Bowflex LateralX LX3 Review

Quick Summary

The Bowflex LateralX LX3 is a versatile cross-trainer for home use. Although no longer in production by Bowflex, a number of used models are still online and represent a great bargain. Similar to standard elliptical machines, it lets you stride at any intensity with very low impact… but unlike standard ellipticals, the new LX3 also lets you move up/down and laterally while exercising your whole body. For guidance a library of video workouts is made especially for LateralX use. Other special features include wireless pulse monitoring, Bowflex Radio and wireless data export. Read on for our detailed Bowflex LX3 review!

Specifications

Model	Bowflex LateralX LX3
Rating Our custom rating considers all of the elliptical's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!	82.1%
List Price Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.	$1,999
Best Price Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the best price we've found.	$1,999
Resistance Resistance is what determines calories burned per stride. The more levels, the more precisely you can control the difficulty.	8 Levels
Resistance Type The type of resistance affects the performance of your elliptical. Magnetic and Eddy-Current are the most common types.	Magnetic
Stride Length Stride Length is important for comfort and smooth strides. A stride length of 18-21 inches is ideal for most heights (5'3 - 6'7).	Adjustable
Pedals Elliptical pedals can be cushioned and adjustable for maximum comfort and minimum impact on joints for injury prevention.	Adjustable
Incline Some elliptical trainers can be set at an incline to increase difficulty and burn more calories.	no
Flywheel The flywheel controls the smoothness and resistance of your workout. In general, the higher the better.	N/A
Programs Elliptical Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	7
User Profiles For each profile the elliptical allows, you can create a custom user account with saved programs and goal settings.	2
Heart Rate Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.	Contact heart-rate monitoring system Wireless-chest-strap heart-rate monitoring system
Display Elliptical Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.	7.5" Backlit LCD Display
Max. Weight Max User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that it can safely support, which can represent durability.	300 lbs
Dimensions Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this elliptical will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).	53.5" L x 46.3" W x 63.7" H
Upper Body Most ellipticals have handles to hold while you're working out that provide an upper body workout.
Accessory Tray Some ellipticals include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.
Speakers Ellipticals that include a sound system allow you to listen to your MP3 player/iPod through built-in speakers (without headphones).
Cooling Fans Cooling Fans are designed to help keep you cool during an intense workout on your elliptical.
Folding? Some ellipticals are designed to conserve space by folding up. This is a convenient option, but some features might be reduced.
Quick Controls Quick Controls allow you to select speed, incline and even workout programs with the touch of a button (usually on the handles).
Warranty The warranty is an important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs.	Parts: 1 year Frame: 1 year Electronics: 1 year Labor: 90 days

Our Rating

Rating: 82.1/100. Bowflex LateralX fitness machines are elliptical alternatives for everyone from novice exercisers to skilled athletes. Very low impact, both the LateralX LX3 and LX5 let you exercise your whole body without stressing your joints. Benefits include weight management along with improved strength, flexibility and balance.

For the lower body the LX3 supports traditional elliptical striding, stand/squat exercise and side-to-side movement. For the upper body, muscle tone comes from pushing/pulling the handlebars. Resistance controls are built into the handlebar tips for convenience.

As for difficulty and intensity, LX3 trainees can choose from eight resistance levels and customize each session length. (The LX5 has 10 levels.) This lets each user find a comfortable challenge level for cardio exercise mixed with strength training. Two user profiles can be saved to the console computer.

The Bowflex LX3 is a simpler model than the LX5, but both fitness machines promote rapid results. Main differences between the two models:

Handlebars on the LX3 support two grip positions. The four total handlebars on the LX5 are curved to support four grip positions.
Lateral stride is adjustable only on the LX5.

Standard training programs are built into each unit’s 7.5″ Backlit LCD Display, plus 30 LateralX video workouts can be streamed with the Bowflex LateralX app for Android and iOS. Many of the workout programs are just 16 minutes long. To exercise with the free videos you can add your own tablet computer to the fitness machine.

This brand-new 2019 model costs $1,999 at full price. Like most home fitness brands, Bowflex offers monthly payments and has a money-back guarantee. Here are pros and cons to consider.

