Bowflex Max Trainer Review: MT 16 (Before You Buy!)

The Bowflex Max Trainer MT 16 (Max Total 16) is Bowflex's newest and most upgraded Max Trainer yet. Today we dig into all of the details you need to know to decide if this Elliptical/Stair Stepper hybrid will be the perfect fit for you!
Bowflex Max Trainer MT 16 - nautilus.atkw.net/mgN07q
Other Bowflex Max Trainers (Amazon) - amzn.to/3ITTLs5
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#BowFlex #MaxTrainer #MT16

[@ConnectTheWatts]

Make sure to check out our new Boxflex Max Trainer Guide for Beginners! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3OsnZirl5h9oJo

[@chaboi7]

Hello, so my question is what does the screen do if you don't pay for the app?foes it have any workouts to do without it or is it just useless?

[@Kyyllleeeerrrrr]

Thank you for your review! Waiting on them to ship mine out!

[@ConnectTheWatts]

nice, let me know how you like it!

[@AzariasRN]

This by far was the best video about the Bowflex MT 16 I bought. None of the videos offered by Bowflex really provided much help on the important things you needed to know as a new user. It was really frustrating to the point you wanted to pack it up and send it back. Enter this video. It answered all my frustrating questions and provided valuable tips that I never would have thought of asking as a new user. I REALLY appreciate you creating this video and have subscribed to your channel for more pearls of wisdom and reviews to take full advantage of products I have bought or will buy.

[@ConnectTheWatts]

Happy to help and thanks for subscribing!

[@NikkiNikz26]

I purchased an MT5 back in 2015, and it has been going strong, with only one repair needed (loosened ball-bearing). I eventually would like another MT, or bike. Thanks for this review.

[@HeCoversMe]

Good review…thanks

[@Stephenoid]

I've had this unit for 4 months. I previously had the M7 which worked great for many years. Now we only get 2 free months of JRNY instead of a year. The dual rail system does seem a bit smoother. The screen is very very nice (it doesn't offer Disney+ anymore). Connecting bluetooth headsets required some finagling, such as exiting the bluetooth menu and going back to it while pairing, but it worked. The device periodically logs me out by itself and logging in required typing on a small virtual keyboard. I finally was able to figure out the GBoard to save and pin my email login and to get the keyboard to expand full width of the screen, making it much easier to type. Once I figured all that out I've really been enjoying working out on this machine.

[@norcalkid2776]

Good review! Just a heads up regarding your comment on the "increased/extra" resistance on the MT-16 vs the other Max Trainer models. That is a mistake. For all Max Trainer models, when set to their MAX resistance level setting, the physical effort (meaning the amount of force required to push the pedals), is the EXACT SAME. The only differences are the number of the steps between MIN/MAX. For example, the amount of physical effort at MAX resistance on an M3 at level 8 is the exact same as level 16 on an M5/M6 and level 20 on the M7/M8/M9/Max Total models. The difference is, for example, that the models with 20 resistance level have 20 SMALL steps between MIN/MAX vs 8 large steps on the M3 between MIN/MAX.

[@MH-bw9zt]

How does the resistance work? Is it magnetic or is it similar to the resistance on a concept 2?

[@TechWiz1983]

Just placed an order on the M16, should be here in 6 days. Looking forward to it!

[@FloreFleur]

Please let us know how you like it. I’m looking forward to your review😊

[@jackslater8688]

Do you like it?

[@Bobby59]

How is it working out?

[@teecuzbruh4058]

Does it work with 8 foot ceilings with a 6 foot tall user?

[@MinnieOnCam]

Does you room have the max trainer, rower and a peloton? Did you do a home gym tour? I'm trying to fit all that in my living room / apartment.

[@__improwise__]

Thanks for a nice review. How loud would you say this machine is? I am mostly worried about disturbing my neighbors living in an old apartment building, seems like it is really loud when doing MAX training? Considering the SE model for this reason, but that seems to be a dumbed down version in many regards to the MT16. Thanks.

[@yourqueendee88]

Wait! So as you’re taking the classes, the coaches can see you and watch you? And talk to you? There’s a camera and mic on the console?

[@kcjp11]

How much less useful is it without the JRNY subscription? Is the display still useful to do a variety of workouts with that aspect?

[@Bobby59]

MT16 vs MT9? Is there any difference besides the size of the monitor? Thank you for the video.😊

[@ariesdr5502]

I wonder if I can buy this model without the computer and use my iPad and peloton subscription? Any thoughts??

[@adamnorthrup8128]

From the video, it looks like the MT16 rocks back and forth a lot. Is there a reason behind this or something that can be addressed (i.e. placing it on a concrete floor covered with an exercise mat.) Also, how does the motion compare to something like the Precor AMT (can you go full out stride running or is it locked into stair stepper mode only.) Thank You.

