The Bowflex M7 Max Trainer is Awesome

My Bowflex M7 Maxtrainer unboxing, setup, and review after several weeks of use.
If you decide to purchase a Bowflex Max Trainer and don't mind supporting the channel, please use this link when purchasing:
nautilus.atkw.net/c/1347906/55...
(It doesn't cost you anything extra and helps us out big time)
I also compare the Bowflex M5 to the M7 in this video. Both are good machines in my experience. And the new M6 and M8 look very similar to the M5 and M7 respectively. If you're interested in a video dedicated to comparing the two, let me know in the comments.
Ask questions about the product in the comments - I'm typically pretty quick to answer.
How did I make this video?
Good Budget 4K Camera: Lumix G7
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Great Lens: Panasonic 12-35mm F2.8 Lens
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New version of the lens I used: Panasonic 12-35mm F2.8 Lens
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Didnt use this, but I would buy this instead: Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 Lens
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Recorder: Zoom H5
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Shotgun Microphone Capsule: SGH-6
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Microphone: Rode Video Micro
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Phone Camera: OnePlus 3 (Just the clip out of the plane)
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Editing Software: Final Cut X
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This Music:
The Dope Steppa by MK2
Creepin by MK2

[@sbw89]

The Maxtrainer is definitely a good piece of equipment worth buying. I have the M5 which was the best model at the time I bought it (5 years ago). Still going strong..

[@toner37]

Nice to see the before and the gradual build to the end result. Seeing the two boxes was an eye opener for sure!

[@KD16288]

Can't wait to see your progress. I just bought an m7 2 days ago and am awaiting it's arrival.

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Kevin Davis that's exciting! I hope you love it as much as I do!

[@bckey1440]

Just ordered the M7. Got $200 off, free shipping and a mat. It is still expensive even with the added discounts. There are so many positive reviews on this thing that I chose it over a treadmill that I was shopping around for to replace one that had died. I loved your review on it. I like the fact that you used your brothers M5 and still went with an M7. That tells me you really believe in the Max Trainer as the optimum workout machine and you wanted the best Max Trainer you could get.

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Philemon6 yes, it's a great machine. I used it this morning :). It is pricey but once I bit the bullet, I didn't regret it. I hope you love it !

[@dansaenz1825]

How is your machine a year later?

[@SoundSpeeds]

This was a lot of fun to watch. I feel great knowing that guys like you are doing such awesome working out - that way the average health level of the country goes up.

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

Lol! Well I don't as much as I should. But thanks :). I know you, so you're welcome to swing by and try it sometime if you'd like!

[@SoundSpeeds]

The Search For Awesome Me do cardio? Hahahaha!

[@jackdeth470]

Looking forward to more vids and how much progress you have made. We have been using the M7 and its great , really makes you sweat. hope all is well, take care

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Jack Deth thanks so much! To be completely honest, I haven't been on in a few weeks and it's showing! Holidays...ugh. I'll get back on in soon!

[@jackdeth470]

yea the holidays can catch up with you. lol.

[@cindypeters8758]

Thanks for the answer...appreciate it. Thanks for the great video!

[@americansoldier7776]

Love my M5! Best purchase ever!!

[@ashardeadpool3922]

Can you update this video to see if is still running as it was purchased first day you got it. I wanna know durability and maintenance on this bike before i bike.

[@kimchan2108]

Performs flawlessly and comfortably after swapping out saddle and using oven mitts for riding gloves

[@KLC47]

I have the M7. It's great! It doesn't shake if you adjust the gray levelers on the bottom.

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+K C really? Even on carpet? I'll have to try that!

[@nonstar8182]

I tried both the M5 and M7 today and the M7 is smoother, and you can just feel it is higher quality. I hate to spend $600 more, but if I get one I think I'll have to get the m7.

[@henryrockland]

N. Starr just picked up an M7 on Craigslist for 900 worth a shot to check it out

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

That's a steal congrats!

[@nonstar8182]

@@henryrockland nice.. none in my area or i would do that. I ordered the m8.. latest version. Bowflex had a special going so that helped some.

[@reydecastro6651]

Awesome piece of gear! Very innovative and creatively styled. By the 3rd interval I am filling the cup holder with sweat. Aiming a strong fan helps keep the sweat down (or blown off).

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Rey DeCastro yes! Very true! It's about the third interval for me that I'm about to fall over

[@reydecastro6651]

The Search For Awesome... BTW I love the fitness learning feature and expanded resistance levels. Good variety of modes. You should not get bored training on the M7.

