Tony Little, famous for his long blond ponytail and over-the-top motivational style, is the man behind all models of the Gazelle workout machine. Sometimes advertised on retail and review websites as an elliptical trainer, the Gazelle machines are more like air striders or walkers, moving your legs through an arcing range of motion instead of an elliptical path.
Muscles Worked
Both the Gazelle Edge and Gazelle Freestyle offer a challenging lower-body workout for beginners, working your hip flexors, quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves. Although Freestyle advertising material claims that you can do 10 exercises on this machine, the different exercises are simply shifts in body orientation and motion, emphasizing different muscles as you continue the same striding motion.
Both Gazelle models offer a limited upper-body workout, too. Applying pressure to the moving handlebars works your back, chest and arm muscles, depending on body orientation and motion.
Electronics
The Freestyle and Edge both sport similar workout computers that display speed, distance, time and approximate calories burned. The Freestyle also has a built-in thumb pulse monitor so you can keep track of your heart rate without pausing.
Specs
The Gazelle Freestyle has a maximum user weight limit of 300 lb., as opposed to the Gazelle Edge's user weight limit of 250 lb. Both products fold slim for storage underneath a bed or standing on end in the closet.
Accessories
Both Gazelle models are minimalist machines. The only accessory you'll receive with either machine is a "Gazelle Personal Trainer" DVD.
Cost
As of May 2010, the Gazelle Freestyle retails for over $200, almost twice as much as the Gazelle Edge, which costs just over $100.
Expert Insight
As noted on the Exercise Equipment Expert website, the Gazelle is an effective, low-cost machine for beginners, but because the Gazelle offers only limited resistance, "die hard workout nuts" will probably prefer a true elliptical trainer.
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