Home Fitness Machines: Review of the Q37e Octane Elliptical

Ellipticals are my exercise machine of choice. They allow me to break a sweat without knee pain. I feel like a gazelle on my elliptical rather than a hamster on my treadmill. The moving arms of the elliptical encourage a full body work out rather than propping myself up on the stationary arm bar of my stair stepper. On other machines, I am too easily bored (the rower) or winded (running on the treadmill). The elliptical offers a happy medium: a workout that is effective without being so tough that I quit early. I feel the burn in my thighs and butt and break a sweat. I can control my pace, challenge myself, and see physical results.

Finally, in 2007, I decided to invest in my health by purchasing an elliptical of my own. As a member of four different gyms, I have tried a variety of Precor ellipticals. Naturally, I was in the market for the Precor Brand. My essential criteria were movable arms and an adjustable resistance level. Additional features I desired were a good warranty, a user friendly display, and an adjustable incline. I researched the Precor 5.33 and the 5.19. These ellipticals are the two varieties of Precor home ellipticals with movable arms. The price tags were high at $3900 and $2800 respectively, and the ramp did not adjust in incline. I decided not to fall in love with the Precor name and look at some other manufacturers.

Ellipticals (especially used and remanufacturerd) are not hard to find on the internet. However, I wanted to test drive my elliptical before I made a commitment. This desire led me to a local dealer. At the store, I talked to the staff of certified personal trainers about my experience with ellipticals and fitness goals. Wearing my normal workout clothes and shoes, I tried a variety of brands. One stood out: Octane.

The dealer carried three models of the Octane elliptical. The Q45e and Q37e were my top picks. The major difference was the price $3600 versus $2800. I decided I didn't need the adjustable stride length of the Q45e and opted for the Q37e.

The Q37e has a 20.5" stride length (longer than the 19" of many Precors I have tried). I found that a longer stride length with a greater range of motion offers a better workout and engages the hip flexors. In addition, the ride is less choppy and more comfortable. I'm 5' 6" and wouldn't go below an 18" stride length. If you're above 6', your stride length criteria should be even more stringent for a comfortable ride.

Though the incline is not adjustable, I haven't missed this feature. The elliptical has 10 workout programs some of which are based on resistance and some on heart rate. It has a quiet operation and foot pedals with a narrow 1.8" spacing. I noticed in the store that the narrow spacing is more natural and keeps the body from shifting hip to hip. If you don't believe me, jump on an elliptical with more widely spaced pedals and then try the narrow spacing of the Octane. It's more natural.

Now, for my favorite parts: the converging arms and the workout enhancers. The converging arms are movable in a unique way. They move slightly across the body. If you stand up and walk, you'll notice your arms cross your body slightly in front. The arms of the Octane account for this natural aspect of our gait. I also appreciate the variety of ways to grip the arms because of an end loop for your hands. Different resting positions will work a different portion of the arms. The workout enhancers keep me challenged and motivated. Glute-kicker lives up to its name. It involves squatting and holding the stationary bars in the center of the machine while pedaling. X-mode is like having a personal trainer tell you to randomly try of variety of motions. Possible combinations are "Reverse, lean back, push arms" or "Fast, squat, lower body only." The elliptical counts down as you try a new combination and allows rest time between each set. Surprisingly, sixty minutes can fly by!

The elliptical is an average size (32" by 79") and comes with a standard warranty (lifetime frame, 3 years parts, 1 year labor). I liked that the Octane company only makes ellipticals. The price was somewhat high, but I could sense a higher quality than the less expensive brands I have tried. I recommend this piece of equipment if you tend to get bored on exercise machines because it has motivating features. I don't recommend it if you plan on using it for an expensive laundry hanger or a lighter type of maintenance workout. Even the easy settings can be challenging. Bottom line: I would purchase the Q37e again.