The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 Cardio Machine is the top-of-the-line model in the gym-quality Max Trainer range from Nautilus.
A machine that can burn up to 1,200 calories every 60 minutes you work out sounds like a tall order. At least it was until the Bowflex Max Trainer came along.
As well as torching calories, with this fitness aid, you can improve your cardiovascular health, build your endurance, and tone your entire body. The best part is you can achieve this by exercising for as little as 14 minutes a day.
Suitable for people of any fitness level, workouts place virtually zero impact on the joints. This makes the Max Trainer ideal for many people who have been unable to exercise due to joint problems and those rehabilitating from injury.
An excellent alternative to a treadmill and an elliptical, it takes up less space than these, it is comfortable to use, and it leaves most other cardio equipment in the shade when it comes to getting fast results.
In fact, you can get the same benefit from your workouts in less than half the time compared to most other cardio equipment. Specifically, according to the manufacturer, the MAX Trainer burns 2.5 times more calories per minute than a treadmill, a step climber, and an elliptical trainer.
It can also deliver 80% more upper body activation than an elliptical, and it places 200% less impact on joints than running at moderate speed.
In this Bowflex Max Trainer M7 review, we will look at everything you might want to know to help you decide if it will be a good purchase. We will also see how it compares to the two other models in the range, the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 and the Bowflex Max Trainer M5.
Table of Contents
Who Will the Max Trainer M7 Best Suit?
People of any fitness level can benefit from regular Bowflex Max Trainer M7 workouts. However, having had the opportunity to try it out, I’d say it’s probably best suited to people with some prior exercise experience. I consider myself to be reasonably fit, and I was surprised at how much effort is involved when working at the higher resistance levels.
Buyers from around 5″ tall to 6’4″ have left positive feedback for this model. Providing low-impact movement, it should be safe for people with joint issues.
Able to store four profiles, this model is excellent for families.
NB: If you have bad knees, check with your doctor before using this or any other fitness equipment or undertaking a new exercise program to avoid aggravating the condition.
Why it Works so Well
When using the Bowflex Max Trainer, the foot pedals move up and down about 12″ and forward (then back) about 4″, one at a time.
The movement is smooth, so you will be able to train for longer without feeling tired or stressed. And, because your feet are always in constant contact with the pedals, the likelihood of injury is significantly reduced.
The “uphill movement” provides the calorie-burning benefits of running up a flight of stairs.
Moving handlebars enable you to exercise your upper and lower body simultaneously and burn additional calories.
To get the most from the machine, include interval training in your sessions by alternating between moderate and high-intensity exercise.
NB: While interval training is safe and beneficial for most people, check with your doctor before undertaking it if you have a heart problem or are very out of shape.
Bowflex Max Trainer M7 Specs
Dimensions – The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 measures 46″ (L) x 29.5″ (W) x 65″ (H)
Weight – It weighs 148 lbs
User weight – The upper user weight limit for this model is 300 pounds
User height – People from under 5′ tall to at least 6′ 4″ tall can use the Max Trainer
Ceiling height requirement – The machine will need to be housed in a room with a ceiling that is at least 15 inches taller than your height
Bowflex Max Trainer M7 Overview
The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is one of the most efficient cardio machines you will find. One 14 minute interval training workout per day is all that’s needed to get excellent results. If you don’t have 14 minutes, there’s a 7-minute workout, and everyone can find a spare 7 minutes, right!?
The preset workouts comprise target and performance training.
6 target programs include a 7 Minute Interval, a 14 Minute Interval, and a 21 Minute Interval workout. There’s also Calorie Goal, Steady Pace, and Power Interval.
The 5 Performance Mode programs include Manual, Stairs, Calorie Burn, Fat Burn, and Fitness Test.
A standout feature of this model is that it recognizes your current fitness level and customizes your 
workouts accordingly, helping you to progress to the next level. When you achieve your goal, you will be presented with a new challenge to progress further.
If you’re having a below-par day, the M7 will adapt to this too by gradually increasing the intensity and length of your workouts without giving you anything unrealistic. If you get to the end of your session and want to add extra time, you can do so by pressing a button.
