| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bowflex Max Trainer M3 Check Discounted Price | L:49" W:26" H:64.7" | 300 lbs | Air & eddy current, 8 levels | 2 programs, 2 user profiles, Telemetric, | 1 year |
The Max Trainer M3 is one of the fitness machines released by Bowflex in 2017, but it’s still available. It’s also the most affordable model from the Max Trainer series. It’s basically a hybrid between an elliptical trainer and a stepper featuring a combined air and magnetic resistance.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 49L x 26W x 64.7H (124L x 66W x 164H cm)
- Assembled weight: 143 lbs (65 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Elliptical path: 10″ (25.4 cm) vertical, 4″ (10.1 cm) horizontal
- Handlebars: Mobile and fixed (with pulse sensors)
- Resistance: Air & magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: 2 programs, 2 user profiles
- Extras: HR chest strap, bottle holder, device holder
- Warranty: 1 year
Frame construction
The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is constructed on a heavy-duty steel frame. All the steel parts in its construction
are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this model. Also, most of the machine’s body is shielded by the ABS covers for extra protection.
An important aspect with regards to this Bowflex Max Trainer is its footprint. Compared to most other conventional elliptical machines, it takes very little floor space. It is only 49″ (124 cm) long, and 26″ (66 cm) wide, so it can fit pretty well in a small room as well. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the machine for ease of access and unhindered usage.
Although it’s not a large machine, the Bowflex M3 is fairly heavy. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 143 lbs (~65 kg). This weight plays an important role in its overall stability. Plus, both its base bars have adjustable levelers, so you can perfectly stabilize it on any type of floor.
Despite its weight, the trainer is easy to move. Its front base integrates a set of wheels which considerably ease its relocation. By using these wheels to move the machine, you won’t be handling more than 30% of its total weight.
The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one mobile and one fixed. The mobile handlebars have two long grips (low/high) to promote various workout postures. They are attached to the machine’s pulley and pedal system and they cannot be locked to remain stationary. They continue to move for as long as you pedal.
The fixed handlebars have short grips. The grips on both handlebar sets are rubberized for extra comfort. Also, it’s important to mention that none of the handlebar grips integrate any pulse sensors, but the machine’s console can read your pulse from a wireless HR chest strap.
Elliptical path, Q-factor, and pedal height
To begin with, the Bowflex M3 Max Trainer is equipped with a set of pedals designed to minimize the 
workout impact on your joints and back. To begin with, they feature large trays so they can accommodate all sizes of athletic shoes. They have rubberized and ribbed inserts for extra cushioning and foot adherence. They are also articulated so they adapt to the position of your foot with each step.
The machine’s pedals and their internal joints are highly durable, designed to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) which is not bad for a home-use machine. Their bars feature large wheels with sealed ball bearings and an outer high-density rubber layer for a smooth motion.
As we’ve mentioned above, the Bowflex M3 Max Trainer is a combination between an elliptical trainer and a stepper. Therefore, its elliptical path is almost completely vertical. It offers a motion range of 10″ (25.4 cm) vertical, 4″ (10.1 cm) horizontal putting a lot of focus on your thighs and glutes.
The machine’s pedal Q-factor (spacing between the pedals) is pretty narrow as well. It is only approx. 1.5″ (3.8 cm) which means that the position of your feet on the pedals is natural, without any lateral stress on your knees or ankles.
Considering that the Max Trainer M3 has an almost completely vertical path, user height range shouldn’t be an issue. Users up to 6’8″ (201 cm) should be able to use it with no problem as long as they don’t exceed the specified (300 lbs) weight capacity.
Last but not least, the pedal maximum height is approx. 15″ (38 cm). Therefore, you should place and use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 15″ higher than yourself or the tallest user.
