Octane Fitness produces some of the greatest elliptical trainers on the market. However, the ZR7 Zero Runner model that we’ll be discussing today differs significantly from the Q37x model that we just discussed.
For starters, it’s an upright trainer with a striding action similar to the Gazelle Supreme model. This Octane elliptical, on the other hand, is a far more adaptable machine with a more complex console.
The Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner is a solid machine, even if it isn’t touted as a professional elliptical trainer. Because most of the pieces in its construction are composed of steel, it is fairly hefty.
The frame weighs 195 lbs (88.4 kg) when fully completed, which is a bonus because it offers a lot of stability. As a result, even if you engage in the most strenuous workouts, you can be assured that it will not wobble or rock. The adjustable front stabilizers add to the vehicle’s stability.
A few PVC pieces are included in the machine. The rear base cover, the coverings on the top of the upright bars, and the pedals are all constructed of heavy-duty PVC.
The first two do not contribute to the machine’s overall sturdiness, but they significantly improve its overall compactness and look. The pedals are rated for a user weight of 300 pounds (136 kilograms), so as long as you don’t exceed this limit, they should survive for many years.
There is no folding frame on the Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner. It does, however, take up less room than other cardiac workout devices. The minimum “live area” needed is 63″ x 38″. (160 x 97 cm). In other words, when you exercise, it may stretch up to 63″ (160 cm).
Thus it’s preferable to set a minimum usage area of 70’#8243; x 50’#8243; for it. Also, if you want to utilize any extra accessories, such as rubber bands, you may require a larger training area to do all of the exercises without difficulty.
A set of transport wheels is integrated into the machine’s front base. So, even though it’s a very hefty elliptical trainer, moving it shouldn’t be an issue once it’s put together. You will be managing less than half of the weight if you use the front wheels.
The big pedals on this Octane Fitness elliptical trainer include an adherent surface and front foot protectors for added foot stability when training.
Stainless steel sealed ball bearings are used in the pedals and joints of all the moveable bars to ensure smooth functioning. They’re all industrial-grade components, so they should last a long time.
There are two types of handlebars on this elliptical: moveable and fixed. The movable arms are designed with a multi-grip design and rubberized grips for a secure grasp.
Because they aren’t situated too high from the pedals, most users should maintain a natural grip and arm posture throughout exercises. Users shorter than 5’0″ will have a grip that is a little higher, closer to their chest, but this should not influence the overall quality of the workout.
Furthermore, the machine’s moveable arms cannot be locked in position, if you were wondering. They’ll keep moving as long as the pedals keep moving.
Pulse sensors made of stainless steel are mounted on the fixed semi-circle handlebar. As a result, if you keep your hands on the console, it may detect your pulse. On the other hand, the console is telemetric, meaning it can read your pulse through a wireless HR transmitter.
The Octane ZR7 Zero Runner, unlike other elliptical trainers or gliders, has many powerband anchor points. Two are located at the lower ends of the rear leg stabilizers, two are located at the lower ends, two are located at the higher ends of the front leg stabilizers, and one is located at the front of the curved stationary handlebar.
Last but not least, corrosion-resistant and scratch-resistant industrial powder double-coating are applied to all steel sections in the machine’s construction. Most of the non-moving bars are silver, while the moving bars are black.
Table of Contents
Step-up Height and Q-factor
Because the Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner is a glider rather than a traditional elliptical trainer, it has a dynamic stride of up to 58 inches (147 cm). As a result, no matter how tall you are, you should adjust your stride freely during the workout.
The elliptical motion of the machine is also dynamic. You may lean forward or backward while exercising to modify the curve of the elliptical action and target different muscle regions.
Unlike other glider ellipticals, such as the ProGear 360, the Octane ZR7 has pedal articulations and leg articulation, which results in a real zero-impact pedaling action.
Walking, jogging, or running on this fitness equipment may be compared to walking, jogging, or running on a very soft surface. So the workout has essentially little impact on the joints, making it ideal for users who want recovery training.
Reverse pedaling is also available on the Octane ZR7 if you were wondering. As a result, you may include a lot of variety in your routines.
In comparison to other ellipticals, the step-up pedal height is rather low. The distance between the bottom of the lowest pedal and the floor is 5.2″ (13.2 cm). The rear base can also be a stepping point to get your feet into place on the pedals.
One final point to highlight is the machine’s Q-Factor. The distance between the pedals is 2.0″ for the ZR7 Zero Runner (5.1 cm).
This means your feet will be naturally positioned on the pedals, and the stride will not cause any additional lateral stress on the knees and ankles, which is another reason this machine is ideal for anyone who needs recovery training after joint surgery or who has articulation issues.
Resistance
Although the total resistance of this Octane elliptical trainer may be adjusted, it lacks an eddy current brake like the Body-Solid E300 or the Nautilus E618, for example.
