The Q37X is one of the most popular elliptical by Octane Fitness and is also one of Oprah’s “Favorite Things” as told by her. The elliptical is a basic elliptical machine but has a few innovative features that are quite impressive.
To begin with, ArmBlaster increases the resistance in the handlebars, which brings a lot of strength and it concentrates on your upper body.
The foot pedal distance of 1.8” also is quite ideal for many body types, specifically women who undergo strain on the hip and knee with a lot of distance.
Lastly, the elliptical comes with X-Mode technology that helps the user make use of diverse and distinct movements that utilize the whole physique, thereby producing greater results. Though this model has not been advertised for commercial uses, it has the qualities that make it worthy of being used in a gym.
The construction of this elliptical is solid, however, it does not have incline and connectivity. Affordable models like the Schwinn MY17 470 or the AFG Sport 5.9AE come with an incline range and online connectivity.
Read through our Octane Fitness Q37x elliptical trainer Review 2021 to understand more about its features.
Best suited to Whom?
The Octane Fitness Q37x elliptical trainer gives you the option of having advanced technology in the comfort and privacy of your home. This is one such unit that combines unique customizations along with ergonomically-sound challenges that produce results that you will definitely love.
The machine is quite sturdy and is perfect for heavier users. The pedal distance has been designed for people who are inclined to hip stress, for instance, women and those with a petite physique.
The converging path handlebars provide the user with an upper-body workout that cannot be compared to any other brand in the market. It is perfect for weight loss, interval workouts, and endurance. Check out some of our best ellipticals over $1000.
Octane Fitness Q37x Elliptical Trainer Assembly, Design & Build Quality
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the Octane Fitness Q37x elliptical trainer comes pre-assembled. This means that the drive, the resistance elements, along with the pedals come assembled and are fixed to the mainframe.
So, when it comes to assembly, you will just have to fix the console mast, the console, the moving arms, and the drive system’s top covers. The manual included with this machine has very concise assembly instructions.
However, the package does not include any tools required. You will have to get your own adjustable wrench as well as a Phillips screwdriver. In terms of maintaining the elliptical, one must remember that the rails must be kept clean, free from textile fibers and debris, as these can damage the rails or the rollers.
The machine’s joints might need some lubrication after a certain period of time, in case they begin to create noises when used. It is advised to check the machine periodically for any loose parts and tighten them.
Design and Build Quality
As mentioned earlier, the Octane Fitness Q37x elliptical machine has a commercial construction, which is quite similar to many other ellipticals of gym-grade. The frame of this machine is made out of steel tubing.
The flywheel covers and the resistance elements are the only plastic parts and these do not affect the overall sturdiness of the machine. The Octane Q37x elliptical is quite a large fitness machine. When this machine is fully assembled, the footprint is about 65.5″L x 30″W (166 x 76 cm).
In addition to this, along with its extended pedals and many other accessories, the dimensions increase to about 76.5″ x 34″ (194 x 86 cm). So, the machine will need a workout area of a minimum of 7′ x 4′, to ensure you have a safe operation.
Evidently, because the Octane Fitness Q37x elliptical trainer is a large machine made of steel, this elliptical is quite heavy. When assembled completely, the machine weighs about 220 lbs (100 kg). Hence, it is advised to assemble the machine by two people.
The frame’s front base has two transport wheels. So, once you assemble the machine it can be relocated easily. An important aspect is the pedal construction.
The pedal and the pedal arms are one piece each. In short, the pedals are not fixed to the mobile arms using bolts. The maximum user weight that the machine can support is about 300 lbs (136 kg).
The top covers of the pedals are made using PVS and are fixed by bolts and these can be removed. They are quite huge and can accommodate people of different foot sizes. They come with a ribbed surface that offers more traction.
The various steel parts of the Octane Fitness Q37x elliptical trainer are coated with a corrosion-resistant as well as scratch-resistant paint and is silver in color. This model is available in just one color- silver.