[@catt3911]

I have the M6 and love it. Pro tip, use the Peloton walking/running programs while you use one of there models. Just run faster and dial the resistance. These things really do burn a lot of calories. Just don’t trust the calorie counter on the bars. That sucks.

[@12caldude]

Did you experience any heel or foot pain from using this machine?

[@catt3911]

@@12caldude No, and I use mine in slides.

[@kitsunegirl6023]

Hey, does it causes knee pain? It's kind of climbing motion.. I'm planning buy similar elliptical climber..

[@surfboard32]

Some of the "new" listed functions are not new. They are on Max Total such as the dual rail, bluetooth speaker, and heart rate monitor. Coming from the Total, i would steer away from this. I hate my Total, but love the trainer. The tablet is slow, and the video is of poor resolution. The worst thing though is the dial. I HATE the dial. I rather just have UP and DOWN arrows. It takes so many spins of the dial to get the resistance where i want to be. Last, I they did not improve the water bottle angle. I am always bumping into my water bottle based on the angle. I rather just have a straight up and down. Overall, this does not seem to be an update to the total, just a bigger screen. I recommend STAY away. Get a non tablet version. You'll save yourself alot of money and frustration.

[@pcnorton]

After the year can you just run programs built in and watch Netflix? Or does it only work with subscription?

[@TechWiz1983]

I just got the M16 all set up and sadly NO you cannot watch Netflix or any other streaming service without paying for their yearly membership! HOW PATHETIC!! I literally never would have ordered it had I been made aware of this. Extremely disappointed. Also hate how he ‘conveniently’ fails to mention this important fact! 😡😡😡

[@eheheh3263]

@@TechWiz1983 I just asked the same question because otherwise you can just watch Netflix on a tablet with a speaker and place it in front of you while you work out...

[@LEE-kq9tq]

So can you watch a streaming service without having the Journey sub?

[@kckc1801]

What happens if you don’t subotpntje jny app? Like after the free time then what happens to the screen?

[@davedelaney511]

Have they improved on the servo motor i have replaced mine twice on my M7

[@robertohiguera4449]

Is easy to replace it ? Mine is a M8?

[@eclecticgentleman]

I have the previous max total with the 9 inch screen. It looks identical to this one except for the screen. I'm curious if i can buy the bigger screen for mine

[@ConnectTheWatts]

Possibly… definitely worth asking them.

[@jesseonamotorcycle]

How is this machine and jrny in 2024? Still worth it ?

[@petez4608]

Seems like a great machine and its much cheaper now, 2 years later

[@somal007]

When I use my Max Trainer with my Apple Watch the calories burned on Max Trainer screen are way higher than it shows on my Apple Watch. Why is there so much discrepancy? Am I really burning that many calories on the max trainer? My height/age/weight are entered correctly. I have tried using the elliptical, stair climber, and hiit workout modes on apple watch when starting and ending the workout and all 3 programs show calories burned way less than it does on the actual max trainer screen.

[@hex9077]

The max trainer is meh exercise machine that pretends to be some magic bullet to fat loss (it's not). It's perfectly fine to use, but your actual calories burned will be wayyyy lower

[@12caldude]

Did you experience any heel or foot pain from using this machine?

[@wendyawsm3721]

I'm in Australia and I went to look for the Max 16. It was there last week and this week it's gone and a Max 40 is there. Do you know what happened?

[@ConnectTheWatts]

Not sure. In the US, it still shows the Max 16 available

[@norcalkid2776]

The Max Total-16 and the Max Total-40 is the SAME item, just an imperial vs metric thing. The "16" refers to a 16-inch screen size, and the "40" refers to a 40 centimeters screen size. 16 inches equals 40 centimeters.

[@Braziamerica]

does the display serve any purpose if you choose not pay for the subscription?

[@kurtislowe6749]

Apparently you can watch Netflix on it

[@norcalkid2776]

The touchscreen display is the entire interface to the Max Trainer. But you do NOT need to use the premium subscription version of JRNY to use the MT-16 (or M9). There are 2 versions of JRNY: 1) The premium paid subscription version, and 2) A free version. The free version If you use the free version of JRNY, then many of the premium JRNY features will be unavailable, including the ability to watch the streaming services (e.g. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max).

[@norcalkid2776]

@@kurtislowe6749 No, not true. See my comment above.

[@niteranger6376]

What do you think if you lived in apartment above you neighbor would it be loud??

[@ConnectTheWatts]

maybe.... but if you had a decent mat underneath it, I doubt it. Definitely a lot less loud than a treadmill

[@teecuzbruh4058]

Hi! Will this thing work with 8 foot ceilings with a 6 foot tall user?

[@kaknitin]

Bowflex recommends you to have min of 20 inches clearance in addition to user height so yes it should in this case

[@mr.smilez312]

What’s the difference between this model and the m9 max trainer

[@ConnectTheWatts]

The primary differences are: - 16” vs 10” touchscreen - 3 handlebars per side vs 2 - dual vs single rail design which supposedly makes it a little bit smoother and less likely to have issues but would need testing to confirm It’s a bit of a stretch for the $800 difference, but as someone who is enjoying watching Netflix while I take JRNY programs, I am happy to have the larger screen size.

