Octane Fitness Q37x Elliptical Machine

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Stride	Console	Warranty
Octane Q37x Check Discounted Price	L:65.5" W:30" H:64"	300 lbs	20.5"	8 workouts, 3 Booster programs	Frame: Lifetime Parts: 5 years Labor: 1 year

Although the Octane Fitness Q37 elliptical trainer isn’t advertised as a commercial model, it does have quite a few of the strong points of a gym-grade model. It has a solid construction and a versatile console, but it lacks incline and online connectivity, features that more affordable models, such as the Schwinn MY17 470 or AFG Sport 5.9AE, do have. However, this machine does offer several unique features and upgrade possibilities, and in this review, we’ll try to cover each and every one of them.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 65.5L x 30W x 64H inches (166L x 76W x 163H cm)
• Assembled weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Stride: 20.5″ (52 cm)
• Incline: No
• Resistance system: Eddy current, 20 levels
• Console: 8 programs
• Extras: Tablet holder, accessory tray
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 1 year

Frame construction and parts

As we’ve mentioned above, the Octane Fitness Q37x elliptical machine features a commercial construction, similar to various other gym-grade ellipticals. Its frame is made of steel tubing, the only plastic parts are the covers of the flywheel and resistance elements, which don’t affect the machine’s overall sturdiness.

An important aspect that we have to mention here is the pedal construction. The pedal arms and the pedals are one piece each. In other words, the pedals are not attached to their mobile arms via bolts, which results in more sturdiness and a superior “sure-foot” feel during your stride. They can actually support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). The PVC top covers of the pedals are attached by bolts and can be removed, though. They’re quite large and can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They also have a ribbed surface to provide more traction.

The pedals arms are equipped with large wheels, which incorporate sealed ball bearings for smooth operation and a prolonged lifespan. The wheels are concealed, which increases the safety of this machine. Also, the rails on which the wheels slide are concave, eliminating the possibility of a wheel to slide off the rail, due to improper usage of the machine.

The mobile arms of the machine feature a multi-grip design. Their grips are covered in high-density foam, in order to provide optimal comfort, regardless your grip. The fixed handlebars feature similar high-density foam grips, but they also integrate EKG sensors. By holding on to them, the console can display and keep track of your heart rate.

The Octane Q37x elliptical is a fairly large fitness machine. When fully assembled, its footprint is approx. 65.5″L x 30″W (166 x 76 cm). On top of that, with the extended pedals and other accessories, its dimensions expand to approx. 76.5″ x 34″ (194 x 86 cm). So, this being said, the machine would require a workout are of at least 7′ x 4′, for safe operation. Or even more, if you also get some of the optional accessories.

Evidently, since it’s a pretty large, steel-made machine, the Octane Q37x elliptical is considerably heavy. When fully assembled, it weighs over 220 lbs (100 kg). Therefore, it is recommended to be assembled by two people. The front base of the frame is equipped with two transport wheels, though. So, once the machine is assembled, its relocation is facilitated by these wheels. By using the wheels to move it from a place to another, you will only handle approx. 50 lbs of its total weight.

All the steel parts of this elliptical trainer are double coated with a corrosion-resistant and scratch-resistant paint, silver in color, this being the only color available for this model. The covers of the drive and resistance elements are dark gray, as well as the pedals, grips and bottle holder. Overall, the machine has quite an appealing, professional aspect, which can also be quite a motivation factor.

Stride, elliptical path, Q-factor & step-up height

The Q37x elliptical trainer from Octane Fitness does not have an incline system, which can be considered quite a minus for a machine in this price range. Therefore, its stride is also fixed, with a length of 20.5″ (52 cm). Due to this fact, users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) should feel quite at home on it. Short users under 5’0″ (152 cm) may consider the stride a bit long for their pace. However, the machine’s pedals are fairly large and highly-durable, allowing you to position your feet closer or farther to the front, in order to obtain a more comfortable stride.

The machine’s elliptical path is horizontal, with a design based on precise human biomechanics. This being said, it delivers a supremely comfortable natural movement and flow, both forward and backward, without stress on the joints, which is ideal for all levels of exercisers.

The Q-Factor (or the spacing between the pedals) is quite narrow compared to other machines, being 1.8″ (4.5 cm). This means that your feet positioning on the pedals is natural, while the pedaling motion won’t generate extra lateral stress on the knees and ankles.

Last but not least, the pedal step-up height (distance between the top of the lowest pedal and floor) is 4″ (10.1 cm). Also, the maximum pedal elevation is approx. 8″ (20.3 cm). Therefore, in order to avoid any issues, make sure to assemble and use the machine in a room with a ceiling height that is at least 10″ (25 cm) higher than your own height.

Resistance and drive

The Octane Q37x elliptical features a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means that it has to be connected to a power circuit in order to make available the resistance settings, and the resistance can only be adjusted from the console. Also, some of the programs on the console automatically adjust the resistance on the pedals.

The console makes available 20 distinctive resistance settings. The first 5 levels offer light workouts, perfect for warm-ups or recovery training. Conversely, the top 17-20 resistance settings offer quite a challenge, which makes them perfect for interval workouts, endurance, and weight loss.

Since the machine has a magnetic resistance system, it uses a belt drive, integrating a heavy-duty belt. The weight of the internal flywheel isn’t specified, but considering the feel of the drive, it can be classified as a mid-range flywheel. It is designed to minimize start-up resistance and maintain smooth movement throughout the elliptical motion.

