Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner

Octane Fitness Zero Runner ZR7 Elliptical Review: There is nothing that beats a recommendation by an actual bona fide athlete who relies on specialist equipment when they can’t get out and run. Kara Goucher, a National Running Champion and Two-Time Olympic Champion offers one such recommendation for the Zero Runner line of machines offered by Octane Fitness.

We have covered the ZR8 model, a later iteration, but for this review we are going to look at the earlier, and because of that, cheaper Zero Runner. In many ways it may not be quite as sophisticated as the ZR8, but it still has all the hallmarks of a classic and sophisticated, user-friendly Octane elliptical trainer.

We don’t know about you, but when we are looking at any product, but specifically practical and recreational items, we always look at the features. The features are so important because they are what you are spending your money on. Sure, you need it to work like an elliptical trainer, but as most work the exact same, the things that separate the great from the good, are the features. You need to look not just at what features machines offer, but the quality of those features too. The ZR7, as you’d expect if you are aware of the enviable reputation the company carries, is full of great features, all pulled off to great effect. Let’s look at some a little closer.

You will sometimes find it hard if you are very short or very tall to find an elliptical trainer that offers a stride that is the right length. Why is that important? If you are too short for the machine, you are not likely to get as much out of it, as you will not be able to work out effectively. Either that or you will push specific muscles and joints in your legs too hard to compensate.
One especially great feature of the Octane fitness ZR7 zero runner is that it can accommodate users with a stride length of 58-inches, making it ideal for most.

Beyond the generous stride length, the main reason you will want to consider the Octane fitness ZR7 Zero Runner, or indeed it’s newer counterpart, the ZR8, is that it offers an almost zero-impact form of running. Unlike treadmills that still place a lot of pressure on your feet, thanks to the authentic running motion that’s possible with this elliptical and because the pedals have been designed to be independent to give you free motion and flexibility, your body will continue to feel safe and good whether you are jogging, running or walking. Octane Fitness have also included in the design, patented knee and hip joints which further help make this possible.

Who doesn’t like to keep on top of the different metrics related to their workouts? Given Octane Fitness’ reputation for designing sturdy and user-friendly machines that make the most of modern tech, it’s not surprising just how advanced the ZR7 elliptical is in this department. You get the benefit of the console and screen itself on the machine that displays all the information about your workout, which for many may be good enough.

However, if you are looking for more in-depth knowledge and have a smartphone or tablet you can use, then the ZR7 has Bluetooth 4.0 and there is an Octane Fitness app available that you can use. This will open and expand your workouts. For instance, there are different training goals you can set yourself to make your workouts better, depending on what you aim to achieve, like active recovery, strength and endurance. The information and workouts have been developed with guidance from physical therapists, athletic coaches and other industry experts.

If that was all it had to offer, that would be enough. However, the app also provides stride tracing tech, which allows you to monitor the healthiness and effectiveness of your stride during workouts. It can help you pinpoint the moment when fatigue is starting to show and your stride changes and helps you understand how to position yourself better for better performances.

Octane Fitness have a very credible reputation and are known across the world for making high-end elliptical trainers and other equipment. It’s not surprising then, we hope, that we have had a lot of nice things to say about the Zero Runner ZR7. If it’s in your budget range, we would recommend it. It’s pricey, but what you get for the price, more than makes up for it.