The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is a stepper, and an elliptical trainer rolled into one. It’s built similarly to the ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer, but instead of using air resistance to produce tension for the pedals, it uses an eddy current magnetic system.
It’s high-quality, gym-grade equipment with a sturdy frame and a dynamic, motivational interface. There is a lot to say about this Bowflex trainer, so in this review, we’ll attempt to cover all of its features and point out all of its advantages and disadvantages.
The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is a vertical elliptical trainer. It takes up far less storage and uses space than a traditional elliptical trainer like the AFG Sport 5.9AE or the Nautilus E618. Bowflex advises having at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe use. Its assembled footprint is 49″L x 30.5″W (125 x 75 cm).
The Max Trainer M7 isn’t a huge workout machine, but it is quite hefty; it weighs around 148 lbs (67 kg) with the frame completely constructed.
This weight is crucial to the overall stability of the structure. Its bases are equipped with adjustable stabilizers with huge rubberized pads, which can be completely leveled on any surface. On the other hand, moving the machine shouldn’t be too tough. It has transport wheels on its front base, making it easier to move.
The Max Trainer M7, like many other elliptical trainers and steppers, is designed around a sturdy steel tube frame. All of the steel components are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant powder coating. Black and gray were utilized as paint colors.
However, the side shrouds covering the machine’s transmission belts, pulleys, and resistance mechanisms are strong plastic. The flywheel-case fans are similarly made of metal.
Heavy-duty pedals are included with this vertical elliptical trainer. They’re 8.5″ (21.6 cm) broad and fit all sizes of athletic sneakers.
Their frame is steel, and their inner bottom comprises a tough stainless steel plate with rubber inserts for optimal stickiness. They can easily handle persons weighing up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms).
The pedals articulate as well, adjusting their angle slightly as you walk. This produces a natural motion with minimum joint tension.
Large rubberized wheels are fitted to the pedal arms, gliding smoothly on their upright rails. For a smooth action, the joints between the pedal arms and cranks and the joints of the moveable handlebars are equipped with sealed ball bearings.
The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 has many handlebar options. The movable handlebars, for starters, have a multi-grip design. High and low grips, parallel grips, and horizontal grips are possible. There is a set of fixed handgrips at the bottom of the console with metallic EKG sensors.
A set of aero bars is also mounted to the top of the console on this Bowflex trainer. The lower fixed handgrips will function as elbow rests while employing the aero grip. A tablet holder is located on the top of the aero bar assembly. It also includes settings for adjusting resistance and burn.
High-density foam grips are standard on all handlebars, ensuring optimum comfort and adhesion.
Table of Contents
Q-Factor and Stride Length
The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is a stepper, and an elliptical trainer rolled into one. As a result, its elliptical route is oblique, with an angle of around 90 degrees.
Thus the pedaling action resembles climbing a flight of steps, yet the tension on the joints is nearly totally removed due to the pedals gently changing angles with each cycle.
The stride of the machine is not customizable. Its vertical length is approximately 10″ (25.4 cm), while its horizontal length is around 4″ (25.4 cm) (10.1 cm).
Despite this, the trainer does not have a maximum user height. Even tall users, up to 6’7″ – 6’8″, may utilize it without difficulty. Shorter users (under 5’0″) may find the step-up distance too lengthy, but they should train effectively and achieve outstanding results.
The greatest elevation of the machine (the highest point of the pedal surface) is approximately 19″. (48 cm). As a result, it’s best to set up and operate the machine in a room with a ceiling height that’s at least 20 inches higher than your own.
One final point to highlight is the machine’s Q-Factor. Even while this word is most commonly associated with bicycles since it relates to the distance between the pedals, because this machine has pedals, it also has a Q-Factor, which contributes to the ride’s comfort.
Consequently, the distance between the machine’s pedals is 1.5″ (3.8 cm), allowing for natural foot alignment on the pedals and a pleasant action with no lateral stress on the knees and ankles. The pedals are also 8.5″ broad, allowing you to position your feet in various positions.
Resistance Level
The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 has both air and magnetic resistance components. The enormous flywheel fan at the bottom of the machine’s body is the major source of resistance.
