Octane Fitness is a well-respected maker of fitness equipment.
Although most well-known in fitness reviews for quality elliptical machines, Octane Fitness also makes high quality recumbent bikes and elliptical cross trainers.
Octane was started by a former LifeFitness product manager/engineer and a former LifeFitness sales associate.
The Octane line delivers a reliable machine with good fit and finish that stacks up well when compared to other top fitness companies.
Here’s a look at some of the top products available when it comes to high end elliptical machine reviews.
* Octane Fitness Q35c Elliptical – The original Octane elliptical just keeps getting better, delivering the form, function and results that exercisers want. The new Octane Fitness Q35c features contact heart rate monitoring and enhanced X-Mode workout booster to let you get even more out of your workout. From the natural fluid motion of Body-Mapping Ergonomics and QuadLink drive to the informative electronics and variety of pre-programmed workouts, this elliptical gets you moving.
At Home Fitness Sale Price: $2,199.00
* Octane Q37c Elliptical – Octane Fitness has made an outstanding machine even better: the all new Octane Fitness Q37c has been designed with all the great features and quality of the previous model but now taken a step further. With the addition of a side platform (optional) and the ability to truly incorporate upper body workouts, this Octane Elliptical is now a total body complete workout machine.
At Home Fitness Sale Price: $2,599.00
* Octane Fitness xR3ci – The newest breakthrough from Octane Fitness has changed everything! The all new xR3ci recumbent bike from Octane Fitness has all the great features one would expect from a great bike plus one additional; it has the motion of an elliptical trainer! Why settle for a small and limited motion of a bike when you can have it all with the Octane Fitness xR3ci?
At Home Fitness Sale Price: $2,499.00
* Octane xR6 xRide – Get ready for a great ride with Octane’s new xR6 Series seated elliptical cross trainers. Offering innovative, motivating programs and features, the xR6 gives you an ‘alternative fuel’ to help you achieve your exercise goals. You’ll love its smooth elliptical motion and the invigorating push/pull action of the moving handlebars as you pedal and push your way to an exhilarating total-body workout.
At Home Fitness Sale Price: $3,299.00.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

The ElliptiGo is a recent fitness phenomenon that looks guaranteed to last, unlike some other “here today, gone tomorrow” gimmicks.
It’s an outdoor bike with eight speeds that’s a cross between an elliptical trainer and a bicycle.
It takes the traditional elliptical motion outdoors to get a running experience like never before.
The ElliptiGo’s pedals move in a forward motion that’s very similar to a runner’s stride, but minus the hard impact from bouncing up and down on the road or track.
The reason it’s guaranteed lasting popularity is because the ElliptiGo provides an extremely thorough workout and, of course, it’s fun to do.
When riding the ElliptiGo you are constantly moving. It provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, but because you also have to push with your legs and pump the handles with your arms, you also get a good strength workout.
And it all comes without stressing the joints anywhere near what you would while running.
A stress-free workout for the joints is the reason the ElliptiGo bike was invented by former Ironman triathlete Bryan Pate, who wanted to help runners avoid beating up their bodies through repeated impact.
Pate, a former cyclist and triathlete, who suffered hip and knee injuries, said the ElliptiGo is a low-impact, high-output, cross-training bike that combines running and cycling. It weighs just 40 pounds.
Depending on your leg strength, you can cruise at about 15-25 mph on the ElliptiGo. Hand levers that connect to rim brakes on the front and rear wheels help you slow down or stop and give you the feel of riding a bike.
The ElliptiGo can take a short while to get used to, but is actually pretty simple to ride. Once you find the right stance to ride it and work on turning corners, you’ll find you can actually get some good speed going.
Even going up hills is pretty easy.
It can accommodate people of just about all sizes, with a weight limit up to 250 pounds.
Made of sturdy, but lightweight material, the ElliptiGo weights 40 pounds. The bike retails for around $2,000-2,400.
I highly recommend trying the ElliptiGo. It will be a great way to cross train – and you’ll likely become the hit of your block if you get one. For more on the ElliptiGO stop in at At Home Fitness in Arizona. or visit their website.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

