Bowflex Max Trainer M8

Become a ripped mecha-being

£1999 / stuff.tv/bowflexm8

■ The Max Trainer M8 is a kind of elliptical step machine and treadmill in one – which basically means you’ll feel like you’re constantly walking (or running) upstairs, rather than strolling on flat plains. That should equal quads and calves of steel, but swinging arms work the upper body too.

■ First things first, though: it’s a workout just assembling the thing. Like a massive Meccano set, it comes in two boxes and takes a good couple of hours to put together. However, while it’s tall and resembles a vertical gravlev speeder from Star Wars, it takes up dramatically less floor space than a bike or treadmill.

■ The M8 is a high-spec model (the ‘basic’ options are still over a grand) featuring tailored workouts, 20 resistance levels and contact heart-rate tracking. Choose between fat burn, endurance and performance, or connect to the app for more, but be prepared for an onslaught of enthusiastic Americans and EDM.

■ The workouts are hard, but with no ‘pounding’ to speak of there’s a lot for your limbs to like in terms of full-body, low-impact motion. The pedals are sturdy and the handles grippy – just ensure you slow down gradually between sprints.

■ Changing the emphasis between muscle groups is tricky – it’s a bit like rubbing your head while tapping your tummy, and takes some getting used to if you really want to work those arms.