Bowflex M8 Performance Pack Review
Bowfex M8 Performance Pack
$2599Pros
- Upgraded Dual Mode LCD Display
- Performance Pack gives you Samsung Tablet, Machine Mat and Heart Rate Arm Band
- Upgraded Racing Pedals
- Magnetic Media Rack for Tablet or SmartPhone
- More Resistance Levels Than M3 or M6
- Upgraded Upper Body Grips
- More User Profiles than M6 or M3
- Get Customized AI Workouts with Max Intelligence
Cons
- Not Worthwhile if You Don't Want the Tablet
- Not a "Standard" Elliptical Motion
Bowflex M8 with Performance Pack Review
The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 with Performance pack is a special customized package option from Bowflex.
It allows you to get the premium Bowflex M8 Max model – along with a pre-loaded Galaxy Samsung Tablet, machine mat and wireless heart rate arm band included.

We weren’t actually going to do a review of this option – since you can read the full review of the Bowflex M8 Max Trainer here.
However, there’s a bit of confusion since some people think that the M8 Max with Performance pack is an entirely different Max Trainer model.
It’s not – it’s the exact same model.
The only difference is that you can pay a few hundred more and get the Max Trainer, a Samsun Galaxy 9.6″ E tablet, machine floor mat and wireless heart rate arm band.
This is actually a pretty good deal – if you’re looking to pick up a quality tablet.
The reason Bowflex is offering this deal is to showcase their new AI Max Intelligence App which gives you customized coaching and workouts.
The Samsung tablet you’ll get comes complete with the Bowflex Max Intelligence App already loaded – with tons of workouts ready to go.
What is Bowflex Max Intelligence?
This is an optional subscription-based service you can add to the M8 model that gives you Smart training and coaching.
It will assess your unique fitness level and send you customized workouts that are specially designed to help you meet your fitness goals.
There’s also a library of personal-trainer-led workout videos (which you stream on your tablet – see below).

Basically Max Intelligence is the next level of dynamic coaching. It even speaks to you, coaching and adjusting to your needs throughout your workout.
While Max Intelligence is a paid monthly subscription service – you will get 2 months free with the Performance Package. So you can try it out and see if you like it.
You don’t need to have a subscription to Max Intelligence to use the Max Trainer M8 (or the built-in workouts programs, console etc.) The elliptical will work fine without Max Intelligence – it’s really just an optional add-on service if you want it.

How is the Max M8 Trainer Different?
So besides the extra tablet, machine mat and wireless heart rate band, what about the Max M8 model itself? How does that compare to the M6 or M3 models?
Well, compared to these trainers, the M8 gives you more resistance levels, improved console, more built-in workouts, better ergonomic arm bars and improved footpedals.
Let’s dive in to some of the differences below.
Console on the Max Trainer M8:
The M8 carries an upgraded console with an enhanced dual mode LCD display and 11 built-in workout programs. There’s also the calorie burn rate meter which shows you when you’re burning the most calories – which is very motivating.

There’s an improved magnetic media rack above the console to hold your tablet or smartphone firmly in place. So you can easily watch your favorite shows, YouTube videos or movies as you workout.
You also get more user profiles than other models – 4 instead of 2. This means up to 4 different people can store their workout information and they can all individually track their progress in the Max Trainer.
This makes the M8 a perfect option for multiple-user families.
Design Upgrades
The M8 has a few design upgrades over the M3 and M6 models including more resistance levels (20 vs 16 or 8 on the other trainers). So you have more room to grow over time as your fitness levels improve. There are also more built-in workouts for extra challenge.
The commercial grade grips and new aerobar hand positions also make your upper body workout more comfortable and give you more grip options as well.

Bowflex M8 vs M8 Performance Pack:
So is it worth it to get the extra Bowflex M8 Performance pack?
Well, as of this writing, the Performance pack is about $300 more than the M8 model on it’s own. The average tablet will run you from about $150 – $350 depending on where you buy it.

A good quality equipment mat can run from $50 – $75. And a wireless heart rate arm band can run from $50 – $80. So overall the extra $300 is a decent value (plus keep reading for how you can get a coupon code to save even more).
Overall if you’re looking to pick up a tablet to use with your Max Trainer, then it’s definitely worth considering. If you already have a tablet, you may want to just to with the standard Max Trainer M8 instead.
So it really comes down to what you’re looking for.
Where to Buy and Save:
You can get the Bowflex M8 Performance Pack – plus a Free Coupon Code to save even more money – direct from the Manufacturer here. (Scroll down to the middle of the page for the code). You can also see the full specs on the M8 and read the latest user reviews.
Click Here To Save on the M8 Performance Pack
