. Initially, the M6 will be underutilized because we're just going to get started on it and we're 50+ couple. However, I'm positive we'll get more out of it if we keep using it. I'm planning on losing some weight by burning calories and eating right (not overeating). Hopefully, this machine will be a good fit for us/me. Keep doing what you're doing, Dan!
Thanks so much for watching my video Roderick! That’s such an amazing experience to see MJ play live with the bulls! Being in the UK don’t get to see NBA games live, got to see the 2012 USA team play in the finals (only ticket I applied for) of the Olympics with Kobe and Lebron. Yeah took me a while to decide before I got the M5 but I’m still loving it and as the UK keeps going into lockdown I’ve been using it a lot more. Definitely ease yourself into it and work your way up. Is a pretty tough machine even on the lower levels. Hope it goes well and let me know how you get on!
The machine doesn't change the resistance, You can esaily change it yourself if you want as the button is easily accesible. They do have a stair workout which changes the resistance automatically and is another good/tough session. I found I just leave it on one resistance and gradualy increase monthly. It is tough!
I’m very comfortable with cross trainers and ellipticals and can literally do them for hours but I never liked steppers / stairs and they hurt my legs a lot since I am overweight. Would you say this machine is primarily like a stepper ? Does the 14 minute work out hurt the legs or just gets you out of breath. Can you do low level intensity like a cross trainer and stretch for 45 minutes ? Sorry if that’s too many questions. Great video though.
Hi Harpreet, I would say this machine is pretty tough straight out of the box even in it’s lowest level, it’s definitely more like a stepper with added arms in there. You can build yourself up but won’t be as smooth as an elliptical. The good thing is it’s small foot print though, so if you can build yourself up to doing the level 1 then it’s worth it as you have multiple resistance. I’ve had it for almost 2 years now and can do the 14 minutes on level 10 and still have 6 more levels to go to hit the max. Hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more question! Thank you for watching, really appreciate it!! 🙏🏻
The inner-handles gave the heart-rate monitor? What about those outer ones that it looks like you used during the workout, do those track your heart rate for you?
Great review, thanks mate. Would you go for the m8 over this? Im not too interested in the programs. Im into my fitness so happy to just push start and go. Switching my own intensities. So not interested in their tablet or monthly subscription.
Thanks for watching, really appreciate it! I purely use it to improve my cardio and general fitness, it’s definitely helped. I train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu so usually do 5 minute rounds and try to mimic sparring. I see a lot of people are moving to Peloton as they like being pushed by someone.
Hey Now, I'ts holding up pretty well considering I've been using it alot and push it pretty hard. I've had it since Summer of 2019. Yeah I've heard the same but mine seems to be doing well *touch wood* I would say it's squeaky sometimes but I'm usually listening to music to get my pumped up. Hope this comment helps!
Hey man, nice! I want to buy a machine like this one or elliptical/cross trainer but at first I wanted the NordicTrack elliptical cross trainer 14.9 but I need to wait 3 weeks for it and now I thought maybe the Sole E95 or the Bowflex crosstrainer but now I am thinking the Bowflex Max trainer M8. I saw the Max trainer can only hold 136KG so 300lbs but I weight 160KG+ so 360lbs+ my height is 1.95M so 6’5” and am afraid it will crack because am too heavy and tall. I have a lot of fat but also a lot of muscle I have 3 years experience with training with ups and downs trained with personal trainers etc. Am very big, fat and muscle but my weight is too heavy. So the Max trainer is great but, scared that it will break and the cross trainer is decent but the Max trainer burns more etc. What do you think I should buy?
Hey DivisonV, It’s hard to say whether it will hold or not, it feels like you generate a lot of force when you push down on the bowflex. Agreed you will burn a lot more on it but in all honesty any exercise is better than nothing so something like the sole E95 would be good. I would say look at the assault bikes/airdynes as you can burn a lot on them as-well but there’s only one resistance level and it’s pretty hard straight away. Let me know if you have any more question and sorry if this was not helpful! Dan
I just had one question is it easy to get the machine going. I'm considering purchasing one of these in a large person with short legs that worried about whether I can actually get it going
It is easy to get it going but can still be pretty intense on the lowest setting. I know it’s hard to find one but if you can find somewhere you can try it out first id recommend that. Luckily there was a retailer near me who was selling it so I could try it out first.
Sorry for the late reply, yes you can, just depends how much space you have in the house plus will need two people to lift it up stairs unless you're very very strong.
