Bowflex BXE216 Elliptical Review
The BXE26 Elliptical trainer is what dedicated athletes
have been waiting for……..
Bowflex BXE216 Elliptical Machine
Features List
- 22” elliptical stride, motorized incline 1-15% manageable for all people
- 25 resistance levels for a total workout
- Sturdy steel construction to accommodate men and women up to 400 lbs.
- Assembled: 77” L x 31” W x 70” H: work out space required is 10.4’ x x79”
- Total Weight of Product: 263 lbs., heavy but still portable
- Adjustable Pedals and Handlebars with pulse sensors
- Quality 9” Console with 11 programs, 4 profiles, and full color readouts
With this commercial style trainer in your own home, you can do your work out any time, day or night! The sturdy steel construction and attractive profile make it a great choice for any dedicated athlete.
With a weight capacity of 400 lb., it’s a great fit for the entire family.
The Bluetooth enabled console is equipped with 11 versatile workout programs and equipped to handle 4 user profiles. A USB port is available to connect your workout stats to apps on-line or on your phone. You can also charge your phone or tablet while you work out.
**** This button takes you to the lowest priced listing I found on Amazon.
What Does the Console have to offer me?
First of all, you don’t have to follow any programs to use the BXE216. If you just want to hop on and go, just hit manual and you’re working out.
Let’s say you are going to do a 5K run. There are 11 programs and the “5K distance” is one of them------easy huh? There’s a program that helps you get your heart rate up, another program will target burning calories.
If you want to do timed intervals, there’s a program for either 8 minutes or one for 11 minutes. If you want to concentrate on building strength, yup! There’s a program for that.
No chance of getting bored with this ultra-versatile elliptical machine!
Read outs available on console
- Time and distance
- Speed and incline
- Calories burned per-minute
- Heart rate and heart rate zone
- Program segment grid
- Telemetric unit, pulse tracker with sensors and chest strap
- LED Backlight on the console increases readability
- Bluetooth 4.0 compatible
In all there are 11 onboard programs. You can adjust the incline (1-15%) and resistance (25 levels) to your specifications to customize your work out on all programs.
Endless possibilities!
There are also Bowflex BXE 216 compatible apps on the market that follow Google Maps for virtual trails. Included are many interactive features you can access.
A bit about the 4 user profiles! Up to 4 people in your household can enter their profile and have access to their own personal stats.
The Bowflex BXE 216 also has a cooling fan on the console as well as a sound system (2 speakers), that connect with a tablet, smart phone, even hook up to a smart tv!
This Bowflex BXE 216 is really the “Cadillac” of work out machines and I would consider it one of the Best Ellipticals Under $2,000.
Construction of the Bowflex BXE 216
So, we see that this elliptical machine can be programed to do numerous onboard work outs!
Let’s see how it’s built and if it will stand up to your ideals and expectations.
The basic frame is constructed of heavy-duty steel tubing that is strong enough to support up to 400 lbs. The other parts that are made of hard commercial style plastic are as structurally elite as the rest of the machine. You can depend on the quality paint job to last for years.
The base is equipped with lifting handles in the rear and wheels on the front of the machine. Fully assembled, the elliptical weighs in at 263 lbs. Once assembled, one person can move it.
You can setup the Bowflex BXE 216 on any type of floor. The adjustable stabilizers are used to level the machine perfectly, anywhere!
Assembly and Maintenance
To make the assembly as easy as possible, ask a friend to come help. The resistance system along with the drive system come pre-assemble.
The rest of the assembly isn’t all that complicated, but it will take you around two hours or so. The included manual is easy to follow with step-by-step instructions and the company also includes all the tools you will need to complete the assembly.
To maintain your Bowflex BXE216 in tip, top shape, check the parts and bolts for a secure fit periodically and use the little bottle of oil that is included for the unit’s joints.
Keep your elliptical clean!
As with any type of equipment, dust accumulation can cause problems anywhere on the machine. “DUST THE DARN THING”
How the Bowflex BXE 216 Works
Drive and Resistance Systems
So, what drives this beast?
Each pedal is equipped with two large ball bearing sealed wheels that runs on an aluminum track. Stability is insured due to the double track system and it produces a smooth and quiet work out.
The Switch Select system allows for angle adjustment and firmness of action depending on how much you weigh. There are 4 settings in this system that will work for everyones desired adjustments.
There are two sets of handlebars, a fixed set, and a mobile set. The mobile, multi-grip handlebars control the resistance and incline adjustments.
The fixed handlebars also have rubberized grips with the built-in pulse sensors. The pedals and the moving arms work simultaneously.
With the 2amp adapter connected to a power outlet (12V), you can operate the resistance system from the controls on the right MOBILE grip.
When adjusting the 25 levels of resistance, the magnetic brake pad and a small servo motor adjust the resistance on the 35 lb. flywheel. Although some programs adjust the resistance automatically, you can add more resistance for a workout designed for strength building.
The Stride and Incline capabilities
Since working on an incline can increase the intensity of a workout, this machine is just what you’re looking for. It increases at 1% increments, but you can use the keys on the console to do quick adjustments of 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15.
A little motor activates the incline system and is controlled by the console that, in turn, moves the incline ramp.
The stationary stride is set at 22” and it will work for people between 5’2” to 6’5”. Although it can accommodate many users, it is non-adjustable.
When getting on the Bowflex BXE 216, there is a sept-up height, at it’s lowest, of 16”. To make sure you have enough room to workout, allow at least 35” above your height.
Questions and Answers
Q. What’s the advantage to the 22” stride?
A. The 22” stride feels more natural and is more like a running motion. You get the fullest extension of your muscles with less stress on your knees, hips and back.
Q. How adjustable are the pedals? I’m sensitive in my arches!
A. The “Switch Select” pedals gives you 3 different heel-toe angles of adjustment so I’m sure you can get the right tilt for your arches.
Q. Is the ride on this machine smooth? I hate it when a machine kind of skips and throws me off balance.
A. The 35 lb. flywheel gives you a much smoother feeling ride. It helps anchor the elliptical and add stability to the machine. Besides, the total weight is 263 lbs. so it won’t be sliding around.
Q. Will I be able to keep track of total calories burned in one work out session?
A. Yes, the console shows you exactly how many calories you burn at one session.
The Bowflex BXE216 vs The Bowflex BXE 116
Since the Bowflex BXE 216 and 116 ellipticals are almost the same machine, I’m going to list some of the differences that could affect your choice when purchasing. They are both great quality ellipticals but you might want to do a comparison on some of the features.
It’s hard to tell the difference just by looking!
Final Verdict To Purchase Bowflex BXE216 Elliptical Trainer
Since this is such a high-end elliptical, the price tag fits the quality! “You can’t buy a foot scooter and expect to win a motorcycle race”…...just sayin’!
The company offers a warranty on the frame for 15 years, parts for 5 years, electronics for 5 years, and labor for 2 years.
The 25 levels of resistance, 1-15% incline, 11 programs, and 4 profiles gives you endless options to creating your customized work out sessions or just use the onboard programs.
The Bowflex BXE 216 is a top of the line elliptical that is going to satisfy your every work out need. Sturdy and reliable, versatile, and safe, you’ll be happy with your purchase.
If you would like to check out our reviews on other ellipticals, just click here!
