Bowflex M5 vs M7 Max Trainer Comparison

Which Is Best For You?

 

Trying to decide between the Bowflex M5 vs M7?

These are two of the most popular Max Trainer models.

Both give you the same overall design – a hybrid stair-climber-elliptical that helps you burn 2.5 times more calories than a regular elliptical.

And they both give you other Max Trainer benefits like lower-impact workouts, more effective upper body training and 14 minute HIIT training designed to get you faster results in less time.

So how are they different?

And which is best for you?

This post will give you a rundown of the key differences between the Bowflex M5 and M7 Max Trainers machines.

You can then choose the best one for your needs and household. So let’s get started!

 

 

 

Bowflex M5 vs M7 – Price

 

The Bowflex M5 is the mid-range model (and the one that came before any other models – it was the flagship Max Trainer). It comes in a little more affordable than the M7 – around $1699 with Free Shipping here.

 

 

The Bowflex M7 is the premium model and adds a few more luxury touches than the M5. You can get it direct for around $2199 with Free Shipping here.

Obviously if you’re on a strict budget the M5 is the more attractive choice. However, you may be wondering just what the M7 has that warrants the extra money – and if it’s worth it for you. Here are a few benefits the M7 has over the M5

 

 

Bowflex M5 vs M7 Max Trainer – Upgraded Console

 

The Console on the M5 is backlit and easy to read. It gives you feedback on the essentials like your workout stats, program, etc. There’s also a calorie burn rate meter and a small media shelf to hold your tablet or ipod.

 

 

The console on the M7 however is a bit larger with an enhanced dual mode LCD display. It’s also a bit sleeker and less clunky button-wise than the M5 console. It carries a better media shelf above the console (that doesn’t block the console stats).

 

 

And while the M5 stores data for 2 different users, the M7 console stores data for 4 different users – making it a better choice for families.

 

 

 

Performance Targeted Programming

 

Another feature the M7 Max Trainer has that you don’t get on the M5 is the Performance targeted programming.

As you workout, the M7 learns about your personal fitness level and goals. It then sets new targets for you, helping you go further and reach new goals.

 

 

Bowflex M5 vs M7 Max – Design Enhancements

 

There are also a few design upgrades on the M7 that add to a sleeker look and more optimal use.

The M7 comes with enhanced “commercial” grips with new aerobar hand positions vs the ergonomic grips on the M5. Basically this means that there are more areas to place your hands on the arm bars (so you can move your arms around on the bars and train different upper body muscle groups).

You also get upgraded “racing” pedals on the M7 that you don’t get on the M5. I haven’t quite figured out what the main advantage to these are – other than they make the machine look a bit more polished. But still, for some people, it may be important.

 

 

 

Bowflex M5 vs M7 – Resistance and Workout Programs

The M7 Max Trainer comes with more resistance levels and workout programs than the M5. For example, on the M7 you get 20 levels of resistance whereas you get 16 levels on the M5. This means you basically have more room to grow on the M7, as your fitness level improves.

 

 

You also get a few more workout programs – especially HIIT training workout programs. So the M5 gives you the famous Max 14 Minute Interval, Power Interval, Calorie Goal, Steady Pace, Fat Burn, Calorie Burn, Stairs, Manual, and Fitness Test programs.

The M7 gives you all of these and adds a 7 minute interval and 21 minute interval workout as well.

 

 

 

Other Differences

There are a couple of other small differences that may – or may not – matter to you. First of all the M7 trainer gives you a bit more warranty protection that the M5: you get 3 years instead of 2 years on the M5.

On the other hand, the M5 Max trainer is a bit more compact than the M7 model. The M5 measures 46.1″ L x 25″ W whereas the M7 measures 49″ L x 30.5″ W – so if your workout area is smaller, the M5 might be the better option here.

 

 

One thing to note is that they both give you online tracking with the Free Bowflex fitness app – so you can track your progress over time.

Also, if you order either the M5 or M7 Max Trainer through the Manufacturer here, you can get 8 weeks of Free streaming online workouts through the Daily Burn.

In addition to the streaming workouts, you’ll also have access to the full library of Daily Burn content – over 600 workout videos including HIIT cardio, yoga, strength training, dance and more – which is a very cool deal.

 

 

 

Bottom Line?

So what’s the bottom line when deciding between the Bowflex M5 vs M7 Max trainer? Well, they both give you the essentials and design that make the Max Trainer such a calorie-burning wonder machine.

They also both give you backlit, easy-to read consoles and online tracking so you can see how far you’ve come and set new goals.

However the M7 gives you a few more upgrades than the M5. You get the enhanced console with performance targeted training, more upper body arm options, a sleeker look, more resistance levels and built-in workouts.

However the M5 is a bit more compact and more affordable.

At the end of the day it really comes down to what you’re looking for.

Want to learn more?

 

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