Octane Fitness Q37 Review

Our Rating

Rating: 87.8. The Octane Q37 is a high quality elliptical trainer for home use. Loaded with great features and very durable, it’s the bestselling of all Octane elliptical trainers. The Q37 features an ergonomic fixed stride, moving arms bars with resistance control, and workout support for total body training. Customers choose from two consoles, each with a different number of preset programs and features, and have the option to track progress online with the SmartLink fitness app. An iPad Mini is included and SmartLink is compatible with other mobile platforms too. With SmartLink you can take advantage of personalized training programs that are one to three months long; watch videos of hundreds of Cross Circuit exercises; track your data online and get other tools to maximize your fitness.

Pros:

• Separate resistance for pedals and handlebars
• Multigrip handlebars for muscle targeting
• 20.5″ stride
• Narrow pedal spacing (1.8″)
• Choice of two consoles
• iPad Mini included for using SmartLink app
• Tablet holders on consoles
• Built-in workout programs (8 or 72, depending on console)
• Workout Boosters (Cross training)
• Extensive training variety with SmartLink
• Long term data tracking with SmartLink
• Wireless heart rate monitor (Depending on console)
• Contact heart rate monitor
• SmartLight heart rate zone indicator
• Water bottle holder
• Connecting points on frame for resistance bands
• MOM Mode safety feature

Cons:

• Fixed stride
• No incline
• No cooling fan

Introduction

The Octane Q37 is the best-selling elliptical from a brand known for high quality. It has a fixed stride of 20.5″ and narrow pedal spacing, a combination that supports very comfortable motion for adults of most sizes. For total body training it has moving arm bars with adjustable resistance, plus the elliptical frame has attachments for resistance bands. These bands can be used for a variety of exercises and Cross Circuit workout programs, which prompt the user to alternate elliptical training with other activities. A choice of two consoles is offered, with one being compatible with the SmartLink fitness app. This app can be accessed with your own tablet computer, a smartphone or the iPod Mini included with purchase. Here are details about the workout programs, special features and warranty for the Q37 elliptical.

Workout Programs

The Q37 is sold with a choice of two consoles: the Q37x and Q37xi. These consoles are most different from each other in terms of workout programming and heart rate monitoring.

The Q37x console is the simpler of the two. It has eight workout programs and can monitor heart rate data from touch sensors. It shows heart rate zone with a one-color SmartLight feature. This console  provides two placement options for a tablet computer or smartphone.

The Q37xi is more advanced. It gives access to 72 workout programs and extras with a wireless app called SmartLink. The 72 programs include 12 for weight loss, 18 called “Feel Better” (for balance, strength and flexibility, 12 for toning up and 30 for athletic performance. The Q37xi also has Workout Booster programs (Arm Blaster, XMode and Glute Kicker), a multicolored SmartLight and a wireless heart rate receiver. This console is shipped with resistance bands that you can attach to the trainer and use for cross training.

A special option with SmartLink is setting up a customized training for 30, 60 or 90 days. You can choose from four general goals: Lose Weight, Feel Better, Athletic Performance and Get Stronger. Another option is specifying which muscle groups you’d like to target, then receiving customized workouts incorporating relevant exercises. SmartLink’s Cross Circuit workout programming includes more than 35 videos and 225 exercises and gets updated with new options.