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Rey DeCastro I hope so :) Good to know!

[@zigma10473]

can’t wait to see your follow up video. Cardio is also aerobics? I want to buy the m3 but it’s pricey too

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

Not sure about the cardio aerobics thing, but the followup video is live! Here ya go : kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6Dch6iYeN2njZI

[@ruthmartinez2373]

Believe it or not what convenience me to subscribe was the (you!! Me!! )Part /lol Good videos thanks for making this easier desition and options..

[@schlagboy]

I tried out all 3 of these machines at Dick's Sporting Goods. In my opinion, the build quality goes up a notch for each model. The M3 felt weak and flimsy. The M5 was more solid than the M3, but already had squeaks and other odd noises. The M7 was superior in build quality. It seems like there are more metal parts used and the machine had less slop and give to it. The M7 actually felt like something you may use at your local gym. Now that the M6 and M8 are available, it would be interesting to see if they advanced the build quality any further.

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

Thanks for sharing! That makes sense. Still very happy with my M7

[@stuartbarclay1134]

Any chance you could measure the max width of the handle bars as I have limited space

[@cappy032]

You only need a second person for mounting the main part to the floor base part, after that it's pretty much very easy.

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

Agreed! I managed to do it alone but I do not recommend :)

[@peterc599]

I look forward to seeing your results. I would love one of these machines but unfortunately bowflex doesn't seem to ship overseas.

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Peter Coates I'm excited to show you! That's a huge bummer. Hopefully they'll change that in the near future

[@mitford603]

you can buy it here in the uk and looking at the website they seem to sell it all over the world through recommended retailers

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+mitford oh, awesome! Great to know!

[@JessicaTheEngineer]

Love your reviews!! Hoping you can help: I am trying to decide between M5 and M7. I like to look of the M7 more but am concerned that the extra top piece will block the TV that I plan to have a few feet (prob about 8 feet away.) In which case I would go with M5. I am about 5'4" for reference. Thank you!!!

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

Thank you so much! I'm about 5'10 and yeah the M7 will definitely block a tv if the tv is directly in front of the machine. You'll have better luck with the M5, but it still might block a little. Maybe have it angled a bit? I will say though the machine is a bit loud, so you might have some trouble hearing the tv without earphones unless you pump up the volume on the TV. I use Bluetooth earphones with my phone usually and watch TV that way.

[@JessicaTheEngineer]

Wow! Thank you for the quick feedback! Ok M5 it is - I will look into some headphones. Thank you for saving me some cash!!! :)

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

No problem! Happy to help!

[@labornurse]

The top piece allows you to place your phone exactly at eye level though! I 😍 mine.

[@bozotheclown5321]

Great video, looking to get the M5, but now the M7 looks good. One question is, how old are you and does your wife use the bowflex, if so does she like or dislike it? Thanks

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Bozo the clown I'm 29 and my wife is 28. She has used it and she likes it. I've tried the M5 as well they are really similar machines tbh. I'm considering doing a video comparing them in January

[@user-tx9te4nq9s]

Классный аппарат, только себе я брал модель M5, ну вижу смысла переплачивать. Покупал в зоне спорта, там дали хорошую скидку, покупкой очень доволен!

[@squirrelgal5114]

I just got one used and I’m the resistance is very strong is that normal? I can barely move it

[@mattreid5300]

Everyone do yourself a favor and try before you buy on both the Bowflex Max and the comparable Proform Hiit Trainers. Only two units out there that do what they do but the Proforms are less of an investment, stronger warranties, heavier weight capacity, better consoles.....both will get results and both are good.

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Matt Reid I've never heard of that. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!

[@kimberlyu1308]

Which Pro-form max trainer do you recommend?

[@larock0wns]

I really wish I would have seen this comment prior to ordering. It's unfortunate that that Proform doesn't have the Google presence compared to the Bowflex, because I was looking for machines similar to Boxflex and Proform never hit the screen. Oh well, I'll probably be perfectly happy with the Bowflex but would have been nice to see a choice for another competitor in the market.

[@JM-qn7gf]

Good advice! Just bought the Proform Hiit Pro that has the 10" tablet incorporated into the console and one year of free iFit coach. Thought it was a steal on sale at $899 new. And amazingly it's nearly silent. If you turn the built in personal fan on, the fan is louder than the machine itself. This was a key factor for me. The Max machines can hit 90 dB when using and are so much noisier. The Pro version has 5 years parts and 2 years labor. Bought with a Citi card to extend the warranty an additional two years for no additional cost. Very happy. No doubt that both machines will get you fit if you use them.