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Pros:

Supports three styles of whole-body cross-training
Low-impact design minimizes the risk of injury
Adjustable pedal angle diversifies exercise
7.5″ Backlit LCD Display
Has room for a tablet computer to show LateralX workout videos
Bowflex Radio for extra motivation
Allows two user profiles
8 resistance levels support beginners through advanced athletes
7 built-in workout programs
30 training videos on the Bowflex LateralX mobile app
Automated data export with the LateralX mobile app
Compatible with Polar® wireless pulse monitors
Quiet operation and a reasonable size for home use
One-year warranty on frame and parts
Six-week buyback guarantee

Cons:

Assembly involves many steps and requires two people
Labor warranty is short (90 days)
Standard shipping takes up to 20 days

Workout Programs

When using the LateralX in manual mode, you can adjust resistance with handlebar buttons or via the console. Also available on the Bowflex LX3 monitor are six programs that automate the challenge:

X-mode 16 Minute Interval
Total Body
Stand Squat
Dual Direction
Fat Burn
Calorie Goal

Connecting the Bowflex app for Android or iOS, you can also exercise with a choice of 30 LateralX videos shown on your mobile device. Each video is 16 to 30 minutes long. Together they can form a three-month fitness regime for any ability level.

Most trainees should attempt fewer than 16 minutes during their first Bowflex LX3 workout sessions.

Bowflex Radio can be streamed with each workout.

Bowflex LateralX LX3 Features

The Bowflex LX3 weighs roughly 225 pounds and is rated safe for users up to 300 pounds. Its dimensions are 53.5″ L x 46.3″ W x 63.7″ H.

Resistance is magnetic and has eight settings.

Two sets of handlebars on this model are straight and support two main gripping positions.

Grip heart rate sensors are built into the machine. The LX3 is also compatible with a wireless heart rate monitor. A wireless chest strap is not packaged with this unit but is included with the LX5 sale price.

The pedals have fixed width (one lateral stride setting) and a vertical range of ten degrees.

A 7.5″ Backlit LCD Display shows workout data for the upper body, lower body and combined. Its “Celebration” feature can play a tone when you reach exercise milestones. Bluetooth is included for data export to mobile apps.

A tablet computer holder with charging port is set between the handlebars.

Also included are a cupholder and cooling fan.

Questions/Answers

What is the minimum ceiling height for the Bowflex LateralX X3? For users 6′ or under, an 8′ ceiling should suffice as the machine is 63.7″ tall itself. For users over 6′, figure 22″ plus their own height in inches.
Is the Bowflex LateralX X3 easy to assemble? Yes, much of the unit comes pre-assembled and there are multiple instructioal videos online.
What tools do I need to maintain the Bowflex LateralX X3? A damp cloth and set of sockets should suffice, although a Phillips head screwdriver might be helpful.
What are the fixed lateral measurements of the Bowflex LateralX X3? The fixed lateral stride on the LX3 is 8.5″ and the pedals will around 5″ forward and backward.

Warranty & Guarantee

The Bowflex LateralX LX3 residential warranty provides the following coverage:

Frame: 1 year

Parts: 1 year

Electronics: 1 year

Labor: 90 days

Bowflex factory-direct fitness machines have satisfaction guarantees. The manufacturer will buy back the LX3 if you aren’t satisfied within six weeks of receipt.

Conclusion

Bowflex is known for expanding upon standard ellipticals and treadmills, offering choices that allow more efficient low-impact exercise. The LX3 can support intense workouts for “elliptical experts,” plus it has light resistance settings to meet a wide range of preferences. Although no longer in production, a number of used models are online and represent a great bargain.

Compared with the higher-priced LX5, the Bowflex LX3 performs very similarly. Both machines can help sculpt and strengthen your body in little time, and they support training for everyday life (varied motion) unlike some others. In the long run though the Bowflex LX5 looks like a better deal, as the warranty is more valuable and the machine is even more versatile. With either choice be sure to get free shipping! FitRated links to top Bowflex deals everyday.