Is The Tony Little Gazelle Easy On The Knees?

The Tony Little Gazelle is a small elliptical machine for in-home use. The low-impact movement of a Gazelle varies from a standard elliptical in that it is more of a gliding motion, as opposed to an elliptical motion. Because your feet "glide" on a Gazelle, the machine is often called a glider.

Gazelle Movement

The Gazelle glider has two pedals suspended from an A-frame base. The pedal arms feature a dual-action split suspension, which allows the pedals to act independently providing a full range of motion. Step on the Gazelle and glide slightly past the base of frame with each foot. This is the basic glide. Keep your knees soft, do not lock them out. Increase the intensity of your workout by gliding faster and farther.

Standard Elliptical

A standard elliptical machine offers a slightly different leg motion than a Gazelle glider. The motion is taller with your feet moving in an elliptical motion, instead of an arching motion. On the Gazelle and a standard glider, you should keep your knees soft and not lock them out. Overextending your knee joints takes the tension away from your muscles and focuses it on your knees. To avoid premature wear or injury to your knee joints, maintain a slight bend on an elliptical machine.

Easy on Knees

The Gazelle gliders are smaller and lighter than a standard elliptical and the leg motion is slightly different, but the overall function is the same. As with an elliptical, the leg motion of the Gazelle is easy on your knees. Unlike a treadmill or stair climber, there is no pounding or impact when you step. The American Council on Exercise reports that an elliptical machine is a good alternative to a treadmill if you have knee or leg injuries.

Warnings

Although the Gazelle glider provides a smooth, low-impact cardio workout, this doesn't mean it is the perfect aerobic solution for everyone. The knee is a complex joint and each person has different biomechanics and movement patterns. In general, a Gazelle glider is easy on the knees, but you should always consult a physician before using any exercise machine if you have had a knee injury or surgery.