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#1 Bowflex LateralX Review

Chris L.
March 18, 2021

The Bowflex LateralX is a cross trainer unlike anything else out there. You can move side-to-side while standing or squatting, allowing you to work out more muscles than ever before. As such, you can burn calories at a much faster pace while taking advantage of first-class technological features like training videos.

Is the Bowflex LateralX best for you?

The Bowflex LateralX is great for people who are tired of going to the gym. They all have the same equipment that target basically the same muscles, but this is a cut above. For the ultimate in exercise, you can download the free app and utilize 30 different workout videos, all designed to allow you to utilize every aspect of this machine.

If that isn't enough, you can also find up to 10 different preset programs in the LateralX. The exact number may vary depending on the exact model you get. Of course, if you want to do something else entirely, there's a media dock to keep your tablet to read books, watch TV, or do anything else to stay on the trainer.

Consider Bowflex LateralX if...

  • You need to burn calories efficiently. With the unique nature of this machine, you can burn approximately 39 percent more calories than by just working out on a regular elliptical.
  • You want full customization. There are several ways you can target muscles in the lower body. Combined with 10 different workout programs, you're in the driver's seat.
  • You like premium video content. If you're willing to spend extra, then you unlock a range of trainer-led workout videos. It feels like you're in an actual class working up a sweat.

Avoid Bowflex LateralX if...

  • You need a longer warranty. With 3 years of coverage, you don't have very long to see if it stands the test of time. You may be able to purchase an extended warranty, but it increases the overall price.
  • You want something affordable. With more capabilities than your average elliptical, you should expect to spend a few thousand dollars getting your hands on a LateralX.
  • You don't like time-consuming assembly. You're probably going to need a second set of hands to put this machine together. Even with help, expect assembly to take up most of the day.

Bowflex LateralX pros & cons

Pros

  • 4-position hand grips
  • Integrated heart rate contacts
  • Up to 10 workout programs and resistance levels
  • Media tray

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Short warranty

Construction and design

  • Pedals: You can alter the width between the pedals for your personal comfort. With straps, you can keep your feet in place as you exercise without worrying about slippage.
  • Handlebars: You get as much of an upper-body workout as a lower-body one with multi-grip handlebars. This allows you to vary which muscles around your arms, shoulders, and chest you want to focus on.
  • Console: The console comes with a 7.5-inch backlit LCD display to provide you with important metrics regarding your workout.
  • Resistance: There are different LateralX models out there, but you can get up to 10 different resistance levels with the higher-end option.
  • Built-in Programs/Features: You can also get up to 10 preset programs. If you want to incorporate your tablet or smartphone into your regimen, then you can watch trainer-led videos with an additional subscription.

Key Bowflex LateralX Specs

Pedals
Adjustable
Stride Length
Adjustable
Heart/Pulse Sensor?
Grip
Resistance
Electronically adjustable
Built-in Programs?
Up to 10
Max Weight Capacity
Up to 300 pounds
Size (Dimensions)
63.2″x 53.6″x 46.6″
Foldable?
No
Warranty
3 years on parts, frame, and electronics; 90 days on labor

Reasons to buy Bowflex LateralX?

  1. You want a full-body regimen. Other machines just focus on a single group of muscles. With the LateralX, you can target pretty much your entire body, so there's no need to purchase a bunch of different items.
  2. You plan on sharing. You can create up to 4 user profiles. This makes it great for families who want to exercise with the machine. You can work out without interfering with someone else's stats.
  3. You like listening to music. With Bluetooth compatibility, you can listen to music as you work your hardest.

Reasons to avoid Bowflex LateralX?

  1. You want something newer. You can no longer purchase the Bowflex LateralX off the company website. It's difficult to find at other retailers as well, so you may need to buy one used. While this can save you some money, it means you aren't quite sure what kind of quality you're getting.

What real Bowflex LateralX reviews say

We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Bowflex LateralX receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.8 (across several hundred reviews). Bowflex LateralX scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.

What reviewers like

  1. "This is a very solid and quiet machine that provides a great workout."
  2. "With this lateral movement, I am definitely using muscles that I'm not sure I had previously."
  3. "Best buy. This is the go to exercise machine in my house."
  4. "The handles look a little strange at first, but I am absolutely in love with them, because they allow for you to grab a hold of them in a BUNCH of different ways."
  5. "It is SO much less impact than most other workout machines."

What reviewers dislike

  1. "The only thing that I didn't like was the minimal instructions."
  2. "Assembly took me about a day, but I did so alone and many pieces were awkward and large."
  3. "Though the finished product weighs as much as a person, it is together enough that you can move it in a delivery truck fully assembled."
  4. "The footprint is large and this one isn't going to fold under your bed or something."
  5. "It's a huge investment, but it's cheaper than a nice rowing machine."

Our verdict

For those wanting to get away from traditional ellipticals, the LateralX is for you. Its unique motion is low-impact, meaning there's far less recovery time. It also works out both your upper and lower muscles, meaning you just need the one machine as opposed to several.

It's definitely expensive. You're definitely going to want to make sure you plan on using it often so that you get your money's worth. But if you want something that can substitute your gym membership, the LateralX is a great investment.

Where to buy Bowflex LateralX

Amazon has the Bowflex LateralX for sale at a great price. Plus, it comes with Amazon's fast, free shipping!