The future of pain-free, natural running has landed with the revolutionary Zero Runner. Following rave reviews at this year’s Boston Marathon and championed by US running Olympian Carrie Tollefson, we’re thrilled to have UK exclusivity on this zero-impact fitness machine – and we want to shout about it! So what makes the Zero Runner such a hit? We invited Julie King from Octane Fitness to tell us more…

A breakthrough in zero-impact running [caption id="attachment_525" align="alignleft" width="229" class=" "]Carrie Tollefson Zero Runner US Olympian Carrie Tollefson on the Zero Runner[/caption]

We really put on our thinking caps with the Zero Runner. We wanted to deliver a fitness machine that replicates real running, but without the stress on joints that comes hand in hand with it. And the Zero Runner nails it! With innovative mechanical hip and knee joints on independent pedals, the machine lets you use your natural gait and pace, all while being supported, so that there is no impact on your body.

Run like the real thing Not a treadmill or even an elliptical, what sets the Zero Runner apart is that it features a patented design that gives you custom motion. There’s no moving belt or fixed path, so you create the movement and pace, so it’s uniquely yours. Using the same muscles you would for running, it’s just like running outside, but without the pounding. A great benefit is that the upper-body handles support proper posture, so you’re getting everything right. We took the Zero Runner to the 2014 Boston Marathon. Watch the video below to see what people made of it... [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfSaKz10g0w&w=560&h=315] Kick runners’ injuries to the curb Whether you’re a keen runner or not, we all know about runners’ injuries. One of the main reasons for injury is due to the strain it puts on our bodies. Impact force delivers physical stress, and over time can lead to common runners’ injuries, such as iliotibial band syndrome, patellofemoral stress syndrome and plantar fasciitis. An independent study by the University of Minnesota in the United States found that the Zero Runner has minimal force impact when compared to outside and treadmill running. With impact eliminated on the Zero Runner, you can safely supplement your outdoor running or treadmill training. Maybe you want to continue to train on rest days, are looking for active recovery or a way to train after injury? Now you can get going without potentially damaging consequences. We were thrilled when ex-runner Tom Riggs was able to come out of running retirement thanks to the Zero Runner. Check out Tom's Zero Runner review here. The big benefits The Zero Runner offers range of great benefits...
  • Reduced risk of overuse injuries
  • Preparation for half-marathons and marathons with supplemental mileage
  • Engaging in active recovery and eliminating “junk miles”
  • Participating in cross training with CROSS CiRCUIT®
  • Enhancing performance and prolonging your running career
Master your stride [caption id="attachment_539" align="alignright" width="250" class=" "]Zero Runner man with gait Master your gait with Zero Runner's tracking intelligence[/caption] With a constant eye on stride, you can focus on improving your performance by maintaining a consistent gait and stride length with every step. With this great tracking functionality, it’s so much easier to make sure you’re as strong at mile eight as you were at mile one. Cross training made simple Many runners know that they should engage in cross training, yet few do it consistently. Many runners say they would rather get in more miles than spend time hoisting weights. But research shows that cross training is a valuable way to build a strong foundation for the body and improve all components of fitness, including muscular strength and flexibility – to enhance running performance. In fact, the practice of runners only running as a strict training protocol is no longer recommended, as cross training can help correct muscle imbalances, minimize overtraining, reduce the risk of injuries and prolong running longevity. Designed with input from athletic trainers, physical therapists and running coaches, this exclusive Octane Fitness program combines cardio intervals on the Zero Runner with strength training and flexibility exercises on the floor, adjacent to the machine, for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. There are also handy videos to guide you through exercises to demonstrate proper form and execution. You can determine the frequency and duration of the intervals, as well as the strength and flexibility exercises to perform, according to your personal goals. And CROSS CiRCUIT also provides a variety of pre-designed workouts, including core strength, upper body and yoga, that can help you take on your weak links and drive your performance to the next level. Interested? Check out the Zero Runner now. *The Zero Runner is fitted with 7 CROSS CiRCUIT attachment points. One set of resistance bands is included with the purchase. CROSS CiRCUIT kits sold separately.