#1 Bowflex M8 Review

The Bowflex M8 may be compact, but it still packs plenty of features to give you premier workouts. It comes with 20 resistance settings as well as 29 preset programs, which is far greater than what you get with other machines in its line.

Is the Bowflex M8 best for you?

The Bowflex M8 is great for people serious about their health who don't mind investing in a top-of-the-line machine. It works best when paired with the Bowflex Max Intelligence app, which utilizes AI to assess your current level and suggests how you can move forward. It also provides you with instructor-led videos to guide you even further.

This machine works great for every member of your family. You can create up to 4 user profiles, so everyone can enter their personal data. You can pick up right where you left off without worrying about someone else's regimen interfering with your data. With multiple ways to monitor your heart rate, this is a machine that's designed to let you work out on your own terms.

Consider Bowflex M8 if...

• You need app integration. Bluetooth compatibility allows you to sync the machine with a wide range of apps, including Max Intelligence. This is Bowflex's premier app that opens up a wider range of fitness options and uses artificial intelligence to suggest where you should take your regimen next. ‍
• You want a range of resistance levels. You can start slow and gradually work your way up 20 different resistance settings. This makes it ideal for beginners who have a lot of room for forward momentum. ‍
• You like having a larger media rack. The shelf on the Bowflex M8 is larger than what you find on previous models, such as the Bowflex M6. If you're tablet is larger than average, then it may serve you well.

Avoid Bowflex M8 if...

• You need to save money. The M8 is among the most expensive of the Max Trainer line. It costs well over $2,000, which is nearly double what you pay for some of the more affordable models. ‍
• You want a longer warranty. Considering how much you pay, it'd be nice if the max trainer came with greater coverage. ‍
• You like having a cooling fan. The high price point means you may expect all the bells and whistles. However, there's no fan to be found on this model's console.

Bowflex M8 pros & cons

Pros

• Touch sensor and wireless heart rate monitor
• 4 user profiles
• Burn Rate sensor
• Dual-mode LED/LCD screens
• Enhanced color scheme

Cons

• Expensive
• Extra costs associated with app compatibility

Construction and design

• Pedals: The athletic foot pedals on this machine provide a solid grip to keep you feeling secure. It also accommodates a range of different foot sizes. ‍
• Handlebars: The handlebars offer dynamic grips that offer a range of ways for you to hang on. They move along with the pedals to work out your upper muscles as well as your legs. ‍
• Console: The console is larger than what you find with previous models, so you can easily see your stats. ‍
• Resistance: There are 20 resistance levels, which surely provide enough training options for you to not get bored for a while. ‍
• Built-in Programs/Features: There are 29 preset programs, and you gain access to even more through fitness apps.

Key Bowflex M8 Specs

Reasons to buy Bowflex M8?

1. You live somewhere small. The M8 is the same size as the Bowflex M6. That means you get a ton of extra features without needing to find a bigger space for it. ‍
2. You want all the bells and whistles. You can upgrade the M8 by getting the Performance Pack that comes with an armband heart rate monitor, Bowflex mat, and Samsung tablet. ‍
3. You don't have a ton of time to exercise. With the full-body workouts offered by this machine, you can focus on multiple muscle groups at once. That means you can exercise for half the time otherwise, making it a great investment for busy individuals.

Reasons to avoid Bowflex M8?

1. You want to avoid ongoing payments. The Max Intelligence app opens up a whole new world of possibilities for you. However, you have to pay $15 a month for it, which is basically the same as a gym membership.

What real Bowflex M8 reviews say

We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Bowflex M8 receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.8 (across several hundred reviews). Bowflex M8 scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.

What reviewers like

1. "I've used it everyday for no less than 45 minutes. The machine is study, strong, and intuitive to use!"
2. "I've dropped 12 pounds in the past month and this has helped me achieve that weight loss."
3. "Doesn't take up too much room like a treadmill would."
4. "Very [straightforward] instructions. All tools included in the box."
5. "Every single day I have been able to pump up either the intensity level or resistance level a notch in the programming."

What reviewers dislike

1. "The elliptical just seems more ‘natural’ and the M8 is also a little harder on the knees than is an elliptical."
2. "Calling the interface uncooperative would be charitable."
3. "There is an obnoxious squeak in the rollers under the foot platforms."
4. "I just want to let people know that it is more of a stepper than an elliptical."
5. "Look at the height on this, I have high ceilings so it isn't an issue but my previous home would have struggled to fit me standing on this."

Our verdict

The Bowflex M8 is a top-of-the-line trainer to let you work out like never before. In addition to app compatibility, the machine itself comes with plenty of features to where you don't even need the app if you don't want to pay for extras. 20 resistance levels and 29 built-in programs give you a wide selection to choose from as you work out numerous muscle groups simultaneously.

All those features come at a price. It's among the most expensive exercise machines out there, so it doesn't work if you're on a budget. Fortunately, there are other devices in the Bowflex Max Trainer line, so you should be able to find something that works with your budget.

Where to buy Bowflex M8

We searched and found the best price for the Bowflex M8 is on Amazon. Check it out, plus take advantage of Amazon's fast, free shipping!