An apparatus is provided for fixing a toner image to a substrate including: a fixing member having a central axis and inner and outer surfaces; a heating element disposed within the fixing member for generating energy in the form of heat to heat the fixing member; and a back-up member cooperating with the fixing member to define a nip with the fixing member for receiving a substrate such that a toner image carried by the substrate is heated while in the nip. The heating element may have a center axis and be positioned near the fixing member inner surface such that the heating element center axis is spaced from the fixing member central axis.