Bowflex Max Total 16 Review (2024)

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Key Features:

• Combines the movements of a stair stepper and elliptical machine with 20 levels of challenging resistance
• Provides high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts that minimize joint stress
• Equipped with a 16-inch adjustable HD touchscreen, six grip handlebars, integrated Bluetooth speakers and a Bluetooth wireless armband heart rate monitor
• Purchase comes with one-year JRNY membership that houses thousands of live and on-demand workouts, real-time coaching, adaptive training and over 200 scenic routes, and allows you to utilize the streaming services Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+ and HBO Max (subscriptions required for these)
• Compact footprint with front transport wheels

While elliptical machines have been around for over two decades, their popularity has really taken off in recent years. And it's not too not hard to figure out why—they offer high-intensity and low-impact workouts that not only work muscles in both your upper and lower body, but also improve your overall endurance. Today’s ellipticals are much more than the old-school boring machine you may be picturing in your head. Many feature the ever-popular interactive virtual training that offers users diverse and engaging training for their home workouts.

The Bowflex Max Total 16 is a great example of a modern elliptical machine. But this powerhouse takes the traditional movement of an elliptical and combines it with a stair stepper pattern to create a dynamic and low-impact, but high-intensity, workout. The Total 16 comes equipped with some impressive specs and technology features, including an adjustable 16-inch HD touchscreen, the JRNY digital training platform and built-in Bluetooth speakers.

What Is the Bowflex Max Total 16?

The Bowflex Max Total 16 is a hybrid elliptical cross trainer that combines the movement patterns of both an elliptical and stair stepper into one cardio machine. This is Bowflex's high-end iteration of their Max Trainer series, which includes the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 and the Max Trainer M9. The Total 16 is fully stocked with specs and technology features that create an immersive training experience. It's not a budget elliptical, but its relatively high price tag is a reflection of its overall construction and engineering.

Bowflex Max Total 16 Construction and Design

Ellipticals usually come with a hefty footprint, and because of their inherent design, are cumbersome to move around; however, that's not the case with the Bowflex Max Total 16. The Total 16 is a fairly compact elliptical with a footprint measuring slightly over four feet long and 2.5 feet wide. It comes with front transport wheels and weighs 155.4 pounds, so it's not too difficult to tilt and move out of the way when not in use.

The textured pedals allow users to find a position that best suits their stride. It's described by users as incredibly sturdy with a beautiful dual-rail design. There are six-grip adjustable handlebars that recruit different upper body muscles, including lats, triceps and biceps. The adjustable design means users of multiple heights can customize the fit for comfort. Combined with its 300-pound user weight capacity, the Bowflex Max Total 16 can accommodate most athletes.

Bowflex Max Total 16 Console and Controls

The Bowflex Max Total 16 has an adjustable 16-inch HD touchscreen and built-in media shelf should you prefer to bring your own smart device. The touchscreen is reportedly responsive and easy-to-navigate. The volume can be adjusted with buttons located on the back of the screen where the power button resides. You will likely want to set the volume before you get moving as you can’t see which button on the back you're actually pressing when mid-workout.

To control resistance, there's a steel knob that turns left and right located at the middle of the stationary handlebars. According to Bowflex, this design enables more precise control over the resistance; however, many users report preferring digitally controlled resistance. Bowflex asserts that the Total 16 will accommodate users at every fitness-level, but some reviews indicate that the challenging resistance may be difficult for beginners.

Bowflex Max Total 16 Technology

In terms of technology, the Bowflex Max Total 16 has a lot to offer, most notably, its 16-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities. Integrated in the console are Bluetooth speakers that enhance the immersive workout experience. The speakers are Bluetooth enabled, so you can stream your own music or podcast. 

You'll also find heart rate handgrips on the handlebars to monitor your heart rate, and Bowflex includes a Bluetooth heart rate armband. You'll need to house this machine in an area that gets a good WiFi connection in order to access Bowflex’s virtual training platform, JRNY.

Bowflex’s JRNY App

To use the Bowflex Max Total 16 as intended, you'll need to subscribe and connect to JRNY. Through this fitness app, you have unlimited access to thousands of on-demand classes, real-time and personalized workouts, curated workout and entertainment options and over 200 scenic routes from around the globe.

A highlight of a JRNY membership is that they offer adaptive workouts, which means the workouts change as your fitness abilities evolve, so you're constantly challenged. Virtual coaching is also available through this app. A newer feature is motion tracking. If you use your tablet’s camera when performing workouts off the Max Total 16, the app will track reps and sets for you. JRNY also allows you to stream entertainment from Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+ and HBO Max. You'll need to have a separate subscription to use these.

Included in your purchase is a free one-year membership to JRNY. After that time, membership automatically renews at the current membership rates. Right now, membership costs $19.99 per month, or you can save money by purchasing an annual membership for $149. While some subscription-based training platforms limit the number of users per account, JRNY does not and supports unlimited profiles with one membership.

