After trying out about a dozen different elliptical exercisers in sporting stores, I eventually bought the Gazelle Edge.It is a great little excercise machine but does have some short comings.I opted for this one because:
1.PRICE:After trying out the ellipticals it became very clear that cheap ellipticals are incredibly uncomfortable to use.The motion on machines under $750 was either jerky or the short stride lead to the machine feeling more like a stepper than an elliptical.Many of the low line models were not all that stable.Of the mid-range steppers, I almost bought the Horizons E70 on sale for about $550 (marked down from the mid-$700s).This machine lacked a lot of options but did have the most natural motion I could find in a stepper in this range.Nevertheless, the motion on the Gazelle (they had the souped up Freestyle with thumb-pulse) was at least as good.The price on the Freestyle is about $200 on Amazon.com and the basic model is less than $100
2. REVIEWS:Canvassing the internet, the Gazelle had a high satisfaction rates on a number of websites, including Amazon reviews.The low to mid-range ellipticals appeared to have poor reliability ratings and most reviews showed low satisfaction.
3. BASIC MACHINE:It appeared to be a basic no-frills machine.If I was going to buy something ata low price range with few options, this one was as good as any other and far cheaper.It is also more light-weight and portable than any of the ellipticals I tried.
After purchasing, I feel like I've hit the jackpot.The machine was easy to assemble, given its simple mechanism and few working parts.It offers a reasonable, comfortable workout and is remarkably stable.It also folds down flat for storage and weighs only about 40 lbs.It also requires little room to use.The manual recommends 3 feet in front and behind the machine, but 2 ? seemed to suffice for me.So far my machine is remarkably smooth and silent.There have been reports of squeaking, but I have not experienced this.The manual suggests lubing the machine with vasoline if this occurs...Despite the fact that Tony Little makes annoying infomercials, I think he has a winner in this machine.
Nevertheless, it is important to realize that the machine has certain limitations:
1. This is NOT a $1,500 Nordic Track Elliptical.It doesn't have the programs, options, and fluid movement of a high-line elliptical trainer.If you want such a model, you will have to spend the money to buy one.That being said, this machine will not approach the smoothness/comfort of the expensive ellipticals and is really not comparable.
2. This is NOT an elliptical trainer.The motion is different, pleasant though it may be.
3. The machine has NO built-in training programs.You have to either buy Tony Little's exercise tapes or make up a program as you go along. I did not opt to buy these, so I can't comment on them. There are purportedly 7 different exercises that you can do on the Gazelle, but in reality there are only three that I can discern:You can `Gazelle in the neutral position, leaning back, or leaning forward.The other `exercises' involve different grip heights, letting go/swinging your arms at your sides, bending your knees for a lower/longer stride, and `gazelling' on your toes.The latter variations don't really count for me as different exercises, but that's only my opinion.
4. The basic machine has NO resistance adjustment.The `Freestyle' and `Pro' models appear to have hydraulic resistance that is adjustable to three levels.Having tried the Freestyle in the store, the hydraulic pistons did add resistance but seemed to make the motion a little less natural for me.Additionally, there was no way to adjust these while exercising.One would have to stop.Get off the machine.Adjust the resistance and resume exercising.Lower line ellipticals can be adjusted while exercising, the Gazelle cannot.Despite the lack of resistance, you can still get a good beginner to intermediate workout on this machine.It is certainly good for people just beginning a fitness program.I alternate aerobic and exercise training for 30 to 40 minutes, 6 days a week and have been doing so for over two years.I would consider myself to be an intermediate to advanced level and was able to raise my heart rate to the target range on this machine.
5. It has an INADEQUATE fitness computer.The fitness computer tell you your speed, how far you have `travelled', the number of calories burned, and the time on the machine.Being a skeptic, I think the only reliable feature would be the time and possibly `distance'.I'm not knocking the company.Knowing how much time you have spent on the device is my most important issue.I could imagine using the `distance' counter as a measure of when to stop the workout. I just don't know exactly what `speed' means or howe exactly it calculates `distance' traveled or how the device calculates the number of calories when it doesn't know your weight or the exact amount of applied resistance.
Having demoed the Freestyle, I don't think that the hydraulic pistons are worth the extra $100+ for the inexperienced Gazeller. (After a few months, I might change my mind about this but I don't think so.)You can also buy a number of other models which appear to have more heavy-duty tubing and extra's like water bottle holders.For my purposes, the basic machine appears to be just right.I wasn't about to plunk down more money for a cupholder or an advanced computer.The thumb pulse feature might be helpful to see if you achieve your target heart rate, but you can buy an inexpensive wrist monitor separately and use it when walking, jogging, or when you are one other equipment.
To my mind, the way to make this machine better would be to add a magnetic (or even friction) resistance feature that could be adjusted during exercise.It could be made even better by adding fitness programs that could adjust the resistance for you.
6. Despite the title 'Fitness System' the Gazelle is NOT a complete workout.This is aerobic exercise only and most professionals recommend some weight training to supplement aerobic exercise to maximize weight loss.Tony Little implies on his infomercial that the Gazelle incorporates strength training as well as aerobic training.Unless he is doing something different than is described in the manual, this is really only aerobic training.
I don't think there is a better machine at this price. The midrange ellipticals were very uncomfortable to ride and appear to have a lot of mechanical problems.I would strongly recommend actually trying out the machines in a store before you buy on line.The only way to know if a machine is comfortable is to actually try it.
If you are a more advanced exerciser, you might want to opt to invest in the bigger/expensive machines of the type that are used in gyms or by physical therapists.But if you are like me and want just a basic machine at a bargain price, this could be the one for you.
Product Description
Burn calories, tone your muscles, and improve your cardiovascular endurance with the Gazelle Edge, which simultaneously works out both your upper and lower body. Ideal for all fitness levels, the Edge's unsurpassed range of motion lets you go from a slow walk to a full run with no sudden stops, so you won't put undue pressure on your joints. The resulting aerobic workout will challenge you without sacrificing your knees. Details include an easy-to-use, five-function workout computer that delivers immediate feedback on speed, distance, time, and calories burned; a foldable footprint for easy storage; extra-wide, non-skid foot platforms; a durable 1.5-inch rolled steel frame; high-density foam handlebars; and a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds.
Key Details:
- Easy-to-use computer provides immediate feedback on speed, distance, time and approximate calories burned
- Patented, dual-action split suspension provides a complete range of motion and freedom of movement
- 1-1/2-inch gauge steel construction holds up to 250 pounds
- Extra-wide, nonskid foot platforms for added stability
- Handlebars are covered with high-density foam for extra comfort
- Folds quickly for easy storage so it won't take up space in your home
- Low-impact workout gives you an aerobic workout
- Lets you go from a slow walk to a full run with no sudden stops
- Completely smooth and quiet
- For all fitness levels and ages
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