Drive and resistance
The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is equipped with a dual pulley and dual belt drive system. Differently put,
the moving arm system is connected to a pulley which is attached to an intermediary pulley through a poly-v belt, while the intermediary pulley connects to the machine’s flywheels system to a second belt. This type of drive system not only improves the smoothness of the ride, but it also adds difficulty to the pedaling motion. Also, since the transmissions use belts, not chains, drivetrain lubrication is not required.
The machine’s tension system combines air resistance with magnetic resistance. The main resistance-generating element is a large flywheel fan placed on the bottom left side of the machine. As you begin pedaling, this flywheel fan spins into its casing and the air current generated adds resistance to the pedaling motion.
Just like any fitness machine with an air resistance system, the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 produces a dynamic response during usage. In other words, if you pedal faster, the fan will spin faster and generate more resistance.
This Bowflex cross trainer also integrates a magnetic brake mechanism and a balanced metallic flywheel. These elements are placed on the opposite side of the flywheel fan. The brake is connected to the tension dial on the right fixed grip of the machine. When you turn the dial, the magnetic brake moves closer to the metallic flywheel adding magnetic resistance to the ride.
The magnetic brake offers 8 distinct tension levels. On the first level, you will basically work just with the resistance generated by the fan. However, the 8th level of resistance adds a lot of resistance, requiring considerably more strength to push each pedal down.
Console
Compared to the other Max Trainer models, the Bowflex M3 doesn’t offer too many console features. It 
features two displays; the top LED display indicates Burn Rate, Target Burn Rate, and Calories Burned. The bottom LCD display shows the elapsed time, the active interval workout, total time, RPM, heart rate, the user profile, and the resistance level.
As we’ve mentioned above, the machine does not have any integrated pulse sensors in its handgrips. However, it comes with a wireless HR chest strap. Thus, if you want the console to monitor your pulse as well, you can wear the strap during the workout.
The console only has two workout programs, Manual and MAX Interval. If you use the Manual program, you basically just pedal while the console indicates your calories burned, RPM, and other workout metrics. For the MAX Interval, you can select a work period and a rest period of your choice. Each interval can have a maximum time length of 10:00 minutes and the total duration of the workout can be set to a maximum of 99:00 minutes. The console does not have pre-set workout programs or goal target settings. It also does not adjust the resistance automatically.
There are two user profiles available on the console. Each user can input their age, gender, weight, and height for a more accurate calorie burn. Also, each user can create and save their own interval program to re-use every time they want.
Bowflex M3 requires an external power source and comes with a power adapter. Therefore, the console doesn’t need any batteries. It has an idle mode to which it will enter if you stop pedaling for 5 seconds, and also has an auto shut-off mode which is enabled if there is no activity on the machine for five minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
Although the main body of the Max Trainer comes pre-assembled, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. This may take up to two hours of your time. You will basically need to connect the base frame to the main body, then the rail bar assembly, the handlebars, the pedals, the console unit, and several other small parts. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and schematics, and all the necessary tools are included.
In terms of maintenance, the internal parts shouldn’t require any, at least for a long period of time. Therefore, you should only keep your Max Trainer clean and lubricate the wheels or the joints if necessary.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Small footprint;
- Aesthetic design;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on the base frame;
- Durable, large pedals with rubber cushions and articulations for maximum shock absorption;
- Ergonomic mobile handlebars with a dual-grip design;
- Fixed handlebars included;
- Air and eddy current resistance;
- 8 levels of manual magnetic resistance;
- Dual belt and pulley drive system;
- Multi-window console with two workout programs (manual and a customizable interval);
- Two user profiles;
- HR chest strap included;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pre-set workout programs;
- The console cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
Summary
The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 combines an elliptical trainer and a stepper offering an almost completely vertical range of motion. It features an air & magnetic resistance system with 8 tension levels, and a dual-belt drive system for improved motion stability. It’s equipped with a console featuring a dual display, with two workout programs and two user profiles. It’s an excellent trainer for intense cardio workouts, interval training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s not exactly one of the most affordable vertical trainers of this type but definitely offers great value for the price.