It provides the primary resistance and a dynamic reaction as you pedal. To put it another way, if you cycle faster, the resistance will rise slightly as well.
However, an eddy current device can modify the total resistance. This is made up of an eddy current brake in the machine’s center, driven by a tiny servo motor.
The servo motor will modify the position of the brake as you adjust the resistance level from the console, which might enhance or lessen the total pedal resistance output.
Because the trainer includes a servo motor, it must be linked to a power supply. The machine comes with a 120V 60Hz input, 9VDC, 1500mA output power adaptor.
The eddy current resistance mechanism on the trainer has 20 different tension levels. The initial ones aren’t too difficult, allowing you to do lighter workouts.
The top 18-20 resistance settings, on the other hand, imitate a hard climb and will undoubtedly make you sweat after a few minutes.
This Bowflex Max Trainer includes two huge pulleys and two heavy-duty drive belts. The primary crank is coupled to the upper pulley, while the movable arms and pedal arms are attached to the lower pulley.
The second pulley, located in the center, is responsible for transferring motion between the flywheel fan and the main pulley. Its belts do not require lubrication because it is a belt drive machine. It also produces very little noise, even though it is a fan-resistance machine.
The machine’s driving mechanism is bi-directional; you may cycle backward, and the machine will maintain the resistance set by the preset level on the panel. This allows you to vary your workouts and target different muscle areas accordingly.
Console
The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 console does not have a sound system or a cooling fan, but it is still modern technology. There are two primary screens on it.
The top display resembles a tachometer on an automobile. It shows your calorie burn rate, total calories burnt, and a benefit zone display separated into three sections: Fat Burn, Endurance, and Performance.
The program grid, the name of the selected program, your target objective, average calorie-burn rate, average heart rate, average RPM, and the resistance level are all shown on the lower LCD.
Telemetry is enabled on the console. It can read your pulse using the wireless HR chest strap transmitter that comes with it.
If you do not want to utilize this attachment, you may still get a pulse measurement by holding on to the sensors built into the stationary handlebars.
There are 11 pre-set training programs on the console divided into two categories: Target Coaching Workouts and Benefit Mode Workouts. Max 7 Minute Interval, Max 14 Minute Interval, Max 21 Minute Interval, Power Interval, Calorie Goal, and Steady Pace are the six exercises in the Target Coaching Workouts category.
Manual Workout, Fitness Test, Calorie Burn, Fat Burn, and Stairs are among the five Benefit Mode Workouts.
The device also allows for the storage of up to four separate user profiles. If the machine is used by a group of people, this capability comes in handy.
By personalizing your user profile, the machine will invite you to enter personal information such as your age and weight, which will aid in the computation of calorie and energy output.
Bluetooth connection is a key element of the Bowflex Max Trainer M7 console device. This enables the unit to connect to your Android or Apple OS device via the Bowflex Max Trainer app, allowing you to instantly broadcast your exercise data online for accurate tracking.
This software also captures and saves all of your workouts for easy access. It also syncs your workout data with MyFitnessPal automatically.
Assembly
The Max Trainer M7’s core arrives completely constructed. All you have to do now is connect it to its metallic base, then add the rail bar, pedal bars, pedals, moving arms, and console with top aero bars.
Even though the handbook includes clear and straightforward assembly instructions, this process might take up to two hours to complete. A simple toolbox for assembly is also supplied.
Additional lubrication is advised to be applied to the machine’s moving joints during assembly. This will keep them from making annoying noises while they’re working.
In terms of maintenance, it is suggested that you check the integrity of its parts regularly, re-tighten bolts, and so on.
Lubrication may be necessary if joints begin to squeal, and the flywheel fan and its cover may build dust over time and require cleaning. Apart from that, there isn’t much more to do.
Summary
The Bowflex Max Trainer C7 combines a stepper and an elliptical trainer. It has 20 tension settings and a mix of air and eddies current resistance.
It comes with a pair of extremely robust racing pedals, different grips, and a sophisticated console with 11 programs and internet connectivity options.
It’s ideal for light to moderate cardio, interval training, weight reduction, endurance training, and leg muscle strength training.
Finally, while it is not an inexpensive cardio trainer, the quality of its construction and components more than compensates for the cost.