Deciding to start a home gym, or add to the equipment you already have, can be a tough decision.
Not only space, but money can often be tight. So you need to make sure to purchase something that will get a lot of use and bring the most benefit.
When you walk into a fitness store the number of choices can be a little overwhelming.
The hardest part is often narrowing down the search.
Here are some helpful tips to answer two of the most common questions when it comes to purchasing home workout equipment:
Q: Which would benefit me more, a Treadmill or Elliptical Trainer?
A: Treadmills offer great versatility for anyone from a rehab patient to elite athlete trying to push themselves in high-impact running.
Treadmills, like the home gym, have been around a lot longer than elliptical trainers.
Ellipticals follow a set pattern and since the feet are placed on pads, you don’t get the shock on knees and ankles as coming up and down on a treadmill. Ellipticals can be good for someone looking to change up their workout or get more motivation as it’s a different type of movement than walking – something we’ve all done for as long as we can remember. Elliptical handles also allow for more upper body involvement. Older people or those looking for a new twist to their workout might like the elliptical better, but whatever direction you choose both pieces of equipment offer an excellent way to improve cardio health and tone muscles.
Q: Should I buy a Home Gym or Functional Trainer?
A: The home gym is a traditional fixture in a weight room, with weight stacks and fixed arms or handles to push or pull on lifts. Common exercises are bench press, shoulder press and chest or leg extensions. For beginners or less athletic people, a home gym is a good choice because exercises are simple to perform and follow a fixed plane of movement. However, many types of people will be able to get a good isolation of certain body parts in the home gym.
The functional trainers are getting increasingly popular and take up less space in a gym. They use cables with different shaped handles that can allow for a lot more variety in the lift because it’s not on a set path. For instance, you can pull the cable to simulate a golf swing, or pitching a baseball. These machines can be more complicated to use, so proper training is a necessity.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

At Home Fitness continues to be one of the best online places in the nation to buy fitness equipment from Vision Fitness.
There is currently a sale featured by At Home Fitness, which is based out of its super stores in Arizona, or on the Internet.
Vision Fitness products are being sold at 20 percent off with free shipping by At Home Fitness, or online at www.athomefitness.com
Vision Fitness is an industry leader in Treadmills, Ellipticals, Bikes and Suspension Trainers.
Although Vision Fitness products can be difficult to find for sale online, because of a partnership with At Home Fitness the Arizona fitness leader is able to bring the products online to people all over the U.S.
One thing that really stands out in many of the Vision Fitness elliptical machines is the ability to easily change suspension level, making the Vision Fitness machines far from ordinary elliptical machines. They are truly hiking machines, that can be raised so the knees go up high and really work the hamstring and glutes in different ways.
Here’s a look at some of Vision Fitness’ elliptical machines:
* Vision Fitness X20 Elliptical
The Vision Fitness X20 elliptical trainer is one of the most eagerly awaited products to hit the market in a very long time. While Vision Fitness has always been known to create exceptional products, there were those who said a $1000 elliptical could not be considered a “high end” machine. They were wrong and Vision Fitness has done it.
Sale Price: $999.00
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Vision Fitness X70 Elliptical Trainer
The X70 boasts an extra-heavy gauge steel frame and top-quality components to withstand years of use in the commercial setting. A motivating console with an oversized LED display features the exclusive SPRINT 8® program, four Heart Rate Training programs, and five custom programs for a multitude of workout options.
Sale Price: $3,299.00
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* Vision Fitness X6200 Folding Elliptical
The X6200 is the top-of-the line elliptical model, featuring a large, stable frame design with patented folding pedal arms that allow compact storage. The long pedal arms with pivoting footplates and 19.75-inch stride give the X6200 its superior motion, while the variable-durometer footpads and multi-position handgrips give you a comfortable workout no matter how long you exercise.
MSRP: $1,599.00
Sale Price: $1,499.00 save $100
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* Vision Fitness S7100 Suspension Trainer
The value-priced Vison Fitness S7100 Suspension Elliptical features PerfectStride technology, which combines an ideal stride motion, ergonomically-correct foot positioning, and optimal incline and stride length adjustments. The unique suspension design provides an exceptionally smooth feel, utmost comfort, and unmatched accessibility. The Vision Fitness S7100?s smaller footprint makes it the perfect addition to your home.
MSRP: $2,699.00
Sale Price: $2,499.00 save $200
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At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

This week I’ll present simple tips to lose weight in my At Home Fitness blogs. Today, here’s a look at how exercising on a treadmill and-or elliptical machine can help you lose weight.

