The Gazelle Freestyle glider offers a low-impact workout on a compact, in-home exercise machine. The glider has pedals that slide back and forth in an arc and handles that you push and pull for a full-body, cardio workout. You can do several different types of glides by changing your hand position, body position and stance.
Basic and Wide Glide
The basic glide is the fundamental exercise on which the other glides are based. Stand on the pedals and place your hands in the middle of the vertical handlebars. Keep your knees soft; don't lock them out. Stand upright and begin sliding the pedals back and forth so they just move past the base of the frame. Push and pull with your arms to assist in the movement. Allow your heels to naturally lift off the pedals.
The wide glide is the same as the basic glide except you extend your leg movement, making each glide as wide as you can without being uncomfortable.
High and Low Glide
Start in the basic glide position and lift up on your toes. Perform the high glide on the balls of your feet with your heels off the pedals. Pull your belly button into your spine to engage your abs to help with balance.
Start in the basic glide position, but bend your knees and widen your stride to perform the low glide exercise. Keep your torso upright and don't bend your knees so much that they hit the frame. Allow your heels to naturally lift as you push the pedal back.
Forward Push
This glide exercise targets your upper body. Start in a basic glide position, but slide your hands up so they are near the top of the vertical handlebars. Begin gliding and lean forward. Press out against the handles and fully extend each arm, but don't lock your elbow joints. Keep your back straight; do not lean by rounding out your low back. You can also do the forward push exercise with your hands in the middle of the vertical bars instead of in the high position.
Advanced Glides
The power glide is an advanced exercise that includes torso rotation. Start in a basic glide position. As you glide, increase the length of your stride and begin twisting your torso side to side. Keep the twisting motion slow, controlled and in a tight pattern. Do not swing your torso around. Stand upright and keep your back straight.
The power jog glide mimics jogging. Start with the basic glide, then remove your hands from the handlebars. Pump your arms next to your sides as if you are jogging. This exercise requires balance and coordination. Be prepared to grab the handles if needed.
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