[@tylerhamiter2160]

I'd like to hear from people about the sound level of this machine. People seem to really like the machine, generally, but it seems like it's really loud.

[@tylerhamiter2160]

I tried one in a store. It definitely wasn’t silent, but i don’t think it was louder than a treadmill. The sound definitely didn’t discourage me.

[@OnTheRiseVlogs]

Should I buy this or the VeloCore?

[@ConnectTheWatts]

personally I like this more

[@OnTheRiseVlogs]

@@ConnectTheWatts thanks. You have great reviews 👍🏻

[@crystalbaker4972]

Hi are you able to just get on and use it Without doing a class? I am just looking to get on and play my music. I have no intention of paying a yearly fee. Just want to make sure you can actually use it without the subscription.

[@eclecticgentleman]

Yes

[@geofreaknl]

My Bowflex max total (M10) is not durable because the bolts aren't from stainless steel. Bolts get rusty very quickly when in contact with salt and moist from sweat. Cleaning after the workout doesn't prevent the corrosion process, because corrosion already starts when some of the sweat evaporates during the workout . Loved endurance workouts on this machine, by far my best home workout experience, but the durability is such a disappointment. Max 1 to 2 year durability if you do long endurance workouts. Local support company (Netherlands) is not helping in anyway, warranty is a joke. Not recommending any Bowflex machine before they take durability serious and fix this.

[@remopiccioni9456]

Kind of like an elliptical and a mountain climber.

[@johnballs4107]

i have lost so much weight using this machine.

[@jesseonamotorcycle]

Do you recommend it ?

[@spammerscammer]

Hope you find it. I hate losing stuff.

[@phoneuser3569]

Don't care about the screen or service. Cheap tablets or a smart tv on the wall are much better anyway.

[@meazy451]

For those on the fence: DO NOT BUY ANY BOWFLEX MACHINE!! They lock all their software that's ALREADY INSTALLED behind an annual subscription. I get that if you want to use a live trainer, you could access that behind a paywall. But for software that's already installed? Absolute insanity. Until they change their subscription based access, steer clear.

[@JaXuun]

JRNY cost is a joke. 7 dollar per month max

[@TechWiz1983]

Got my M16 all set up, and am SEVERELY disappointed at the fact that you are obligated to pay the $200 yearly membership to have access to any of the available streaming apps.. This means without the yearly membership NO ACCESS FOR YOU to Netflix or any other streaming service! How PATHETIC!! I also hate how you conveniently failed to mention that! 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻 Never would have ordered it had I been made aware of this very important fact! 😡

[@ConnectTheWatts]

What I said regarding Netflix is you can watch it while taking classes on their connected fitness service (which other streaming services do not allow). Sorry for not making clear that you cannot take Netflix without their service/classes. However, good news is that your M16 comes with a free year of their service…. AND if you go to their website you can get multiple additional year membership trials by using a different email (you can use as many emails as you’d like)… so unless they change this you will not have to pay anything 🤫

[@TechWiz1983]

@@ConnectTheWatts Thank-you for the clarification; but I still literally would NOT have placed an order had I known a yearly membership is a requirement to use the streaming services. That is truly pathetic of them and a huge thumbs down. Will not recommend their equipment to anyone on this principle alone.

[@fredhicks7483]

@@TechWiz1983 You bought this machine without doing any other research than just watching this video??? Not smart....always double check by doing some extra research.

[@TechWiz1983]

@@fredhicks7483 There was literally no information available anywhere. It is too new! I do my research properly.

[@fredhicks7483]

@@TechWiz1983 I find that pretty hard to believe. Released in Nov of 2021.

[@DVelez-wz3fe]

I have the cheaper M7 and just watch Netflix on my tablet…

[@12caldude]

Did you experience any heel or foot pain from using this machine?

[@TheEbkac]

@@12caldude I have had the M6 for about two years and I also have terrible bone spurs on both feet. No issues with it causing them to flair or otherwise hurt. It is low low impact machine, not zero but darn close. JRNY is terrible, dont bother with it, get an M6 and use the built in workouts as the built in ones actually change the resistance automatically where as JRNY will not change the resistance which is just... so stupid. Plus the app is slow and doesn't work properly with apple health, don't believe them, they say compatible but it isn't, not fully. However, I love my M6, used it easily 400 times over the last two years.

[@sarahbartlett9870]

If you can watch shows while working out then you’re not working hard enough

[@cajunsushi]

So I’ll be 70 this year and you’re saying I’m not working hard enough if I can go 30 minutes while watching tv? I think I’ll listen to my doctor and not your ill informed opinion, thank you.