If you want to burn calories quickly and efficiently, two of the best ways to do so are to exercise on a treadmill or elliptical machine.
Some people prefer one over the other, while others often use both.
They both help you increase your metabolism, which helps burn more calories and keep you trimmer.
Walking is great for your circulation, and boosts metabolism. Running also boost metabolism and suppresses your appetite as well. Combined with healthy eating, how much cardio activity you do and other factors like age and weight, you could lose 2-4 pounds a week after starting a walking program.
Although treadmills are the longtime dominant fitness machine for cardio exercises, elliptical machines have become increasingly popular.
Go to any fitness club or gym that has both machines and you’ll likely see people getting great workouts on both.
If you are trying to decide if a treadmill or elliptical machine is better for you, here are some things to consider.
* Elliptical trainers have an edge over treadmills in that they give you an upper body workout as well thanks to the handles you grab onto.
* Ellipticals keep you secured on the footpads so there is little or no impact on your feet, knees and joints as you perform the elliptical motion.
* Many people switch to ellipticals because it’s less harsh on the joints, especially older folks.
* If you like to run or walk, nothing beats a treadmill machine. It actually cushions you more than running outside, but there is still more wear and tear than using an elliptical.
* I feel a treadmill gives you more variation on your workouts because you can vastly change the speeds, incline or decline and easily get intervals in. Of course, you can do some of those same things on an elliptical, although you can’t get the feeling of speed of running at a high rate on a treadmill.
* Treadmills offer great versatility for anyone from a rehab patient to elite athlete trying to push themselves in high-impact running.
* Ellipticals can be good for someone looking to change up their workout or get more motivation as it’s a different type of movement than walking – something we’ve all done for as long as we can remember.
* On the flip side, some people quickly become bored of being locked into a set motion on an elliptical and do go back to walking.
* Older people or those looking for a new twist to their workout might like the elliptical better, but whatever direction you choose both pieces of equipment offer an excellent way to improve cardio health and tone muscles.
* As far as calories go, treadmills often tend to be pricier, but if you shop around you can find bargains for both. It al depends what you’re looking for and how sturdy a piece of equipment you want.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

“You get what you pay for” is never more true than when shopping for fitness equipment such as treadmills, elliptical machines and exercise bikes.
Too many times people go to a department store or national sporting goods chain, fork down $500-750 or so for a cardio machine thinking they got a great deal and are disappointed within a year, if not months.
The cheaper machines either break down, are flimsy to use, or most often, both.
What many people don’t know about purchasing fitness equipment is that there is a HUGE difference between products. People are almost always more satisfied if they buy from a fitness store that specializes in fitness equipment.
Here are the top six reasons to buy treadmills, elliptical machines and exercise bikes from a specialty store such as At Home Fitness in Arizona:
QUALITY – The better, more expensive cardio equipment will have a better performance because it’s better engineered. This is especially noticeable on an elliptical machine, where the elliptical pattern will be better on better equipment. Treadmills and exercise bikes will also have much smoother, sturdier feels to them on better models.
SELLER EXPERTISE – Stores such as At Home Fitness in Arizona – and its online site athomefitness.com available nationally – specialize in just fitness equipment. They have deals in place to sell the top fitness lines available.
The AHF sales associates know the products in and out and will be able to educate customers as to the best products to fit their needs.
They don’t rotate from folding sweaters, or selling camping equipment to trying to act like they know about treadmills, like a salesperson in a department store might.
LONG-TERM USE – An AHF sales associate will tell you that one of the biggest keys is to purchase equipment that you’ll enjoy using. Too often department store treadmills or ellipticals develop sticking points, or feel flimsy not long after people start using them. Some treadmills aren’t even made to be run on, which is something a lot of people don’t know or aren’t told.
WARRANTY – While you’ll pay more for quality fitness equipment, you’ll usually wind up saving money on that type of investment. How is that possible?
Many top-of-the-line fitness manufacturers offer warranties that will replace broken parts. You’re not likely to find that in department stores.
Also, if you need service the turnaround time from a store like AHF is only a matter of days instead of weeks or months from department stores.
The more durable products will last for many years. That will save you the trouble of having to buy a new one or getting a health club membership because your cheap home treadmill or elliptical sits unused – except for turning into a clothes rack.
FIND THE REAL VALUE – When an inexperienced consumer walks into a department store and finds a $300 elliptical or $599 treadmill, he probably thinks he’s found a real value.
Don’t expect the same durability that you’ll find in quality fitness equipment, though. Top equipment is simply not going to be sold for less than about $1,000.
That’s a lot of money, but if you think in terms of many years of great use out of a top product, then that’s where the real value is.
And if you go to a store like At Home Fitness because of the volume of equipment they sell, you can actually find great deals on high-end fitness equipment.
TRY IT OUT – Go into a specialty fitness store with a pair of running shoes and try out the equipment you’re interested in and find something you‘ll use for years to come.
When you think long-term it will make even more sense to avoid the quick fix of a department store special, which it turns out really isn’t so special.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