Working Out With the Bowflex Max Total 16

The Bowflex Max Total 16 functions similarly to a traditional elliptical or stair stepper. While the motion of the pedals is slightly different, the way it works is not. Through your JRNY profile, choose a class or coach-led training session with options targeting, for example, calorie burn or a full body workout. There are 16 levels of resistance, which will likely challenge even more experienced athletes.

If you decide to forgo a JRNY membership, you won’t get a ton of use on this cardio machine. There are no pre-programmed workouts aside from a manual mode, and if you only plan to use an elliptical on manual mode you can certainly find more affordable options.

Customer Reviews of the Bowflex Max Total 16

Currently, there are 230 reviews on the Bowflex website, most of which are overwhelmingly positive. In fact, out of the 230 reviews on Bowflex.com, 205 give this product a 5/5-star rating, 20 give it a 4/5-star rating, and the remaining six reviews rate it with 3/5 stars or below (at the time of writing). It's very apparent that most users find the Max Total 16 to be well worth the investment, praising both its overall design and function.

One five-star review from Bowflex.com states, “This Max trainer is no joke! It definitely works muscles that I was missing in my other workouts. That was the reason for wanting it and it doesn't disappoint.” 

Another customer calls this product a lifesaver commenting, “This has been an emotional life saver!! Nothing like being able to take 20 minutes to burn 300+ calories while being motivated by trainer videos or my favorite music or TV shows. Completely turns my day around and uplifts me like nothing else. Love the design. It's so low impact and at the same time so brutal - amazing!”

Of the six unfavorable reviews found on the Bowflex website, most are in regard to glitchy software and spotty Bluetooth connection. One Max Total 16 user reports, “The machine is fine, but the JRNY software had lots of issues. Their support is excellent, but the same problems keep coming up making you restart your workout or unable to see your screen.”

Bowflex Max Total 16 Pros

• 20 levels of challenging resistance
• One-year membership to JRNY included with machine purchase
• Supports multiple users
• Sturdy
• Compact
• Provides an excellent workout
• Assembly is reportedly straightforward
• JRNY app can be used with other Bowflex equipment (Bowflex treadmills, Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, etc.)

Bowflex Max Total 16 Cons

• Expensive
• Disappointing warranty (three years for frame and parts, one year for electronics and 90 days for labor)
• Resistance is manually controlled
• Software can reportedly be glitchy at times

Delivery and Setup of the Bowflex Max Total 16

Assembling the Bowflex Max Total 16 is straightforward, according to reviewers, and while it takes some time, it's apparently not very difficult. Bowflex has some instructional videos online for those who need a visual explanation. If you prefer an expert to set up your machine, Bowflex has the option for in-home expert assembly which costs an additional $169.

Bowflex often runs specials with free shipping. If you don’t happen to catch this promotion, the shipping charge costs $99. Your machine should ship one week after purchase. If you opt for expert assembly, you'll be contacted by Bowflex’s assembly provider one to three days after the product ships. Bowflex promises to give a four-hour window, requiring you to be home during set-up. If you change your mind, you can cancel this service up to 48 hours before it's delivered for a full refund.

Bowflex Customer Service and Warranty

Should you have any issues with a Bowflex product, rest assured that their customer service gets very positive reviews. The customer service department is described as both responsive and willing to remedy any reported problems. There are several reviewers who actually gave the Bowflex Max Total 16 a higher rating than they otherwise would have because of their positive experience with customer service.

The warranty, on the other hand, is somewhat disappointing. Bowflex provides a limited three-year warranty on the frame and parts, one-year warranty on electronics and a 90-day warranty on labor. You can extend the protection on the Max Total 16 by purchasing either a three- or five-year extended protection plan. The three-year plan costs $199 and covers labor for up to three years. The five-year plan costs $259 and extends both parts and labor coverage up to five years.

How the Bowflex Max Total 16 Stacks Up

There are a lot of companies making quality home gym equipment, so let’s see how the Bowflex Max Total 16 compares to some popular ellipticals models on the market.

Bowflex Max Total 16 vs. NordicTrack Commercial 14.9

Both NordicTrack and Bowflex are well-established manufacturers of quality fitness equipment. The NordicTrack 14.9 is considered a commercial-grade elliptical, featuring a 14-inch HD touchscreen, a front-drive system with an impressive 32-pound flywheel, 26 levels of resistance and incline ranges from zero to 20 percent. While both the Bowflex Max Total 16 and NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 are higher-end cardio machines sharing some similarities like interactive programming, a touchscreen monitor, integrated speakers and Bluetooth capabilities, there are some key differences.

Unlike the Max Total 16, the Commercial 14.9 has incline levels that go up to a notable 20 percent incline. The Commercial 14.9 offers 26 levels of digitally controlled resistance, compared with 20 levels of manually controlled resistance on the Max Total 16. When using iFIT, the virtual training platform for NordicTrack, the Commercial 14.9 has auto-adjusting trainer-led resistance and incline for a hands-free training experience—not something you can get on the Bowflex Max Total 16. Additionally, the Commercial 14.9 has an adjustable stride length, whereas the Max Total 16 is fixed.

