Tony Little and his Gazelle

[LCJ]

Anybody try out the Gazelle you see on TV?

[MYOB]

Originally Posted by LCJ

Anybody try out the Gazelle you see on TV?

I have the "Freestyle Evolution" Gazelle.

This model has resistance pistons and pulse monitor pads built into the handgrips. It was about $400.

Overall, I like it.

I didn't find the motivational DVD with Tony to be very useful, but I'm sufficiently motivated on my own. Other people may have more or less use for it.

I'm not using it for the multitude of different exercises they say you can do on it. I just get on and get myself going on it for 30 minutes to an hour.

Minuses:
1. Mine squeaks a bit. It can be a little annoying. I've tried the $200 model in several different stores and they didn't squeak -- even though they were obviously abused demo pieces. So I'm not sure how common/uncommon this problem is.

2. The resistance pistons have no use for me. I thought they would be a good idea, but they are just too much resistance. I'm lifting weights for building muscle -- putting the resistance on just turns it into a somewhat awkward muscular workout.

Plusses:
1. It does feel pretty sturdy.

2. It is convenient compared to what I was doing. (I was bicycling, but winter weather & early darkness put a stop to that.)

3. I can do aerobic work while watching TV instead of sitting on the couch while watching TV. Compared to a rowing machine, the gazelle is better for this since your head is staying stationary (which keeps me from getting any weird motion-effects/motion-sickness while watching TV and doing my Gazelle workout).

4. A long time ago I had tried a Nordic Track machine -- these have a sort of similar gliding motion. I found the Nordic Track weird because it seemed you really have to learn to coordinate your arms and legs all by yourself. On the Gazelle, since the arm and leg are on the same swinging piece, it is a lot easier to learn the proper coordination. (When your right arm moves forward your right leg is forced back -- so you only have to coordinate your left side vs. your right side instead of coordinating each limb independently.)

Overall:
I'm still too heavy to be able to run. From past experience I'd say I need to be at least 20 pounds lighter to have a chance at running without my knees giving out. This machine lets me do something aerobic and I have no knee problems with it.

I think I have seen models on some sites that offer the pulse monitor in the handles without the resistance pistons -- that might be cheaper while just as effective. If you already have a pulse rate monitor (or if you don't care about that) then you could even use the $200 model. (The $200 model can be found at Sports Authority stores and seems very similar to mine except that it doesn't have the pulse monitors in the handles and the resistance pistons.)(There is a $100 model, but it seemed too lightweight to me.)

I like that I can build up a sweat while using it and get my heart rate up for a while. That's all I'm looking for from doing aerobic stuff. I'm personally convinced that muscle building is the way to achieve real weight loss (fat loss).

I also use it now for a quick 5 minute warm-up before lifting weights.

Note: Right now I'm a bit stalled in my progress with anything due to a shoulder injury, but I'm in physical therapy for it and expect to be back full-swing soon.

[mcpub]

Technique, Technique!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Krakerjak]

The Gazelle Platinum has the heart rate monitor without the pistons.
I have this version and it has its pros and cons.

Yes, it squeaks....sometimes ALOT. no biggie

The heart rate monitor only really works properly when you are at
rest (i suppose the vibrations and jerking around mess it up), it would be nice to take a measurement on the fly.

I use it inside and i'am always barefoot in the house, but the "treads"
that you stand on while in use kill your feet without shoes.

I like an exercise video to follow along with so I don't have to time myself or whatever....convienence factor. but...I find the video too short, and low intensity for the first 20 mins.

Also, Tony Little is a nut.

It is definetly low impact though.
It also really gets you sweating sometimes.

[neckowi]

Just wanted to bump this and see if anyone has the $200 model. That's about as much as I can afford right now, and I want a Gazelle because it folds up and will be easy to move.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...3A4134%3A56687

I always used to laugh at the ads, but it sounds like the machines are pretty sturdy. This model holds someone up to 300 lbs and is supposed to be sturdy. I don't care about the tape or anything, I have my own HRM and plan to just go by that and a clock to do my cardio. Any more opinions?

[MYOB]

Originally Posted by neckowi

Just wanted to bump this and see if anyone has the $200 model.

From what I can remember, the $200 model at Sports Authority seemed to be the same basic "frame" that mine (the $400 model) has.

It is made of pretty heavy stuff and stays put while I'm using it, feels secure, etc. I currently weigh 180 pounds.

There was also a $100 model at Sports Authority that was made of thinner & lighter materials. It seemed like it would be more likely to flex and/or hop off the floor.

Looking at the WalMart site and searching for "gazelle"

The Gazelle Edge Trainer at $89.62 seems to be like the one I said was too lightweight.

The Gazelle Trainer at $198.88 is the one that seems to have the same heavyweight frame as my $400ish one.

The Gazelle Power Plus at $298.87 I've never seen in person. It has a different layout than the other models. Doesn't look like it would fold. I don't know why the design is different.

Some other thoughts:

While my Gazelle technically *can* fold, it is very awkward to do so. When it is opened up, gravity keeps it pressed stable (opening the legs in a scissor-like fashion until they pull the restraining cable taught -- you might need to look a picture to get what I mean). When you try to fold it, you suddenly have some swinging steel pipe that you really don't want to pinch your hands between and get a stupid injury. It has wheels, but it is heavy and awkward. You'd want to be reasonably strong to move it. Grandma cannot safely move it.

I leave mine where it is all the time. It's in front of the TV and I do things like pace myself during the show with "sprints" during the commercials.

I really don't believe in the "10 different exercises" of it -- I just get on it to make myself sweat. For building muscle I try to lift heavy things. For sweating in the comfort of my home when the weather is bad outside, it is a good thing.

Gazelles are very available in stores now. Most sporting goods stores seem to carry at least one model -- so you really ought to be able to see one in person before you purchase it.

[neckowi]

Thanks for your response. While I wish it was easier to fold up and put away, it still seems like a good option for me. I also have no interest in the "10 different exercises" mess. I just want it for cardio. I recently decided to stop doing cardio right after my workout, and frankly it's hard to get to the gym 6 days a week. Hence I need something in my home in addition to my jump rope.

[Mahdimael]

Just wanted to do some thread necromancy to give my impressions of this machine.

I needed something quick to replace my cheap-o elliptical (walmart quality). So, not learning my lesson, I got the gazelle for 90 bucks at walmart.

Price: $90. Can't beat that, and even if it only lasts 6 months like the elliptical, it's still a good deal

Construction: Surprisingly sturdy. It's a put-together-yourself thing, but includes all the tools and instructions. Took about 20 minutes for me to do. Once constructed, it's heavy, but not terribly. My wife can move it decently. It comes with a three-or four function digital display, which I've never used.

Workout: The best way I can describe the movement would be cross-country skiing, except the "poles" are attached to the "skis". Using more effort with arms or legs makes you go faster. After my normal 40 minute use, I've worked up a good sweat. As an above user posted, your head stays level so if you work out in front of the TV or if you want to read something, it's much easier. There's no resistance, so speed and length of time will determine how many calories are burned. There's a book of exercises, but I haven't looked at it.

Overall: For the price, it's a good deal. I've had it just over a month, now, so hopefully it holds up over the long term. A resistance setting would improve it immensely, but it's good regardless. Folds up relatively easily and can be stored in an area approx. 4'x6'x1'.


(A funny anecdote: I had just finished putting it together, and was standing on it. Each side moves independently of the other, so I was playing with it and swinging forward and backward with both sides. My legs shot out forward and I wound up on my butt)

[Adam and Jess]

i've seen tony little in person at a mall in NY.. hes a shrimp, but built! probably 5'3..

Adam