The covers of the resistance elements and drive, the pedals, the bottle holder, and the grips are dark grey. Overall, the machine is quite appealing and has a professional look.
Octane Fitness Q37x Elliptical Trainer Features
Resistance
The Octane Q37x elliptical comes with a magnetic resistance system that is motorized. This means that the elliptical must be attached to a power circuit so as to make the resistance settings available, and the console can be used to adjust the resistance.
Additionally, there are programs on the console that adjust the resistance automatically on the pedals. The console gives you about 20 different resistance settings. The first 5 levels give you light workouts, and these are ideal for warm-ups or even for recovery training.
The resistance levels from 17-20 offer quite challenging workouts that make them ideal for endurance, interval workouts, and weight loss.
Console
The Octane Q37x elliptical trainer is inclusive of a mid-range console that features an LED display that keeps track of your workout time, distance, speed, calories burned, and heart rate. The distance, as well as speed, can be measured in both metric or imperial units.
You can track the heart rate only when you hold the sensors that have been integrated into the handlebars. This console is not telemetric and the pulse cannot be read through any wireless HR chest strap transmitter.
Pedals
The pedal arms are well-equipped with quite large wheels, that include sealed ball bearings that give you a smooth operation along with a prolonged lifespan. The wheels are concealed and this enhances the safety of the Octane Q37x elliptical.
Additionally, the wheels slide on rails that are concave thereby eliminating the likelihood of the wheel to skid off the rail, because of the machine being used in an improper manner.
Incline
The Octane Q37x elliptical trainer does not come with an incline system. This will be treated as a drawback for this elliptical. Therefore, the stride of this machine is also fixed and has a length of about 20.5″ (52 cm).
Because of this, users who are about 6’5″ (196 cm) must feel quite comfortable on it. Short users who are under 5’0″ (152 cm) might feel that the stride is a bit longer for their pace.
However, the pedals of the machine are quite large and are very durable thereby letting you position your feet either closer or farther to the machine’s front, so as to get a comfortable stride.
Hand Grips
The mobile arms of the Octane Q37x elliptical have a multi-grip design. The grips are encased in a high-density foam that provides optimal comfort irrespective of your grip.
Heart rate monitor
The fixed handlebars of the Octane Q37x elliptical also come with high-density foam grips, however, these grips are integrated with EKG sensors. The user can hold on to them, and monitor their heart rate which will be displayed on the console.
Optional accessories
The Octane Fitness Q37x elliptical has many upgrades.
(i) Stationary Pedals – The first is the stationary pedals and these can be fixed to the machine’s rear base. These footrests will offer the user the ability to use the machine’s arms without the need to move your legs. They also give support for the elastic bands that are optional.
(ii) Elastic bands – The other accessory is the elastic bands that come in three pairs and have hand-grips, that can be attached to the elliptical in many ways. They give the user the opportunity to perform many arm exercises like biceps curls, pec flies, shoulder presses, etc.
The set consists of two Yellow bands that offer light resistance, 2 Red bands that offer mid-range resistance, and there are two Blue bands that offer heavy resistance.
Octane Fitness Q37x Elliptical Trainer Workout Programs
The console of the Octane Fitness Q37x Elliptical is quite a simple one. It offers about eight different preset workout programs. The user can also monitor their heart rate data via the touch sensors.
The one-color feature – SmartLight, gives you the heart rate data. This console provides you with two different placement choices for a tablet computer as well as a smartphone.
The 8 onboard programs offered by the brand Octane Fitness are Manual, Random, Beginner, Interval, Calorie Goal, Distance Goal, Cross-Circuit Time, and Cross-Circuit Free. Mentioned below is a brief description of each of the programs:
I. Manual Program – This is the standard program that offers the opportunity to get the resistance adjusted whenever you wish while you pedal
II. Random Program – This program provides resistance variation that is computer-randomized that has an infinite number of combinations. This program basically provides you a different course every single time you choose it.