Hi Bleex and hello from UK. Firstly thanks for watching my video and subscribing! I still love this machine and still doing strong, even moved it around to other places. This is great as it also works out your upper and lower body. Hope this helps and please do let me know if you have any other questions.
I'm not sur when I'm on it but when the footbed is in its lowest position it is roungly 10 inches off the ground and in its heighest around 20 inches (you will have a bend in your knee. I think in this video the ceiling was pretty low. Let me know if this helps.
Thanks for watching Kevin, I'm only 5'8, it's hard for me to say if it's going to work for you without trying one out yourself. I can imagine when you're using the high arms you won't be reaching as much as I am and will have a bend in your arm. I'm not sure if bowflex have put a recommended height and weight on their site about the machine. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
I'm still using it few times a week, holding up really well and still my favourite cardio mchine. Can really push yourself on it. Which one you thinking of getting?
@James Lovelace did you say you are using the M3 without powering on? Aren’t you losing out on all the programs such as its signature 14mins workout? And by having the machine outdoors, do you put a cover on it when not in use to protect it from the elements?
I have neighbours living below me and they haven't complained. I have put down one thin mat, some foam insulation inbetween that aroungly 10mm thick and another mat ontop of that, this should reduce anyvibration sound. If I wanted to make it stable as well I could put some wood ontop of that. As it uses a belt system it is very smooth, when you really push it it can rock and around but like I said above I have it on foam which is unstable. Hope this is helpful!
I've never tried a recumbent bike but from watching videos on one you will get a full body workout on the bowflex. The Bowflex is alot more intense than a cross trainer, plus it's footprint is not as big so better if you want to save space at home.
Looking back I realised I was slipping into a bad habit. I’m still using the machine till this date and focus on keeping a straight back. I’ve never had an issue with my back *touch wood* do a lot of strengthening and flexibility exercises.
It is pretty tough, it's more like a stair stepper if you've tried one of those? My friend got one and shes around 5'3 - 4 said it was fine but she ended up getting knee pain with it. I've been using it for a few years now and has been fine on mine and i'm 5'8.
Hey, well this machine is a lot tougher than an elliptical. I’ve spoke to a few people who can’t use due to knee problems. The resistance is pretty high even at the lowest setting. Great work out though!
Sorry for the late reply, depends how hard you go. when I'm pushing the dial towards the end it definietly rocks but i have a mat underneath it to absord the shakes etc. If i'm casually using it, theres no rocking back and fourth.
@@DanEscapes I just got mine last week. The bow flex max trainer M7. It’s amazing. Love all the features. I just wasn’t sure what resistance to do I figured it would auto set the setting the first three workouts I was only at resistance 1. Lol then I realized and I’ve been on resistance 5-6 every day. Great work out for only 14 minutes.
It will tone your legs especially if used in the higher resistance settings for a long period of time but majority also comes from a good balanced diet
I’m not entirely sure tbh, but it’s great indicator to push yourself. I use it more like a score board especially on the 14 minute workout, I try and beat my previous score.
Hi Steve, It seems to work well for short people. My mum tried it and she is around 5ft but her fitness isn't great but she managed to use it ok. Hope that helps and let me know if you have any other questions.
It’s been really good, still used it this morning! Main thing is I sweat a lot so either keeping a towel to catch it so it doesn’t go in the bearing etc and making sure it’s clean after. I don’t really use the app though mainly just do my own workouts on it.
I’m not about the M5 now, they have the newer version out M6 think it’s going for roughly £1600, you might be able to find an M5 second hand for a good price.
@@DanEscapes mint condition, almost new , im thinking the people who bought it couldn't handle the workout since its not your usual elliptical machine.
I personally think it's worth it, but depends what your main goal is? I use it to improve my cardio for brazillian Jiu Jitsu and it works perfectly for that.
I've had an air dyne in the past, plus tried out a higher end model air dyne and found them to be louder. Personally I didn't find it that loud, no different from a fan driven rowing machine. It all comes down to personal preference and trying it out in person to gage whether you think it's loud or not. I just think it's a great cardio machine and I've seen good results just by using the 14 minute max interval workout. Were there any other machines you were looking at?
Would've been nice to be on the machine without music so we can hear how loud it is. Every video for these ellipticals has music playing, I don't understand it.
@@jackslater8688 when I was training regularly and on a good diet it changed. But now I just use it for cardio, my dad has gone bad again. It’s mainly to help complement the sports I do. You can definitely use it as a workout but it’s important incorporate strength training aswell as cardio.
Just put away your damn phone while you work out. I go to the gym and see people sitting on the machines looking at their phones and not working out. Take a break from your phone and just put it away while you get a good workout.