Able to store the details of four different users, the Bowflex Max Trainer M7 will enable you and three family members or housemates to improve your health and fitness.
An 8-week free subscription to Daily Burn provides access to 24 additional workouts you can do on the machine, plus over 600 other workouts. Some of the workouts focus on building strength and cardiovascular capacity, while others tone different body parts. There’s also HIIT and dance-inspired training, yoga, martial arts, and many other types.
With twenty resistance-level options, you will have no trouble finding one perfect for your current fitness level. And you will have plenty of scope to move on to more challenging workouts as you become fitter and mix things up for faster gains by doing interval training.
With this model, you can monitor your heart rate using either the included chest strap or the pulse grips in the handlebars.
Your workout metrics will be viewable on a large, easy-to-read LCD monitor. Your stats can also be uploaded and stored for reference.
The next section of this Bowflex Max Trainer M7 review will look at its key features.
Bowflex Max Trainer M7 Video Update
Bowflex Max Trainer M7 Key Features at a Glance
- 11 preset workout programs
- Add time feature
- 4 Motion Traxx workouts
- 4 User profiles
- 20 resistance levels
- Wireless heart rate monitoring
- Large, backlit LCD/LED monitor
- Ergonomic hand grips
- Oversized stainless steel sports-performance racing pedals
- Syncs with the Bowflex fitness app, which is compatible with Android devices and Apple iOS
- Bluetooth 4.0 Compatible
- Accessories include a water bottle holder and a media shelf
- An 8-week Daily Burn subscription is included
- This model comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros
Compact –
The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 takes up far less space than most other fitness equipment.
Very low-impact –
If you have bad knees or otherwise find exercising painful, you will love this machine which places next to no impact on the joints.
Short workouts –
Workouts range from just 7 minutes to 21 minutes, but you can do longer sessions if desired.
Targets every component of fitness –
Consistent Bowflex Max Trainer M7 workouts will improve your cardiovascular endurance, strength, stamina, and more.
Tones the entire body –
Regular sessions will tone and sculpt your entire upper and lower body.
Promotes weight loss –
University studies determined that trial participants burned up to 600 calories every thirty minutes they used the machine.
Cons
Price –
The Max Trainer M7 isn’t cheap, but it is great value for money considering its quality, features, and functions.
Movement –
The movement is different, so it can feel strange at first. 
Assembly time –
While most customers agree that the assembly is straightforward, it will probably take two to three hours. Having a second person to help will shorten the time.
Limit to Daily Burn subscription –
At the end of your Daily Burn trial, you will need to pay a monthly fee for your access to continue. While the cost is quite reasonable, it is something to take into account before purchasing.
How the Models Differ
Next, in this Bowflex Max Trainer M7 review, we will look at how the three models in the range differ.
Each is suitable for people of any fitness level. However, the M5 offers considerably more features and functions than the M3. The differences between the M5 and the M7 may not be enough for some people to shell out the extra money for the top-range model.
Keep reading to find out more.
Bowflex Max Trainer M3
The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is the most compact and economical of the three models in this range. It has 1 user profile and 2 preset workout programs with another twenty-four workouts accessible through the free Daily Max Burn trial.
The M3 has 8 resistance level options, and it supports wireless heart rate monitoring. It comes with a 1-year warranty.
Bowflex Max Trainer M5
Pricewise, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 falls between the M3 and the M7.
Also compact, it has 2 user profiles and 9 preset programs (including one fitness test). You also get access to Daily Max Burn. There are 16 resistance levels. This model has cushioned pedals, and unlike the M3, it is Bluetooth compatible.
With the Max Trainer M5, you can either monitor your heart rate wirelessly or use the contact sensors. It comes with a 2-year warranty.
Bowflex Max Trainer M7 Summary
If you’re in the market for a total body toning cardio machine that will improve your fitness and help you to lose weight quickly, the Bowflex Max Trainer M7 Cardio Machine is well worth a closer look. If it is outside your budget, be sure to check out the Max Trainer M3 and the Max Trainer M5, or click this link to read reviews of other hybrid trainers.
