Bowflex Max Total vs M8 Max Trainer – Which is Best For You?
Trying to decide between the Bowflex Max Total vs the Max M8 Trainer?
Wondering which is best for you?
These are the premium Max Trainers in the lineup right now.
The Bowflex Max M8 has been around for about 2 years whereas the Bowflex Max Total is newly released this year.
They both give you the up-and-down, stair-climbing lower-body motion along with the upper body elliptical-style arm training.
They both give you the popular Bowflex HIIT workouts that are specifically designed to get you faster results in less time.
They will both also work with Max Intelligence – so you can get personalized, tailored workouts delivered to your machine, travel the world or take personal-trainer led workouts from your home.
In fact when it comes down to it, these trainers look very similar.
So how are they different? And which is the best choice for you?
Let’s take a look at some of the key differences between the Bowlex Max Total vs M8 Max to help you decide:
Bowflex Max Total vs M8 -Price
As of this writing the Bowflex M8 Max Trainer is slightly more affordable. You can get it for around $2299 with a Code for Free Shipping here.
The Bowflex Max Total is the next model up and comes in for a bit more. You can get it for around $2799 with a Special Discount Promo code here.
Console Differences:
The consoles are quite different on these trainers.
The Bowflex Max M8 console is an upgrade over the M6 or M3 models with a larger window, enhanced color scheme and magnetic media rack for your tablet or smartphone:
The Bowflex Max Total however takes it to a whole new level. You get an extra-large, Samsung, full-color, touch-screen console as seen below:
So you can see your workout stats in full color with a swipe of your finger.
You can also access your Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime Video accounts and stream videos or TV shows through the console – very cool.
Max Intelligence
Max Intelligence (also called Max Digital or Max JRNY) is an optional add-on with both the Max Trainer M8 and the Max Total. With Max Intelligence you can do all sorts of fun things.
For example, Max Intelligence can assess your fitness level and create customized, unique workouts just for you. It will then coach you through those workouts giving you motivation and encouragement along the way.
You can also access a large library of personal-trainer-led workout videos and take a high-energy workout class from home.
Want to travel the world?
No problem. Access up to 19 different world courses with Max Intelligence and watch as the landmarks pass you by in the console or tablet screen for some virtual reality fun.
Here’s the difference between the Bowflex M8 vs Max Total: You can access Max Intelligence directly from your console on the Max Total model. You don’t need a tablet.
With the M8 you need to access it from your tablet – you can’t access it from the console. So you’ll need to have a tablet on the M8 model to use Max Intelligence (or your phone).
Another difference?
You can currently try Max Intelligence for Free for 2 months on the M8 Max (after that there is a small monthly fee – or you can just cancel the service and use the trainer as normal).
However you can try Max Intelligence for Free for 12 months on the Max Trainer Total (again, after that there’s a small monthly fee. But you can cancel this and use the trainer as normal if you don’t want to keep using Max Intelligence).
So basically you get 2 months free with the M8 model – but 12 months free with the Max Total model.
Handlebar Differences
The Max Trainer M8 comes with curved handlebars as you can see above.
The Max Trainer Total gives you upgraded double handlebars with a lot more positions. So you have more ways to train your upper body arms, back, shoulders and chest.
Design Differences
Another thing that’s different is that the Max Total is built with a double-wheel-track design, meaning that there are two tracks for each pedal. This gives you a more stable, smooth feel to the motion. It also adds more support – making the machine better able to stand up to heavier or more intense workouts.
This is great for environments where there are multiple users – or very intense workouts.
Another difference is in the resistance controls.
With the Max M8 model you set the resistance by pressing buttons on the console. To find your desired resistance you just scroll through the buttons – which isn’t bad and fairly standard on most trainers.
The Max Total however uses an illuminated resistance dial in front of the console.
So instead of scrolling through levels to get to your desired number, you just turn the dial. This makes it a lot easier and faster to reach your desired resistance level.
Tablet Holder
One thing the Max M8 has that that Max Total does not have is the tablet holder above the console.
This makes sense since you don’t really need it on the Max Total model. You can get a media rack for the Max Total if you want it – but it’s an added cost. So that’s something to consider.
Bottom Line?
So what’s the bottom line when comparing the Bowflex Max Total vs M8 Trainers?
Well, the Bowflex M8 does come in at a lower price – making it more attractive price-wise. Plus it also has the tablet holder which you can use to connect with Max Intelligence.
However the Max Total model gives you a much better, touch-screen console – with the ability to watch Netflix or Amazon shows right from the console.
Plus you also get to try Max Intelligence for free for a full year.
It also has better arm grips and is built to be more stable. It can take a bit more use (and abuse) with the heavier base and double-track design.
So at the end of the day it comes down to what you’re really looking for.
Want to Learn More? Check out the links below for more on each trainer – including full specs and videos.
Click Here for a Promo Code on the Bowflex Max Total
Click Here for Free Shipping on the Bowflex M8
Related: Bowflex Max Total Review – A Good Buy For You?
