Biomechanics

Octane’s exclusive Body-Mapping Ergonomics is derived from sophisticated motion analysis software, video analysis and human interface studies with input from biomechanists, medical professionals, personal trainers and exercisers. The result is an incredibly natural, fluid motion that replicates natural movements like walking, jogging and running.

Octane has applied this unique design and ergonomic expertise to both its home and club ellipticals, so you can ensure that your clients reap the benefits of productive, comfortable and safe workouts whether at home or in the gym.
 

Octane Fitness Pro 4700 from Octane Fitness on Vimeo.

Octane has perfected the following critical ergonomic factors:

  • Stride length – studies have shown that the majority of exercisers, with heights of 4’10” to 6’5”, are accommodated with a range of strides from 18” to 26”, which is found on Octane’s adjustable stride units. In fact, the comfort zone of most users is typically around 20” or 24”, depending on their height, and Octane offers these fixed lengths as well.  
  • Stride width – At 1.8”, Octane’s pedal spacing mimics natural striding and minimizes lateral hip shifting, which stresses the back and knees – particularly in women with a greater Q angle.
  • Pedal articulation and acceleration – stable and smooth, consistent motion reduces joint stress
  • Upright body positioning – biomechanical analyses show that Octane’s ellipticals require exercisers to work against gravity while limiting momentum, resulting in greater cardiovascular load and caloric expenditure
  • MultiGrip handlebars – Octane’s exclusive MultiGrip handlebars utilize a low pivot point for a more comfortable axis of rotation at the shoulder joint, minimal radial and ulnar deviation at the wrist and a more even transfer of the workload to the upper body and core. Plus, with the variety of hand positions, exercisers can vary grips for greater comfort and to emphasize different muscle groups:  the pecs and triceps with a wide overhand grip, and the lats and biceps with a narrow parallel grip.
  • Converging Path handlebars – Based on the prestigious Hammer Strength design, Octane’s handlebars converge 20 degrees on the forward swing and diverge the same amount on the backswing, resulting in natural medial and lateral articulation; joint-neutral positioning with minimal torque at the shoulder, elbow and wrist; and greater range of motion. In fact, Hammer Strength founder Gary Jones was so impressed with this technology that he bought his own Octane elliptical!

On the unmatched xRide seated elliptical, Octane also incorporates several biomechanical advantages:

  • PowerStroke technology – based on electroymographic, mechanical and metabolic power studies at the Human Performance Laboratory at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, a longer power stroke in the elliptical motion results in 343% more glute activity, 22% more mechanical power and 23% more caloric expenditure on the xRide compared to a recumbent bike at the same perceived exertion level of 10-12 on a 20-point Borg scale.
  • Active Seat Position – Set at a 45-degree angle, the seat offers adjustable height and tilt to open the hip flexors (thereby reducing a potential precursor to lower back pain); maximize use of the glutes; and ensure comfort for users of all sizes – particularly those with larger torsos and midsections.
  • Back support – exercisers can use the seat back for leverage to engage in upper- and lower-body muscular resistance training intervals (such as repeated iso-lateral chest presses or leg presses) against heavy loads during cardio workouts
  • Total-body – Actively using the lower and upper body results in more productive workouts over traditional modalities such as treadmills and stationary bikes. Also, clients can isolate the upper or lower body, which can be particularly helpful for those rehabbing injuries.