1) Using the elliptical - This is a large, smooth, sturdy machine that is surprisingly quiet with one exception (which is why I rated 4 stars vs. 5). There is one noise that bothers me and it is caused by the design of the "Switch Select Pedal Suspension Technology". This feature provides three different settings for the angle of the pedal you place your feet on, and the problem with the design is they left the peddle somewhat un-tethered, and occasionally the back of it will raise up a little bit and then land back down making a noise. It's not a horrible noise, but it doesn't need to be there, especially when the machine is so quiet otherwise. I have taken two rubber-bands and attached them to hold the peddle down and it has made a huge difference. I plan on getting a couple of little bungee chords for a longer term solution, but I don't understand why this didn't get addressed while they were designing and testing the machine. Other than that one complaint, I have enjoyed using the elliptical and it is a great workout. 2) Assembly - all things considered the assembly isn't too bad. I was able to do it by myself, but it did take almost three hours. My only thoughts were that the illustrations could have been a little better on a couple of the steps. One of those steps is where you attach the upper and lower handle bars. It wasn't clear to me what the proper alignment was, so a suggestion to Bowflex is to place a marking on these pieces that would indicate correct alignment.
Pros: Operates Smoothly, Quiet, Sturdy Base
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from Johnson BrandsBy bowflexpwr, bowflexpwr, November 10, 2025
Thank you so much for this amazingly detailed review and feedback! We're so happy to hear that you're enjoying your BXE216 overall, and we're sorry about the noise you're experiencing with your pedals. We'd love to talk to you about it and see if there's an adjustment that may resolve this for you. Definitely give us a call when you're with your machine at (800) 605-3369, Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM EST. and one of our trained experts can assist! -- Bowflex Team
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands
Very good workout. Starts low, has many settings to improve. I had to re lube foot pedals due to lack of lubrication. They were very squeaky.
Pros: Easy To Store, Sturdy Base
Cons: Noisy
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from Johnson BrandsBy bowflexpwr, bowflexpwr, November 10, 2025
Thanks so much for the review! We're happy to hear that you're enjoying your BXE216 and all of its workout options! We're sorry that your pedals were squeaking, but that's definitely an easy fix. If you ever need any additional tips for that, give us a call at (800) 605-3369, Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM MST and we'll be happy to help! -- Bowflex Team
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands
I ultimately get to enjoy the workout program and challenge , the tracking app really pushes me to get my workout in, smooth mechanisms gives a quiet machine workout, only wish It was more compact.
Pros: Easy To Use, Operates Smoothly, Quiet, Sturdy Base
Cons: Hard To Store
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands
This Bowflex elliptical is one of the nicest ellipticals I've ever used. Most that I have encountered haven't had the greatest bases on them making them feel tippy or wobbly, but with this one having so many adjustment points you are able to get it perfectly leveled out on your floor. It is also very quiet, where as I've been on some that have low banging noises and seem like they will fall apart at any time. This machine did seem to be a bit more of a challenge as far as resistance goes compared to others, but I quickly got used to it. My wife and I put it together in a couple of hours after being delivered without a problem. Very simple and easy to follow assembly instructions. Would recommend to a friend. #sweepstakes
Pros: Easy To Use, Operates Smoothly, Quiet, Sturdy Base
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from Johnson BrandsBy bowflexpwr, bowflexpwr, November 10, 2025
Hey Cole - We're happy to hear you're loving your BXE216 elliptical so far! Keep up the great work, we're rooting for you! --Bowflex Team
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands
This would be a 5 star machine if it kept track of distance and calories burned. It just isnt even close in distance and calories burned.
Pros: Easy To Store, Easy To Use, Operates Smoothly, Quiet, Sturdy Base
Cons: It doesn't keep a accurate distance.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands
Customer Rating
4
Good for home use
on July 15, 2019
Posted by: Mike
from Michigan
Verified Purchase:No
Machine leans forward a bit too much. Calorie counter is way off. I average between 240-250 calories per 20 minutes on any other elliptical I've ever stepped on....this one I got 97 calories. I'm about 5'8" and if you're much taller than me, it may become uncomfortable. Overall a good home gym piece, but definitely has room for improvement.
Pros: Easy To Use, Operates Smoothly, Quiet
Cons: Wobbles Under Use
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from Johnson BrandsBy bowflexpwr, bowflexpwr, November 10, 2025
Thank you for your review, Mike. We can provide more insight on this issue by calling into our Customer Care team at (800) 605-3369. Please keep us posted as you work towards your fitness goals! -- Bowflex Team
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands