Question:
Is a Gazelle exercise machine worth including with my exercise equipment?
I have thought about buying a Tony Little Gazelle as part of my exercise equipment, but my husband is of the feeling that they do not provide much in the way of beneficial exercise. I would love feedback about what benefits you have obtained with your gazelle. Where do you notice it working your body? How does it affect your pulse rate (i.e. do you reach the aerobic range)? Do you find that you eventually move beyond it as far as what it does to help you? Where did you find your Gazelle (store)? I currently have a recumbent bike, Nordic Track, Bowflex Pro, and a pilates bench so I am trying to decide if the Gazelle should be a part of my equipment. Thank you. Sandra — Arizona_Sun (posted on February 10, 2004)
February 10, 2004
I had my surgery on May 16, 2003, and I bought a Gazelle about six months
ago. I use my Gazelle everyday for at least 30 min. I have found that the
Gazelle puts added strength in my legs and it also makes me reach the
aerobic range without putting too much strain on my legs and joints. I
ordered my Gazelle from walmart.com and it arrived within a week. Email me
with any questions.
— Gene F.
February 10, 2004
It's interesting that you asked this question now. I just returned my
Gazelle Elite after the 60-day trial period. I found the machine to be very
awkward. I continued to feel as if I would tip over. I was able to work up
a sweat but found the weight tensions were either too tight or too loose
and I was unable to get mid-range tension. I just didn't think it was worth
the money. I ordered direct from Fitness Quest and the total amount was
like $99.95 per month for 4 months. That's $500 bucks. I didn't think it
was worth it. Now if Walmart has it for $100 bucks, I say go for it.
— Regina J.
February 10, 2004
Walmart has it for $200 but it sure looks junky.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?cat=4134&dept=4125&product_id=1542671&path=0%3A4125%3A4134%3A56687
I don't think I could get use to being so high in the air as the other
poster mentioned it being awkward. However I've never used one.
— Danmark
February 10, 2004
The Gazelle ROCKS! I bought the "Gazelle Lite" from WalMart.com
for $100. It doesn't come with the videos & it doesn't hold as much
weight as the regular Gazelle, but it does the job. I've used it almost
every day since my surgery on 12-10-02. It doesn't make my knees hurt like
the treadmill. I love my Gazelle - it's the BOMB!!!
<p>Lap RNY 12.10.02
<p>Start 210 lbs
<p>Current 119 lbs
<p>Height 5'2" - 29 yrs old.
— KAT *.
February 10, 2004
Hi--I put together my Gazelle the day after Thanksgiving. I bought it from
Fitness Quest, for $199.00 plus shipping--a mid-range piece of equipment.
Mine does not have the power pistons for added resistance. I love my
Gazelle, but here are the drawbacks--it started creaking within about a
month--loudly. I plan to take it apart and grease the insides (outsides
have been lubricated everywhere). The "computer" it comes with
doesn't register anything higher than 78 for my pulse rate, and nothing
lower than 72. I'm doing it right, I'm breathing like a racehorse, it just
doesn't register. Also, the "computer" is supposed to turn
itself off after being idle for about 5 minutes--mine stopped doing that at
about 2 weeks--now I take it apart and pop out a battery to make it shut
off, otherwise the batteries will be dead overnight. Other than that, I
love my gazelle. It is a good lower body workout--hips, thighs, calves. I
use it 4--5 mornings a week. I don't store it, I leave it assembled in my
"living room" with my weight bench.
— Cisbell
February 10, 2004
I have been thinking about buying one of these myself. A friend of mine
bought one several months ago (the Elite model), so I questioned her about
it today. She really loves it, and said it provides a great aerobic
workout without stress on the feet and knees. The model she bought can be
adjusted to several different levels depending on your own fitness level.
This friend was already pretty fit, but she said it definitely challenges
her. I'm considering it because I have had feet and knee problems in the
past, and don't want to aggravate those again. When I walk or do aerobics,
my heel spurs act up, and I wanted something that would eliminate any
stress on the feet. She said this machine would be a good alternative for
me.
— Carlita
February 10, 2004
I love my Glider!!! I've been using it consistantly since my operation and
it has grown with me as my fitness level increased. It was able to hold me
(and I felt secure) at 327 pounds. Now, I'm 180 and the thing is still
working me out like a champ (I simulate running - without the jarring on my
knee's and feet). One note - I purchased the XL Glider from QVC. This is
made by Fitness Quest (the SAME people/ABSOLUTELY THE SAME DESIGN)as Tony
Little's Gazelle for $121.00!!! It has the resistance pistons and a
tracking computer, it fold's up and still work's great (I've had it 1 year
now). Also, these do tend to squeak, but I had my husband take of the two
nuts/bolts at the arms (where it was squeaking) and put a rubber washer
between that metal parts and, whalla!, hasn't had a peep and I can do it
without bothering anyone at all. I usually do it watching the morning news
and no one is the wiser - except me! I love it!
— Tracy H.
February 10, 2004
Please get the January 2004 issue of Consumer Reports, they did not rate it
very high. They felt that it was awkward to use. It was something to do
with the action of your legs and the gliding back and forth. I have found
that I can buy an awful lot of years worth of memberships for my husband
and I at our local park district fitness center ($295 for us as a couple)
than buying machines to have in the house. This way I can use several
different machines during the week and I do not get bored. And we use our
membership also, plus we have access to a pool for laps.
— ChristineB
February 10, 2004
I just purchased a Gazelle this past weekend at WalMart. I love it. So
far I'm only up to 15 minutes at a time but I can definately feel it in my
calves and even in my upper arms (which need a LOT of work). Maybe try out
a used one and see if you like it first. RNY 8-5-03 330/222/180?
— Rhonda Y.
February 10, 2004
I bought the Gazelle Elite a few months before considering surgery as a
last opt. Sad to say that it sits in my closet. I bought mine from Fitness
Quest.com. I paid over 500 bucks for it, my loving boyfriend still gets
upset when we talk about it. LOL I didnt mind it after about 5 minutes on
it, but it was so hard to get in and out of the closet and if I left it out
the kids were all over it (and the little one could pinch his fingers
easily!) I still tell myself that I will get back on it, but until I have a
place where it could be up for good I dont really see it happening. Also,
you have to wear shoes otherwise it hurts your toes! I agree with the other
poster, if Id have paid 100 for it, it might have been worth it, but for
500 Id have to say no...hope this helps. And remember we are all different,
its so odd to see the different responses to the same machine! But, I do
not get that "Tony Little" crazy look while using it!! Good Luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
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