Fitness Quest Inc. markets Gazelle Gliders as elliptical trainers for fitness seekers on a budget. You can purchase them through infomercials, the Internet and third-party retailers. Though not as effective as club-quality elliptical machines from companies like Precor, Landice, Octane and Life Fitness, a Gazelle machine can deliver cardiovascular benefits when used regularly.
Features
You can accomplish seven to 10 different exercises on a Gazelle Glider, depending on your model. The basic movement is a gliding motion while you stand on the platform. Your feet shuffle back and forth, and you can grip the handlebars to add a light upper body workout to the routine. Changing the incline angle of your body increases the focus and resistance on your upper or lower body. Because Gazelle Gliders are manually operated, there is no limitation to how fast you can work out on one.
Significance
The Harvard Medical School states that exercise on an elliptical trainer burns more calories than many other types of exercise. For example, a 185-lb. person using an elliptical trainer for 30 minutes burns 400 calories on average. The same person burns fewer calories doing moderate cycling, vigorous rowing, circuit training or high-impact aerobics over the same time period.
Expert Insight
MayoClinic.com notes that elliptical-style workout machines have some benefits over treadmills, a traditional choice for cardio workouts. The first is that elliptical machines like the Gazelle create almost no impact on your knees, hips and back. Low-impact exercise is preferable for people with chronic injuries or pain. Another benefit is that you can raise your heart rate quicker by working your upper and lower body simultaneously on the Gazelle. Your body burns more calories when your heart rate remains elevated.
Target Audience
The Exercise Equipment Expert website states that the Gazelle Glider is a good equipment choice for beginners and people looking for a light workout. The motion created on the glider is not an exact replication of an elliptical machine, and the resistance is not as high as an elliptical machine with an eddy current brake system. This may mean that you cannot burn as many calories as on a traditional elliptical, but Exercise Equipment Expert still recommends the Gazelle to anyone on a budget that wants light cardiovascular and strength training.
Considerations
It may take some time to become accustomed to the motion of the Gazelle. It is not exactly like running because your feet do not move up at all, but rather glide forward and backward. Fitness Quest recommends you perform 20 to 40 repetitions of each workout motion to achieve maximum benefits. It also recommends that you keep your toes against the front toe plates throughout the workout so you are better able to maintain your balance.
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