Product Review: Tony Little’s Gazelle Exercise Machine

 

As a person with arthritis and fibromyalgia, I know regular exercise is a must. I also know how difficult it is to find something appropriate that doesn’t cause too much stress on already painful muscles and joints.


One day last year, I went to a local sporting goods store in search of a yoga mat. There were perhaps 30 exercise machines on display in this store, yet all were being ignored except one. I noticed that kids seemed to gravitate toward the Gazelle machine and that it seemed really easy to use. So I waited for the coast to clear and took a closer look.
I’d seen the ads for the Gazelle on TV, but figured they must use some sort of resistance and didn’t think that would be too good for my already weak limbs. So I was very surprised when I hopped on the Freestyle model and discovered that the foot pedals and arm handles swing freely, enabling you to go as fast or as slow as you like. And better yet, I was experiencing NO excess stress on my ankles, knees or hips! A nice simple machine that would fit easily in the limited free space in my house.
I couldn’t find fault with the price, either – the Freestyle was about one-fifth the price of a quality treadmill and less than half the cost of the recumbent bicycles I’d been eyeing. And it could be folded up and moved out of the way when not in use. So I bought one.
Now, these machines do need to be assembled. My husband was able to put it together reasonably easily. And it’s fairly solid for something lightweight and designed to fold up.
I now use the machine two or three times a week for 20 minutes per session. I play the video that comes with it so I can keep track of the time. Tony Little is a very enthusiastic personal trainer who does the workout himself, so you can just do what he does. The workout on the video is 30 minutes: 10 at the beginner level, the next 10 intermediate, and the last 10 advanced. Alternatively, you can use the timer that’s on the machine if you want to exercise to your own music. The timer is part of a multi-function device that also keeps track of your speed and distance “traveled” and contains a pulse monitor.
I find this machine easier on my body than walking. I would recommend it for anyone who needs a gentle form of cardiovascular exercise. Of course, you’ll want to consult with your doctor to see what sort of exercise would be best for you.
Review written by: Karen Brauer © 2008

  • gutterball sam

    I hhave fms also this machine works great but it squeaks and squaks how do u take care of that

  • Carl Toersbijns

    I have used a gazelle for the last couple of years and find it a great low impact machine since I have had knee surgery on both knees. It is a great substitute for walking and you can do a variety of exercises on it without hurting yourself. You get out of it what you put into it. No weight resistance but the pace is up to you to get the most out of it. I love it – I combine this with Electrical Muscle Stimulation Perfect T.E.N.S. also made by Tony Little’s group called Aurawave – its a dynamic combination and will leave you happy when you finish your workout daily.

  • Carol Jones

    I have Fibromalgia & the doctor say that I need to get my heart rate up so I need to walk for 30 minutes a day. The first week was trying to walk & keep my balance. The first day I lasted for 4 minutes. After about 45 days I am up to 10 minutes twice a day. Working up to 30 minutes a day. Joints still hurt but I have managed to out walk my husband last time I went shopping with my husband. I mainly do the long strides to stretch the legs. I have not gotten up to doing the exercise disc. I just have a food timer to go for 30 minutes a day. I try it at 10 minutes at a time. The only problem I have is that the corner of the rail can become painful on the palms of my hands. The foot rests can also become painful on the bottom of the feet if using thin sole shoes.
    Fibromalgia makes it painful to touch any thing weather using hands of feet. Due to having Great toe nail being removed & unable to wear enclosed shoes. I am having to wear sandles or house shoes.

    arthritis and fibromyalgia
    arthritis and fibromyalgia

  • G Miller

    I used a roommates Gazelle for about 2 years and found it great. I was on it 45min a day, 5 days a week. I lost 15 lbs and gained muscle. I was in my mid 50’s . I had also pulled my leg tendons in a fall on ice requiring a cast for a few weeks. After it was taken off I used the Gazelle to keep my leg exersized and found it great. I am now looking for another one for my new home.

  • Theresa St Clare

    After years of use ,I finally had to give up my treadmill, the pain was unbearable and a minor injury would sideline me for weeks. I sold it, thinking I would replace it with an elliptical. Unfortunately, the price for a good one was way out of my budget. I bought the Gazelle Edge thinking if it didn’t work for me , at least I wouldn’t have a fortune invested. OMG!!! I cannot believe it. It is so easy. If I have a bad day and my hips are tight, 3-5 minutes is all I need to feel better. I generally do 15-20 minutes in the morning and again in the evening. I can go as gentle or intense as my tolerance allows and I always feel better for it. Other benefits have been, I’m sleeping better, little to no pain meds most days AND I just did my 1st 5K walk in 12 years!!!

  • I have arthritis at 36 yrs and need to have my knees replaced in this next year. I also teach American Sign Language so need to be careful of my wrists and joints in my hands and arms. I have the Gazelle and swear that it is the best thing I have ever owned. I am able to “walk” for miles on this where going out and walking I can only go to the end of the block and back and then it is painful. I highly suggest this to anyone recovering from any surgery or someone that needs no impact exercise! Check w/ your doctor first always though!

  • Katherine Demeter

    I have to agree with the review of the Gazelle excercise machine – except mine is not the same brand. I also have a Pilates Reformer machine which I like even better. The Reformer is so easy to use and I am still on the level 1 workout. I find that I have very little flare up using this method and I have fibromyaglia. It gives a total body work out and is so relaxing; the cardio board is an extra that can be slotted in so you can even bounce lieing on your back and no stress or strain at all. I like to use the Reformer and Airwalker to give me a complete , easy and fun workout with minimal pain after.