Gazelle exercise equipment originated with fitness entrepreneur Tony Little. According to the company website, Little started his career as a bodybuilder. After a nearly fatal car crash, Little found he had to rebuild both his body and spirit. Eventually this led to the creation of low-impact exercise plans that feature a series of gliders known as Gazelles. As with any new exercise program, check with your doctor to ensure working out on a Gazelle is appropriate for you.
Style Basics
Gazelle exerciser products are low-impact, elliptical gliders. The basic design is the same on each model. It is the individual features, framework and support material that differ. Gazelles have two foot pedals that simulate walking or jogging. The handles move forward and back to provide upper-body exercise while the base gliders work the legs. All Gazelle models fold up for storage. The two top-of-the-line models, Freestyle and Sprintmaster, come with instructional DVD's featuring Tony Little. The economy line, Edge, includes a video if you buy directly from the manufacturer. All three models offer electronic displays to record data, such as speed and distance.
Edge
Gazelle Edge, as of 2011, is the lowest-priced glider in Tony Little's product portfolio. Gazelle Edge has the same design approach that all the Gazelle gliders feature. The Edge has a computer that provides feedback information to the user. The website reports the display computer on the Edge reads speed, distance, workout time and calorie burn. The Edge has the lightest frame and only holds up to 250 lb. The exercise guide with the Edge offers one basic program that works both the upper and lower body. Tony Little's website refers to the Gazelle Edge as the economy model.
Freestyle
Freestyle is the mid-line Gazelle product. Unlike Edge, which features one basic move, Freestyle brags of 10 exercise variations in one workout. Different moves include power jogging, sprinting and forward incline. The Freestyle also provides a heart-rate monitor and contains a thumb pulse sensor in the handle. The on-board computer will calculate your target heart rate. The frame of the Freestyle holds more weight than the Edge -- up to 300 lb.
Sprintmaster
Sprintmaster is the top-of-the-line Gazelle, as of 2011. Sprintmaster includes low-impact cardiovascular training and muscle-building. The Sprintmaster features hydraulic resistance to enhance the workout and tone the body. This differs from the other models that focus primarily on aerobics. The computer system on the Sprintmaster uses the same heart-rate monitor and sensor network as the Freestyle, but allows you to lock in your target heart rate. Purchase of Sprintmaster includes two DVD's that teach you how to get the most out of your training. This model of Gazelle will hold up to 300 lb.
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