The Gazelle glider is a budget-friendly, low-impact piece of cardio equipment for in-home use. It is a cross between an elliptical machine and a cross-country skier. The Gazelle offers some exercise variations so you can create a more- or less-challenging workout. Use the Gazelle as part of your personal fitness program.
The Gazelle
As of March 2011, Fitness Quest, the manufacturer of the Gazelle line of exercise equipment, features two models: the Gazelle Edge and the Gazelle Freestyle. The Edge is a little smaller and lighter than the Freestyle. Neither machine offers resistance settings, but you can modify the movement in other ways. The pedals slide in a small arc motion. You do not pick your feet up so there is no impact like you would have on a treadmill.
Exercise Guidelines
In 2007, the American College of Sports Medicine, in partnership with the American Heart Association, published new physical activity guidelines. Healthy adults, over age 65, should do 30 minutes of moderately intense cardio five days per week or 20 minutes of vigorously intense cardio three days per week. Adjust your gliding movement on the Gazelle to make your workout moderate or vigorous.
Basic Movement
Learn the basic Gazelle movement before advancing to the more challenging movements. Stand upright on the pedals with your hands in the middle of the vertical handlebars. Don't lean forward or backward. Keep your knees soft; do not lock them out. Slide your feet back and forth in a smooth, natural motion. Move the upper body arms in sync with your lower body. Allow the front of each pedal to move just past the Gazelle frame, but don't go any farther at this point.
More Challenging Movements
To increase the intensity of your Gazelle workout, you can glide faster or wider. Start by increasing the length of your glides. As you push out farther, allow your back heel to lift off the pedal; don't force it down flat. Just as running is more challenging than walking, gliding faster increases the intensity of your workout, but don't lose control or allow momentum to carry you. A power jog is another advanced glide. Start with a basic glide then remove your hands from the handlebars and pump them next to you as if you're jogging.
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