Thinking of the Bowflex M3 Max Trainer? The M3 is the most affordable model in the Max Trainer series – it’s under $1000.

The other model is the M5, which is the premium version of this hybrid crosstrainer with a stepper. The M5 costs about $500 more than the M3. This leads a lot of people to wonder what the difference is between them, and if the M3 is really a good buy.

With that in mind, here’s a review of the pros and cons of the Bowflex Max M3 to help you decide:

#1 on the market, the most affordable high calorie burning fitness equipment

The M3 is under $1000, making it one of the most affordable Bowflex machines on the market (Treadclimbers start at $2300 and up). This in itself is a great advantage.

With this machine, you can burn up to 2.5 times more calories than a treadmill, elliptical or stair climber. That means you lose weight faster.

According to the manufacturer, Max is also designed so that you can get this calorie-burning effect even if you only train 14 minutes a day. So it’s great if you’re too busy to spend hours toiling away on a treadmill.

#2 Work the upper body and activate more muscles

According to the manufacturer, in the lab, the Max engaged more core and upper body muscles than even the elliptical trainer.

That not only accounts for the higher calorie burning effects, but also helps you tone your upper body, unlike on a treadmill or stair climber.

#3 Low impact means less joint pain

The Max trainer was built to be very low impact, combining the action of climbing stairs with the upper body arms of an elliptical.

So if you struggle with joint pain, shin splints, or even back pain, this might be the right machine to help you avoid that, while continuing with your workouts.

#4 The M3 Max Trainer Workout Keeps You Burning Calories For hours after your training

Bowflex built the M3 and M5 models to include the specialized 14 minute high intensity workout. This workout has been designed to challenge your body with short bursts of activity followed by longer periods of rest.

This type of exercise has been shown to rev up your metabolism for up to 24 hours after your workout. So you will burn more calories even at rest after your workouts on the M3.

#5 Save space in your home

The M3 Max trainer has a smaller footprint than most treadmills or even elliptical trainers. Measures 2.5 x 3.5 feet.

So if you don’t want, or have room for, a lot of bulky gear, the Max M3 is a great option.

Those are the pros, and the cons?

Well, the M3 is a “simpler” version of the M5 Max trainer. So you don’t get some of the fancy extras:

#1 No backlit console

The M3 doesn’t come with the backlit console that you get with the M5. This may or may not matter to you.

But if lighting is limited in your training area, you can opt for the M5 model to view your training stats (or just buy a small flashlight).

#2 Less resistance levels

The M3 has fewer resistance levels than the M5: 8 vs. 16. So if you’re in top physical condition, you might want the added challenge of the M5 trainer instead of the M3.

But for new exercisers, you’ll probably be fine with 8 resistance levels.

#3 Fewer built-in workouts

The M3 has a manual and Bowflex’s special 14-minute interval program, but that’s about it.

The M5 has several other built-in workouts like calorie target, fat burn, stairs, steady state, and fitness test. Again, this may or may not matter to you depending on your training style.

#4 Without manual heart rate sensors

The Bowfex M3 Max Trainer comes with a wireless heart rate monitoring system, but there is no hand sensor option. The M5 has both the wireless and the hand sensor.

So what is the bottom line?

The Bowflex Max M3 is a simpler version of the premium M5 Max Trainer. Both offer the same calorie-burning, upper-body toning, high-intensity training, and compact design benefits.

So all the basics are covered for you to get a calorie burning workout.

The main differences are in the premium “extras” that many people like, like the extra resistance levels, backlit console, and workout programs. So it’s really up to you and what you prefer.

But if you’re looking to see faster results in less time during your workouts, the M3 might be the best machine for you!