III. Interval Program – It permits the user to create a customized workout that has about 4 alternating intervals, and these define the desired duration along with resistance for every interval.
IV. Beginner Program – The Beginners program gives you a well-prepared workout sequence for 14 days that will help you jumpstart the exercise program. Each day’s workout will include some preset values for the levels of resistance, the time and the speed;
V. Distance and Calorie Goal – This offers the user the ability to plan their own goals for calories and distance as well as the countdown to zero.
VI. Cross-Circuit Time – This program permits you to fix the time for Cardio interval, time for Strength interval, and Level. It also lets you finish your warm-up, and you can listen to the beeps that will inform you when you must step off the machine in order to finish your strength set.
VII. Cross-Circuit Free – This program is quite similar to the CC-Time however, it provides the ability to adjust the intervals between the workout.
In addition to these programs, the console also offers you three “Boosters”, that adds to the motivation as well as variety to the workouts. The Boost button gives you three different challenges:
1. X-Mode – This is a workout mode that selects 1 of 8 different challenges every single minute. The challenges that you can select from are Fast, Reverse, Squat, Lean Back, Push Arms, Lower Body Only, and Pull Arms, Slow.
2. ArmBlaster – This is a program that has been created to enhance cardiovascular strength while developing strength and improving muscle tone. ArmBlaster also adds a few upper-body strength workout sessions to the selected cardio program profile.
Every minute, the resistance is increased for a muscle-building set of 10-repetitions as you shift the workload from the lower body to the upper body.
3. GluteKicker – It makes use of three of the programs under X-Mode that concentrate on the glutes – Reverse, Fast, and Squat. These challenges can be diversified by using some optional accessories that are available for this machine.
The console also has a M.O.M (Movement Management Mode) function. This is a type of safety function and it disables the buttons and gives the pedals the maximum resistance, thereby making the elliptical impossible to use.
It has been designed in a manner to discourage small children from experimenting on the machine. Lastly, this elliptical’s control unit is integrated with a tablet holder.
However, the machine is not Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enabled and it cannot be synced with the tablet, in contrast to the advanced models.
Octane Fitness Q37x Elliptical Trainer Warranty
Octane Fitness is one of the finest brands in the industry of Fitness equipment. This product has a wide warranty period i.e the brand provides a lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years of warranty on the parts of the elliptical. Also, a 1-year warranty on the labor and 90 days warranty on power bands of the ellipticals.
If you have any queries regarding the warranty or other things then you can visit the website www.octanefitness.com and can all on the customer service number which is 888.OCTANE4.
Octane Fitness Q37x Elliptical Trainer Pros & Cons
Pros
- The machine is sturdy and durable
- There are two different console choices
- You can increase the ArmBlaster handlebar resistance
- The pedal distance is quite reasonable at 1.8”
- X-Mode programming is available
- The machine is integrated with a tablet holder
- It includes CrossCircuit technology
- The machine offers comfortable workouts
- The workout boosters can be customized
- It has a large display screen
- There are multiple options for console placement options
- It has a wide variety of programs
- An excellent warranty is offered on the machine
Cons
- This elliptical has no incline
- It does not provide online connectivity
- The machine does not come with a sound system
- There is no cooling fan in this elliptical
Verdict
The Octane Fitness Q37x Elliptical is one of the best elliptical trainers for home use that has a durable construction, 20 levels of motorized magnetic resistance, along with a console that offers you 8 pre-set programs as well as 3 “Booster” challenges.
It is a fitness machine that does not come with an incline feature, however, on the contrary, it gives the user the chance to attach two stationary footrests along with a set of rubber bands that give you good arm workouts. But, you must note that the machine does not include these accessories.
The numerous levels of resistance and workout programs of this machine make it an attractive option for those who wish to perform some light or intense cardio workouts, endurance development, interval workouts, weight loss, and muscle toning.
Finally, the Octane Fitness Q37x Elliptical is not an affordable elliptical but it offers quality with numerous features that many other ellipticals do not have, which makes it worth the price!.