Elliptical machines are one of the best ways to get a great cardio workout.
To buy ellipticals in Arizona, stop into an At Home Fitness store in Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert or Ahwatukee.
When compared to other exercises, such as running or weightlifting, an elliptical machine is very low impact on the body, but still gets big-time results.
Ellipticals are especially recommended for older individuals who want to get a good cardio workout, or individuals who are trying to give their back or knees a break from more jarring types of workouts.
However, all types of people can benefit from ellipticals, even highly trained athletes.
Although not real complicated to use, ellipticals can help people achieve great results. All you have to do is stand with your feet inside the foot pedals and begin moving back and forth as your hands and arms move along with the moving handlebars. When you stop, the machine will stop, too.
Most ellipticals come with preset programs that allow you to choose a workout routine. You can adjust the incline level to increase the difficulty of your workouts.
Brands available at At Home Fitness include industry leaders such as Landice Ellipticals, Life Fitness, Vision Fitness, AFG Ellipticals, Sole Ellipticals, HealthRider Ellipticals, LifeSpan, SportsArt, Horizon, ProForm Ellipticalsand Bladez.
Talk to an At Home Fitness trained associate about the many different options available when it comes to shopping for elliptiucal machines. You can also buy ellipticals at athomefitness.com
The At Home Fitness stores are conveniently located to many communities in Arizona, such as Mesa, Tempe, Glendale and Avondale to buy fitness equipment
Of course, there are also many other types of home fitness equipment and home exercise equipment that At Home Fitness sells. Stop into one of their stores today, or shop them online at athomefitness.com

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

“Let the buyer beware”: A widely quoted principle that one buys at one’s own risk.
“Let the researcher beware”: That’s my take on people who rely on the Internet to shop around for product reviews.
Occasionally, you will find legitimate, unbiased product reviews, but most of the time they’re not much better than spam — set up to boost up a particular product. Companies either have their own employers write reviews for their goods and services, or pay others to do so.
When it comes to fitness equipment, in talking with Bryan Dorksen, co-owner of At Home Fitness in Arizona, he said researching online fitness reviews can all too often cause consumers a lot more harm than good.
“Think about it, people aren’t writing pages and pages of reviews out of the goodness of their hearts,” Dorksen said. “They’re doing it because they work for the company, or they’re being paid to do it.”
In the case of fitness equipment, Dorksen said the best lines of major brands are not widely available online.
“In each state, the major brands offer exclusive rights,” he said. “The largest retailers have the top picks from the top brands.”
That means many of the fitness products that wind up being sold on the Internet are ones that major retailers didn’t choose to sign on with. The “supposed” great internet deals could be likened to the grade-school kid who was picked last for the kickball game – in this case because the fitness stores didn’t want to carry them and they spilled over to the Internet.
Bryan is proud that At Home Fitness is a company in Arizona that does get top draft picks for its stores and online catalogs, with top fitness lines available at all their superstores in Arizona:
* Scottsdale (6969 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, zip 85254 (480) 951-6951);
* Ahwatukee (14647 So. 50th Street, Phoenix, 85044; (480) 940-1022;
* Gilbert (2810 S. Market St. Gilbert, 85295); (480) 855-6044); and
* Chandler (4320 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226; (480) 268-0637).
“We have 36 brands of fitness equipment, the best brands and the best fitness sales people in Arizona,” Dorksen said. “We’re the largest fitness retailer in Arizona.
“Whether you’re looking at home gyms, treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, or lots of other types of equipment, I invite you to come into one of our stores and talk with one of our highly trained sales associates. We do an excellent business and have the luxury of being able to be very honest with customers. We are not always the right destination for everyone and we are a high-end fitness store, but because of the way we do business we have a lot of satisfied customers.”

