Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical Review

Elliptical machines provide a low-impact workout that is easy on your joints, can improve your cardiovascular health, and have the potential to strengthen your leg muscles. And with the Bowflex Max Total 16 elliptical,  you can also binge your favorite TV shows while you get fit thanks to the 16-inch touchscreen display, which grants you access to stream from Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video during your workouts as well as virtual workout programming and form critique from Bowflex’s JRNY app. 

While you stream, the elliptical’s 20 levels of magnetic resistance let you choose the difficulty of your workouts, the built-in pulse sensors make it easy to track your HRV, and the Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair a heart rate monitor or connect your phone to the speakers so you can channel your inner “Swifty.” Plus, since this elliptical features an upright design, it acts more like a stepper and may strengthen your posterior chain more effectively. While it comes with a steep price tag of $2,500, we think the high-quality build and tech-savvy nature of the Max Total 16 could make it an excellent addition to your home gym.

Main Takeaways

Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical Highlights

The Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical is a top-of-the-line cardio machine offering many modern tech features. The console has programmed workouts (such as Interval Training and Fat Burn), but it may be worth it to shell out the extra money for a subscription to Bowflex’s JRNY app. This app allows you to stream content from providers like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video and provides a host of training features like live and on-demand workouts, progressive training programs, and virtual form critiques. You’ll get a two-month free trial to JRNY with your purchase, so you can try it out before committing. 

Regarding performance, the magnetic resistance on the Max Total 16 provides a smooth and quiet workout experience. And since you have 20 levels of resistance to work with, you should have plenty of variety within each cardio session. You can easily track your metrics on the 16-inch touchscreen monitor, like your burned calories and HRV while working out, and the Bluetooth capabilities allow you to listen to your favorite tunes without headphones.

While it may be disappointing for some that the weight of the flywheel is not disclosed, and the price may have it fall out of some folks’ budget, we still think the Max Total 16 offers solid value due to its luxury features and virtual training capabilities. 

Pros

• Integrating JRNY, Bowflex’s training app, allows for personalized workouts that will adapt to your fitness level over time.
• The 16-inch touchscreen monitor offers streaming capabilities with Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video.
• The magnetic resistance is virtually silent and provides a smooth workout experience.

Cons

• The Max Total 16 is one of the more expensive ellipticals on the market with a $2,500 price tag, and you’re required to pay a membership fee to gain access to the trainer-led workouts from JRNY.
• While the 20 resistance levels offer variety for your workouts, some advanced athletes may want an elliptical with a known flywheel weight and incline and decline adjustments.
• Bowflex only includes a three-year warranty on the frame and parts of the Max Total 16 and only offers a 90-day labor warranty.

Price

The Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical features a base price of $2,500. Adding a warranty plan and white glove assembly costs extra. Since the warranty plan is short compared to its competitors, you might consider adding the three-year extended warranty for $200 or the five-year warranty for $260. Reportedly, assembling the Max Total is a lengthy process, so spending an additional $190 for white glove assembly may be worth it. 

If you go all in, this elliptical can cost you $3,000 on this elliptical. It’s a high-quality product with many modern features, but this is one of the most expensive ellipticals on the market. You can always finance it for $140 a month with a Bowflex credit card, but if you’re on a strict budget, you can find a cheaper option online. 

Overall Build and Quality

The Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical features a front-drive flywheel and an upright design that provides a steep incline and can hammer your posterior chain. Weighing 206 pounds and sporting a 375-pound weight capacity, this elliptical will fit most athletes, and its upright profile takes up less floorspace than most ellipticals.

Features

The Max Total 16 Elliptical has a host of stand-out features. A 16-inch touchscreen displays streaming services, workout stats, and trainer-led workouts; eight standard workouts are programmed into the console; the built-in pulse sensors make it easy to track your heart rate variability, and built-in Bluetooth lets you blast your music through the speakers or connect to earbuds.

Stat Tracking and Display

The 16-inch touchscreen display provides a luxury feel to the Max Total 16, and it’s easy to navigate the various workouts available via JRNY. It’ll also track all the standard stats during your workouts, such as time, distance, resistance level, heart rate, calories burned, and speed. 

Included Workouts

This elliptical offers eight programmed workouts on top of the free trial to JRNY. These consist of Fat Burn, Cardio, two Interval Training programs, Manual, Hill Climb, Heart Rate, and Fitness Test. 

Heart Rate Monitoring

You can easily monitor your heart rate in two ways: the built-in pulse sensors on the handlebars or by connecting a heart rate monitor. (Bowflex includes a heart rate armband with your purchase.)