A Stride Control Adjuster is located on each of the machine’s main upright legs and has three settings: “-“, “neutral”, and “+”.
The Stride Control Adjusters adjust the pedal tension. In this case, put both adjusters to “-“ if you feel the tension is too tight for you. Select “+” on each of them, on the other hand, if you want additional resistance.
Both adjusters should be in the same position to ensure that the pedals move smoothly and evenly.
If you were wondering, the console has no bearing on the machine’s total resistance. The Stride Control Adjusters are solely responsible for the pedal resistance. In addition, to modify resistance, the machine does not need to be attached to a power source.
Console
The Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner has a sophisticated console with a multi-panel LCD that keeps track of your training statistics.
It displays the length of your workout, and distance traveled, speed, heart rate, average heart rate, calories burned, stride length, and pace.
Both metric and imperial units can be used to calculate distance and speed. If you utilize the sensors in the stationary handlebar, the console can monitor your heart rate, but it’s also telemetric.
In other words, it can use a wireless ANT + or Polar chest strap to read your heart rate. A Polar heart rate strap is included in the box.
The calorie reading is quite accurate because the console will prompt you to enter your weight. It can compute your overall calorie-burning considerably better than a simple console based on this personal data and other workout data.
There are three exercise modes on the console: RUN+, X-Option, Cross CiRCUIT, and a free stride mode. The RUN+ mode allows you to add one to six 15-second to 15-minute periods of extra motions/activities to your workout, giving you a different workout every time.
A virtual personal trainer, the X-MODE. The console will remind you to change your workout by rotating between Run, Step, Lunge, Jog, and Ski in one-minute intervals. Finally, the CROSS CiRCUIT program is an Octane Fitness cross-training workout that mixes zero-run cardio intervals with sets of strength, and toning exercises performed off the machine using dumbbells and fitness balls elastic bands, and other fitness equipment.
The device also offers a CoolDown function, which counts down a recovery period at the end of your workout in addition to these programs.
SmartLink is supported by the console. In other words, you can connect it to your tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth to take advantage of the SmartLink app’s superior user interface, online data tracking of your workouts, additional custom workouts and boosters, and a variety of other features that will make your workouts more enjoyable and motivating.
Although it is a sophisticated gadget, the ZR7 Zero Runner console is rather simple to operate. Each program, Start, RUN+, X-MODE, and CROSS CiRCUIT has its own key.
The Up/Down arrow keys are used to change the settings of your training objectives or other parameters, while the Enter key in the center serves as a confirmation function.
The Clock key may be used in a variety of ways to change the length of your workout. With the LB/KG key, you can rapidly switch between English and Metric measurements for weight, speed, distance, and stride length. The CoolDown key controls the cooldown function, and the Power button turns on or off the console.
The device is powered by a battery. It runs on four AA batteries, which are included in the package.
Accessories
The Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner comes with a variety of attachments. The first is a set of three elastic bands with handgrips that can be attached to your elliptical in a variety of ways.
They allow you to conduct a variety of arm workouts, such as biceps curls, shoulder presses, and pec flies, among others. Two Yellow bands provide modest resistance, two Red bands provide medium resistance, and two Blue bands provide strong resistance.
A PowerBlock Stand is another attachment that consists of two weight supports that may be attached to the machine, one on each side, and serve as support for PowerBlock dumbbells or other workout equipment.
Installation
The Octane Zero Runner ZR7 isn’t the easiest vehicle to put together, but it’s also not rocket science. The pedals and resistance adjustments are already attached to the upright arms. As a result, all you have to do now is install the front leg stabilizers, step-up base cover, fixed handlebar, mobile handlebars, and console.
The supplied handbook contains rather detailed assembly instructions, so the entire operation should take no more than an hour.
Because most of the pieces are rather heavy, it is advised that you enlist the assistance of another person. Some tools are supplied, but you’ll need 13/17 mm wrenches and a Phillips screwdriver to complete the construction.
There isn’t much that has to be done in terms of upkeep. It’s a good idea to check for loose bolts and pieces regularly. Lubrication is also necessary if the machine’s joints become noisy.
Conclusion
The Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner is a vertical elliptical trainer with a 58-inch dynamic stride and zero-impact training. It has a solid and stable structure that can handle persons weighing up to 300 pounds.
It comes with a cutting-edge console with a big display, a SmartLink connection, and four exciting and very enjoyable training apps.
It offers many anchor places for elastic bands, allowing you to mix up your routines. It’s ideal for recovery training, muscular toning, endurance training, weight reduction, and interval training.
Finally, while it is not a cheap elliptical, it provides outstanding value for the money. It presently has a 4.5-star average rating from customers across the United States, putting it far ahead of other similar workout equipment in terms of quality.