[@FRISKENsen]

Is the elliptical actually a good workout?

[@user-qj3ms3th5b]

Тренажер очень качественный и эффективный. За пару недель сбросил 4 кг и это не предел!Покупал в магазине Зона Спорта!Остался очень доволен!

[@seanp4449]

What has your progress been like so far? I know this alone will not make you lose weight and get ripped. But adding this into your routine or just in general how has it been after a month?

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Sean P it's been great! It's a tough workout, but this type of work out is great for burning fat and preserving muscle. I should have that video out detailing what happened after a month within a week or so.

[@vincentdao81]

hi, you mentioned you have tried the m5 as well. what do you think of the handle bars between the 2 models, especially for short people? thanks!

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Vincent Dao they handle very similarly. M7 has more places to place your hands though. I'm not sure how it would compare for shorter people. I'm about 5'10" and my wife is 5'6" and we both don't have any issues

[@vincentdao81]

oh ok. thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Vincent Dao sure thing! Hope it helps!

[@Antnec973]

Hey how is you max trainer holding up??? really want to buy one but I hear that they start to break down after a while..

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Anthony casale it seems fine! It squeaks a little but nothing some earbuds can't fix. My brother has had his m5 longer - few years now. And his works great too.

[@jdbucha]

Where are you at today? Decided to buy a used M7. It's being delivered today. The guy had surgery recently and can no longer use it. A lightly used unit for $600 off is a great deal. After seeing what the M5 did for my sister-in-law (she is now quite skinny), I'm looking forward to the coming challenge.

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+jdbucha haha, great question and interesting timing :). We'll I don't know where I'm at at this moment. I was sick 2 weeks ago and last week was on vacation destroying my diet so I've been off of it a little over 2 weeks now. I'm about to begin production on a new video where I try to lose as much weight and gain as much tone as possible in 2 weeks because my 10 year high school reunion is in 2 weeks lol. I think it will be interesting to see how much I can undo from the vacation in that short time frame. That's awesome! Yeah it's a great machine but it is tough. Go for it! And happy to hear your sister in law is enjoying it as well!

[@Ctrinny]

Did you have to lubricate any of the joints before you put it together?

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

No, they all went on pretty easy.

[@cindypeters8758]

what about the pedals. the m5 said their cushioned pedals. are they easier to use then m7 pedals?

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+cindy peters I think they're pretty close. M7 has metal well rubber dots for padding and M5 is rubbery plastic. I wouldn't use either barefoot, but I'm sure you could if you wanted

[@MrZola1234]

The majority of studies show consistent moderate training burns more calories than interval training. Interval training does build more cardiovascular conditioning.

[@wolfie3090]

How is it now

[@jttowner]

Does this have wheels? Can it easily be moved from one room to another by one person?

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

Yes and I can move without too much effort. It is a little awkward moving it that way though

[@noeliahigginbotham]

Does anyone knows how to turn the fan on/off? I noticed that going backwards I feel the fan. The instructions doesn't say anything....

[@dougfriede8206]

I noticed that too. The resistance for the workout is created by air resistance on the fan, like one of those airdyne bikes. I assume if you are going forward, it just blows out the other direction but you can't feel it. Therefore, you can not turn it off.

[@M-Capone]

Many cons people complain about is that it squeaks and is noisy. Did you find that to be true, or no?

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

That's fair. Yeah it gets a bit squeaky. I just use headphones. It still works great IMO

[@ega0117]

What is the resistance? Is it a magnet?

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+ega0117 the resistance goes up to 20a and I have a hard time believing anyone would need more than that. I don't know if it's done with a magnet though

[@futbol1972]

They are selling me one for $300 but it's like 2 hours away. I wonder if I can fit it in a 2009 prius

[@Tay04723]

It will fit if you bring screwdrivers to unscrew it. That’s what I did I got one for $300 and fit it in my 2019 Honda Accord

[@paulkeleher1522]

Can this really be a trusted review if you have affiliate links?

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

That's a good question. I've kinda accepted that's the way reviewers do it and I've fallen in line. But it's worth thinking about. I typically only review things after using them a little and realizing I really like them and I want to get the word out. Reviews take hours to make and I don't want to spend all that time with products I don't like. So if you find a review on my channel it's at least a slight endorsement of the product. But I try to point out as many issues as I find.So thats something. Hope it helps.

[@scottmeister1411]

Would the boxes fit in a car?