NordicTrack connects with iFIT, its digital fitness platform. Your purchase of the 14.9 comes with a 30-day iFIT membership, which covers five different users and provides exclusive access to thousands of on-demand workouts that vary in type, length and intensity. You can not stream any other entertainment apps through iFIT.

However, Bowflex offers a full one-year membership to JRNY when you purchase the Max Total 16, which covers unlimited users. It also allows for streaming of other entertainment apps, giving it a bit of an edge over iFIT. It's also more compact and weighs less, so it may be a better choice for those in smaller spaces.

The warranties are quite different, as well. NordicTrack offers what is considered the industry standard: 10-year frame warranty, two-year parts warranty and one-year labor warranty. Although not leaps and bounds better than Bowflex’s warranty, it is worth noting.

Bowflex Max Total 16 vs. ProForm Carbon HIIT H14

Both the Bowflex Max Total 16 and ProForm Carbon HIIT H14 are hybrid trainers that focus on HIIT workouts to effectively work both upper and lower body muscle groups. While the Max Total 16 combines the movements of a stepper and elliptical, the Carbon HIIT H14 combines upper-body punching movements with the elliptical stepping path. Though slightly smaller than the screen on the Max Total 16, the H14 also has a 14-inch interactive HD touchscreen with dual two-inch Bluetooth speakers creating an immersive training experience.

Similar to the Max Total 16, the Carbon HIIT H14 is compatible with the iFIT digital training platform. When you purchase the Carbon HIIT H14, ProForm provides a 30-day family membership to iFIT, which automatically renews at the end of the trial period. The Carbon H14 comes with over 50 pre-programmed workouts that vary in length and intensity; these do not require any subscription but do need WiFi connectivity.

Like the Bowflex Max Total 16, the Carbon H14 is relatively compact, making it a viable option for those with limited floor space. Other key specs on the ProForm HIIT H14 that differ slightly from the Max Total 16 include 26 resistance levels with silent magnetic resistance, a 30-pound inertia-enhanced flywheel, a cooling fan and multi-function handlebars that have a more punching motion.

The ProForm HIIT H14 costs $1,799, which is a bit less than the Max Total 16. The biggest takeaway when comparing these two machines is that the H14 comes with programmed workouts, but only a 30-day free trial to iFIT, while Bowflex offers an entire year’s membership to JRNY and no preset workouts.

Bowflex Max Total 16 vs. Sole E25

The Sole Elliptical E25 is a slightly more affordable elliptical cross trainer, but it doesn't come with any bells and whistles. Like most Sole products, this elliptical is known for both its sturdy construction and dependability. One notable difference from the Bowflex Max Total 16 is 20 levels of power incline, a feature not found on the Max Total 16. The pedals work both in a fluid backward and forward traditional elliptical path.

Where the Sole E25 can't really compete with the Total 16 is in the arena of technology. The E25 comes with a small LCD monitor that houses 10 basic pre-programmed workout options. Sole does have its own fitness based app, Studio, which has a large library of workouts that vary by length and type. Customers receive a 90-day free membership when buying the E25. After the trial, the membership will cost $19.99 a month. The catch is that the E25’s display does not connect to the Studio App and won’t provide the same immersive experience that you'll get on the Max Total 16.

It's possible to situate your own smart device on the E25’s integrated device holder, stream the Studio App and have a makeshift smart elliptical. But, let’s be honest—it's not quite the same thing. What the E25 lacks in technology, it makes up for in its solid construction and generous warranty. Sole offers a remarkable warranty on all their cardio machines with a lifetime warranty on the frame, three-years on electronics and parts and one-year on labor.

Bowflex Max Total 16 FAQs

How long should I work out on the Bowflex Max Total 16?

How long you should workout on the Bowflex Max Total 16 depends on your fitness goals and how much time you have to workout. Since the Total 16 brings HIIT workout programs, you can get a great workout in less than 30 minutes. Some users prefer a slow and steady endurance workout, which is also an option on this exercise machine.

Is the Bowflex Max Total 16 hard on your knees?

No, the Bowflex Max Total 16 is not hard on your knees. Unlike treadmills, it provides a low impact cardio workout that poses a very low risk of injury and shouldn't stress the joints. As a result, the Bowflex Max Total 16 is a viable option for those with knee pain. If you struggle with knee pain, speak to your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Can you do a full body workout on the Bowflex Max Total 16?

Yes, you can absolutely do a full body workout on the Bowflex Max Total 16. The handlebars have six different grip positions, so you can effectively work a slew of upper body muscles while simultaneously training your lower body.

Final Thoughts

The Bowflex Max Total 16 combines the path of a traditional elliptical with that of a stair stepper, creating a low-impact and high-intensity workout. It's a higher-end machine that utilizes the JRNY virtual training platform, which has a library with thousands of workout options, adaptive training and real-time coaching. Since this is a membership-based immersive training experience, you should count on this additional cost after the complimentary one-year trial, as the Total 16 does not come with any pre-programmed workouts. The Bowflex Max Total 16 is an investment, but for those seeking a high-quality machine with interactive training, it's a great option.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.