Customer reviews from Johnson Brands
Bowflex - Max Trainer M8 Elliptical - Gray
Average customer rating
4.8
(109 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 109 reviews
5 Stars
94
4 Stars
12
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
0
1 Star
0
97%of customers recommend this product.
(
99 out of
102)
Customer Reviews for Bowflex - Max Trainer M8 Elliptical - Gray
Customer Rating
5
So far meeting my high expectations...but can be better.
on June 5, 2020
Posted by: Dave
from Burke, VA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I'm a 54 year old male and use my M8 about 5 days/week. It provides a great workout and I've already lost 5 pounds after just a few weeks. I prefer the 21-min interval and 30-min calorie burn workouts, and usually burn between 350-500 calories. Despite what some reviews say, it's easy to set up and Bowflex sends you a link to a set-up video a few days before your MaxTrainer arrives (plus the written instructions and packaging are great). I find the M8 design simple, sturdy, challenging, and fun to use. Don't bother with the JRNY app, just watch a video or listen to music while you workout as listening to "Max" gets old quick. Some things I don't like. The 21-min interval workout is the longest standard workout and you can't "add time" to this workout. If you want a cool down period after the workout ends, no problem, BUT the calorie counter stops and won't track your calories burned during cool down. This should be a simple fix. The calorie burn, fat burn and performance workouts are all limited to 15 min...and if you're not paying attention and don't "add time" before the work out ends, too bad so sad, it will go to cool down and the calorie counter will stop. Very frustrating, but workable. At this price point though, that shouldn't happen. Another annoyance is that a FitBit can not be paired with the MaxTrainer...which means if you want to monitor your heart rate, you must either use the center handles or buy the Bowflex forearm heart rate monitor. These are all minor issues, and if Bowflex can make these changes in the future, they'll have an absolute winner. That all being said, I love my Bowflex MaxTrainer M8 and would definitely recommend to my friends and family. Our three teenage boys also enjoying using it. We also just ordered a Revolution home gym and can't wait until it arrives!
Pros: Comfortable, Durable, Easy To Set Up, Easy To Use, Great Workout, Quiet
Cons: Expensive, Needs Simple Improvements, Warranty Could be Better
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands
Posted by: Shelyshel
from Florida
Verified Purchase:Yes
It's great to have options at home during COvid-19. I like the online program for motivation. I wish the incline could change positions but otherwise it's great equipment.
Pros: Durable, Easy To Use
Cons: Noisy
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands
Posted by: Michael
from Boston
Verified Purchase:Yes
Self explanatory, easy to use, even on the first try
Pros: Durable, Easy To Set Up, Easy To Use, Quiet, Strengthens
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands
Posted by: Mr. K
from Riverdale, GA
Verified Purchase:Yes
Due to risks of COVID 19, I canceled my gym membership and rewarded myself with the MaxTrainer M8.
Pros: Comfortable, Durable, Easy To Use, Quiet, Strengthens
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands
Posted by: Amiceli
from Florida
Verified Purchase:Yes
I do not work out and out of shape. Using this machine makes it easy to do and shoes results quickly.
Pros: Comfortable, Durable, Easy To Use, Quiet, Strengthens
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands
Posted by: BillLosingWeight
from DMV
Verified Purchase:Yes
General exercise
Pros: Easy To Use, Strengthens
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands
Posted by: Rick
from Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Verified Purchase:Yes
It was intimidating at first as I found my first attempt to go 14 min failed. I thought uh oh what have I gotten myself into? The next day I tried again and got through. Now progress is noticeable even after a few tries. In no time it becomes easier and fun to use as I increase the resistance level.
Pros: Comfortable, Durable, Easy To Set Up, Easy To Use, Quiet, Strengthens
Cons: RPM sensor was glued in bad location
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from Johnson BrandsBy bowflexpwr, bowflexpwr, November 10, 2025
Hey Rick, we're so happy to hear you're enjoying your M8 so far! It is a difficult workout at first but worth it and it will defiantly motivate you to go harder each workout. Keep up the great work, we're rooting for you!! -Bowflex Team
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands
Customer Rating
4
Great workout - would compare w/ Elliptical before buying
on June 6, 2020
Posted by: naandeep
from Oakland, CA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I really like the workouts on the M8. Definitely a great machine, but I would prefer an Elliptical over the M8 mainly for those days where I want an easy workout. The M8 makes want to push hard (which is great) and you definitely feel the burn after using. However, there are days where I don't want to workout but would use a machine like an Elliptical to get some sort of workout in.
Pros: Comfortable, Easy Storage, Easy To Use
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from Johnson BrandsBy bowflexpwr, bowflexpwr, November 10, 2025
We are glad to hear that you are enjoying your Max Trainer M8 as much as we do! Thank you for the feedback and review. - Bowflex Team
Written by a customer while visiting Johnson Brands