As opposed to other ellipticals with magnetic resistance, this Octane model allows reverse pedaling. This means you can put quite a bit of diversity into your workouts, focusing different groups of muscles.

Console

This Octane Fitness elliptical trainer includes a mid-range console, featuring a LED display which tracks your workout time, calories burned, distance, speed, and heart rate. Distance and speed can be calculated in both metric and imperial units. Heart rate can only be tracked when you hold on to the sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars. This console model is not telemetric; cannot read pulse via a wireless HR chest strap transmitter.

The console has 8 onboard programs. These are Manual, Random, Interval, Beginner, Distance Goal, Calorie Goal, Cross-Circuit Time, Cross-Circuit Free. Here’s a short description for each one of them:

Manual Program – is the basic program which gives you the possibility to adjust the resistance as you like, during your pedaling;

Random Program – offers computer-randomized resistance variation with a virtually infinite number of combinations. It will basically give you a new course every time you select it;

Interval Program – it allows you to design a custom workout of up to 4 alternating intervals, defining the desired duration and resistance for each interval;

Beginner Program – offers a 14-day planned workout sequence to help jumpstart your exercise program. Each day’s workout includes preset values for resistance level, time and a suggested speed;

Distance / Calorie Goal – give you the possibility to setup your own goals for distance and calories, and countdown to zero.

Cross-Circuit Time – allows you to set up the Cardio interval time, Strength interval time, and Level, complete your warm-up, then listen for the beeps to tell you when to step off the machine to complete your strength set.

Cross-Circuit Free – similar to the CC-Time, but gives you the possibility to adjust the intervals mid-workout.

Along with these 8 programs, the console offers three “Boosters”, to add motivation and variety to your workouts. The Boost button offers three types of challenges:

1. X-Mode – is a workout mode which chooses 1 of 8 challenges every minute. The challenges are Fast, Squat, Reverse, Lean Back, Lower Body Only, Push Arms, Pull Arms, Slow.

2. ArmBlaster – Is a program designed to boost cardiovascular endurance while building strength and muscle tone. ArmBlaster adds upper-body strength sessions to the cardio program profile that you have selected. Every minute, resistance increases for a muscle-building, 10-repetition set as you transfer the workload from your lower body to your upper body.

3. GluteKicker – It uses three of the X-Mode programs which focus on your glutes, these being Reverse, Squat and Fast.

You can diversify all these challenges by using some of the optional accessories available for this elliptical. We’re going to cover these accessories in the next section of the review.

The console features a M.O.M (Movement Management Mode) function. This is a safety function which disables the buttons and adds maximum resistance to the pedals, rendering the machine almost impossible to use. It’s designed to discourage small children from using experimenting on the elliptical.

Last but not least, the control unit if this elliptical trainer integrates a tablet holder. However, it’s not Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled and you cannot sync it with your tablet, as for several more advanced models.

Optional accessories

There are several upgrades available for the Octane Fitness Q37x elliptical. The first to mention consists of a set of stationary pedals, which can be attached to the rear base of the machine. These footrests give you the possibility to only use the arms of the machine, without moving your legs. They also add support for the optional elastic bands.

Another set of accessories includes three pairs of elastic bands with hand-grips, that you can attach to your elliptical in several ways. They offer the possibility to perform various arm exercises, such as biceps curls, shoulder presses, pec flies, etc. The set includes two Yellow bands for light resistance, two Red bands for mid-range resistance, and two Blue bands for heavy resistance.

Assembly and Maintenance

Most of the machine comes pre-assembled. In other words, the drive and resistance elements, and the pedals come already assembled, attached to the main frame. So, in terms of assembly, you will only have to add the console mast, the moving arms, the console and the top covers of the drive system. The manual offers pretty concise assembly instructions. However, the tools required for it are not included. You will need an adjustable wrench and a Phillips screwdriver.

One of the most important aspects in terms of maintenance is keeping the rails clear of any debris or textile fibers, as they can induce damage either to the rails or to the rollers. The machine’s joints may require lubrication after a while, in case they begin to emit noises during usage. Other than this, it’s recommended to periodically check for loose parts and re-tighten them if it’s the case.

The Pros

• Sturdy construction, similar to commercial machines;
• Decent weight limit – 300 lbs;
• Adjustable levelers;
• Transport wheels;
• Perimeter weighted flywheel for a consistent momentum and smooth pedaling;
• Multi-grip handlebars;
• EKG pulse sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars;
• Quiet operation, ideal for apartment use;
• 20 levels of eddy current resistance;
• 8 main workout programs;
• 3 Booster programs;
• Pedal and console locking function;
• Goal tracking functions for time, distance and calories;
• Different optional accessories available, including stationary footrests and elastic bands for arms workouts;
• Tablet holder and accessory tray included;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty plan.

The Cons

• No incline;
• No online connectivity;
• No sound system;
• No cooling fan.

Summary

The Octane Fitness Q37x is an elliptical trainer with a durable construction, motorized magnetic resistance (20 levels), and a console with 8 pre-set programs and 3 “Booster” challenges. It’s a machine without an incline feature, but on the other hand, it offers the possibility to add two stationary footrests and a set of rubber bands for arm workouts. These accessories are not included, though. The machine’s resistance levels and programs make it an excellent choice for light to intense cardio workouts, interval workouts, endurance development, muscle toning and weight loss. And finally, it’s not exactly an affordable machine but does offer excellent quality and several features that other ellipticals don’t have, so we can safely say that it stands up to the price.