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Scott Meister yeah, I think so. They are big, but manageable. Maybe have to take 2 trips if you couldn't fit both in.

[@NBSTL68]

If price didn't matter why didn't you get the Octane Max Trainer made by the same company?

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

Didn't know that existed tbh.

[@NBSTL68]

Octane is the high end / commercial version. It has a lot higher $$$ and I dont see the advantage other than the sales guy trying to scare you into thinking the BowFlex being flimsy and not lasting. They are both made by the same mfg, Nautalaus. So I just ordered an M7. They do not exist o God the Bowflex site any longer...they have been removed as if they never existed. But we found a hidden link when searching and they are closing them out for $1,100 including shipping! Thanks for the video. Please post since you have used it a while now, of any issues you may have experienced. Lots of "this is great" generic videos out there...we need more 6mo, 1 yr "here's how it is holding up" type videos.

[@scottweaverphotovideo]

I dont like the roaring sound. Is it a fan that blows on you?

[@joescott3347]

I’ve been told it’s really loud and sounds like a helicopter once you get going, any truth to that?

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Joe Scott a helicopter, no. But yeah it's a bit loud. I just wear headphones

[@frankiesaenz9808]

I have a m5, lost 12 pounds so far. It's not that loud at all..

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+Frankie Saenz congrats!

[@frankiesaenz9808]

Thanks bro one day at a time

[@Keepinitreal55]

just got it barely used for $800

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

+keepinitreal what a great deal! Congrats! Hope you love it.

[@ze3bar]

I used an electric screwdriver and my own bits, took me an hour or less to get everything together by myself.

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

Nice! You're a lot faster than I :)

[@ze3bar]

@@TheSearchForAwesome do you find yours makes a small clunk occasionally when you're pedaling?

[@ze3bar]

I made sure everything is tight. I think it's the pedals themselves because despite being fastened they do still wiggle a bit

[@garytaylor3609]

We have a Bowlflex 5 and the lower bearing developed a rough spot after very little use,because it was out of warranty bowflex wanted $500 for parts with out compromise. My thought is we should throw it away,then my second thought was to sell for parts. Over priced and poorly manufactured.

[@lokitolind0017]

i dont have money to buy one of those .. if you get in shape you get girls but if you dont have money you cant own a girl right ? oh god why you do this to me

[@MRQUICK666]

i know right lol.

[@brendanpetry6709]

Nah man I think girls will care much more about appearance and your fitness than how much money you have. If they do, then you probably have the wrong girl lol.

[@reyna3879]

If yoy are looking for a girl that you can "own" you dont need one.

[@NICHOLAS3871]

Yeh, ugh , no. We don’t OWN girls. At least not here in the U.S.A. Unless u pimpin bruh

[@MTMSA1280]

Girls are not things you can own... we here are you from!?

[@Northernblades]

I seriously need to know how money did not matter.

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

Lol good question. It was something to do with my work. I don't want to get into specifics, just I have an awesome day job. I work for an IT company, not Bowflex - I promise!

[@Northernblades]

I think to prove it is all legit, you should send me free swag. PS, Not impressed that the Bowflex is Polar exclusive. Strike one. or should it be that my garmin, does not work with bowflex.

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

Lol I wish I had some swag to give you. What is polar? Like a Fitbit or something?

[@Northernblades]

www.google.ca/search?q=polar+heart+rate&client=firefox-b-ab&dcr=0&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjgieuV6ezZAhUJ52MKHS6NDpIQ_AUICigB&biw=1680&bih=938

[@Northernblades]

www.google.ca/search?client=firefox-b-ab&dcr=0&biw=1680&bih=938&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=rJypWtPrE9KajwO7ybbACQ&q=garmin+heart+rate+moniter&oq=garmin+heart+rate+moniter&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i13k1l6j0i8i13i30k1l4.21583.24881.0.25008.25.16.0.9.9.0.122.1285.14j2.16.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.25.1323...0j0i67k1j0i8i30k1.0.OK20QoGIjC8

[@aterritorian2536]

Thats a bit embarrassing, were you paid for these reviews? Its Bit dissapointing that this trainer was their best only a few years ago. And they continued to sell it for quite a while after they stopped making it in 2019. Now they have abandoned it!!!!! Can't upgrade, cant connect! The App has been abandoned and is not available anymore.

[@user-jz3vc9kd2j]

Lol 7 weeks on it...dude is still 25% bodyfat

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

Ouch man, I'll keep trying. I have a hard time stopping eating :)