Streaming

The 16-inch touchscreen display lets you stream live and on-demand classes from the JRNY app. You can also stream your favorite movies and TV shows on popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and Max (HBO’s streaming service). Whether you want to watch a show or take a guided workout class, you need a subscription to the JRNY app.

Fans

There are no fans on the Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical.

Bluetooth and Audio Options

You can pair your phone to the Bluetooth speakers on this elliptical to listen to music while working out. You can also connect a heart rate monitor or stream audio to your Bluetooth earbuds.

Water Bottle, Cup Holders, Tablet and Phone Holders

While there isn’t a tablet holder on this elliptical, you really don’t need one since you can stream from Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video during your workouts. However, there is a phone tray, and the cup holder is large enough to house most water bottles, so you can stay hydrated while working out. 

HDMI, USB, and Other Inputs

This elliptical has no USB charging ports, so be sure to charge your phone if you intend to use it during your body conditioning efforts. 

Product Specs

The Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical features a stout steel frame that weighs a hefty 206 pounds and has a 375-pound weight capacity. The oversized foot pedals will accommodate most athletes, and the textured surface will keep your feet from sliding around while working out. The magnetic resistance minimizes noise while working out, and despite it not folding, the upright design makes it a little more compact than other ellipticals. 

Elliptical Type and Materials

With an upright design and front-drive flywheel, the Max Total 16 acts more like a stepper than other ellipticals on the market. While the flywheel weight isn’t listed on the Bowflex website, we still think this option is viable for the average cardio enthusiast.

Max Resistance and Incline

The Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical offers 20 levels of magnetic resistance for your workouts. While you can adjust the resistance manually with the knob above the cup holder, this machine also offers automatic adjustments with the workouts programmed to the console and the workouts featured with JRNY. 

There are not any incline levels, though. So if that’s a feature you’re looking for, you’ll need to explore other options. 

Pedals and Arms

Similar to its counterparts, the arms and pedals on the Max Total 16 move in unison, providing a fluid motion to your workouts. The 15-inch pedals on this elliptical should accommodate most athletes, and they feature a textured pattern that prevents your feet from sliding. 

Since this is an upright elliptical, the pedals move vertically instead of horizontally, which places more tension on your posterior chain. Each arm also offers three different grip options, and the stationary handlebars feature built-in pulse sensors.

Dimensions and Weight

The Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical is just over four feet long, 2.5 feet wide, and 5.4 feet tall. It weighs 206 pounds.

Weight Capacity

This elliptical can support up to 375 pounds, making it a solid option for most athletes. 

Foldability and Portability

While it cannot fold, a pair of wheels at the front of the frame makes it relatively easy to slide it around your personal space. 

Electrical Requirements

The Bowflex Max Total 16 only needs a standard 110v outlet to be powered. 

Noise

Your workouts will be close to silent thanks to the magnetic flywheel.

Workout Apps and Subscription Options

The Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical comes with a two-month trial to JRNY. This interactive app features a catalog of trainer-led workouts that work in tandem with the elliptical, but there’s a slew of additional workouts, such as strength training and yoga. After completing an assessment, you can access personalized workouts with adaptive coaching and virtual instruction based on your results and goals.

The app will also track your progress and is compatible with Apple Health, Fitbit, and MyFitnessPal. After your trial ends, you can pay $20 monthly for the subscription or about $150 yearly with the annual membership.

Warranties

Bowflex includes a three-year warranty on the frame and parts of the Max Total 16 and a 90-day labor warranty. 

Places to Buy

You can purchase the Max Total 16 directly through the Bowflex website.

Company Information

Bowflex is a known entity in the fitness industry and has been manufacturing strength gear and cardio equipment for over 30 years. If you need to speak to their team, call them at 1-800-605-3369.

Final Word

The Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical is a top-tier elliptical that offers virtual training and automatic resistance adjustments during workouts. The 20 levels of magnetic resistance are virtually silent and provide variety within your cardio sessions. You’ll receive a two-month trial to JRNY, where you can browse live and on-demand workout classes or watch content from major streaming networks on the 16-inch touchscreen display. The personalized workouts are tailored to your fitness level and specific goals, plus all of your workouts are logged, so you can track your progress.

The upright design requires less space than your standard elliptical and acts more like a stepper to give your posterior chain a killer workout. The built-in pulse sensors make it easy to track your HRV; Bluetooth capabilities allow you to connect the included armband heart rate monitor; you can pair your phone to the speakers to jam while you work out. While the steep price tag may not be ideal for everyone, the luxury feel, stout build, and virtual training capabilities make the Bowflex Max Total 16 an excellent choice for your home gym.

FAQs