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

The end of cold and snow is getting near, but depending on where you live Old Man Winter may still have a strong grip on the climate.
It can be a stressful time as we get teased with more and more breaks of warm weather, only to be hit with the return of cold temperatures, wind and even snow.
If cabin fever is keeping you stressed out, here are my great eight healthy ways to relieve end-of-winter stress.
1. Exercise – Exercise can give you a natural high by releasing endorphins, plus if you’re in good shape you’ll feel better. Get three days or more a week of exercise, doing things ranging from 30 minutes on a treadmill, to working out on an elliptical machine to using free weights.
2. Change your workout routine – If you‘ve been doing a lot of the same things all winter, try to change up you exercise routine some. When there are breaks of nice weather for an hour or so here or there, or a even a few days of clear, go outside for some fresh air and exercise. Even getting outside once or twice a week for a bike ride, jog or walk can do a world of good for your mood.
3. Drink more water – Make sure to stay well hydrated – even in colder weather some people can get dehydrated if they don‘t drink enough water.
4. Take a vacation – Even if it’s only for a day or two, take a break to get away from day-to-day stresses.
5. Eat fruit – Get natural nutrition and an energy boost with a snack that brightens up your day.
6. Wear proper outdoors clothing – Dress in layers to help keep you warm enough because in late winter and early spring it‘s probably colder than it seems, even on nice sunny days.
7. Eat healthy – A well-balanced, healthy diet can give you the nutrition to feel better physically, have more energy and, in turn, have a better mental outlook.
8. Plan ahead – Use your time wisely to have enough left over to schedule some of these stress relievers.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

Landice is extremely well know in the treadmill business, but did you know the company also makes some of the premier elliptical machines in the country?
Elliptical machines allow you to burn lots of calories without the weight-bearing stress of jogging. By grabbing the machine’s handles with your arms, you’ll also build strength and firm up the muscles in your arms. The core is engaged during the workout, so your stomach muscles will also get a workout.
The smooth, low-impact glide of the Landice elliptical machines provide a fun way to get a great workout for people of all ages.
If you want to purchase a Landice product, here’s a look at some of their top ellipticals on the market, along with Landice descriptions:
Landice E950 Pro Trainer ElliptiMill – The Landice E950 Elliptimill is the commercial version of the E7 with a standard, full 5 year commercial warranty. If you need an elliptical for commercial use, this is the perfect model.
This is the most basic model within the Landice E950 ElliptiMill series, providing a smooth workout, five built-in programs, and an excellent display. MSRP: $3,695.00
Landice E950 Pro Sports Trainer ElliptiMill – This is the commercial version of the E7 with a standard, full 5 year commercial warranty. If you need an elliptical for commercial use, this is the perfect model. MSRP: $3,895.00
Landice E950 Cardio Trainer ElliptiMill – This machine is the commercial version of the E7 with a standard, full 5 year commercial warranty. If you need an elliptical for commercial use, this is the perfect model. MSRP: $3,995.00
Landice E950 Executive Trainer ElliptiMill – The Landice E950 Elliptimill is the commercial version of the E7 with a standard, full 5 year commercial warranty. If you need an elliptical for commercial use, this is the perfect model. This is the top-of-the-line model in the E950 ElliptiMill series, featuring an 8.5 inch computer animated video display and six different fitness tests. MSRP: $4,695.00

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com