My sister gave me her Gazelle.. any hints/tips?

HeatherSLosinIt
HeatherSLosinIt Posts: 79 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My sister bought a Gazelle when they first started advertising them years ago, but although it sat right in her living room for 4 years, she's never touched it...

I asked her for it and she gave it to me for free! So, I am really looking forward to using it often. I would just like to know if anyone else uses one and what kind of tips do you have? Is there anything I need to know?

Thanks all!
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Replies

  • TexasRattlesnake
    TexasRattlesnake Posts: 375 Member
    Imagine what you'd look like if the piece of equipment was invisible!
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    just park it in front of a TV and go =) be sure to get your arms into it too just like you would with an elliptical
  • andrewlazenby
    andrewlazenby Posts: 151
    They are great for drying clothes
  • giggitygoo
    giggitygoo Posts: 1,978 Member
    My advice: crank up the resistance.

    My mom has one of those, and when you use it at the lowest resistance setting..... it's fun...but pointless.
  • LanaeCarol
    LanaeCarol Posts: 158 Member
    I use mine while I watch my favorite tv shows. It allows me to enjoy them without feeling like a couch potato!
  • MiloBloom83
    MiloBloom83 Posts: 2,724 Member
    Grow a luxurious mullet.
  • Lift_This_
    Lift_This_ Posts: 2,756 Member
    Grow a luxurious mullet.

    mullets are a must for using the gazelle.
  • SherryR1971
    SherryR1971 Posts: 1,170 Member
    I miss my Gazelle!!
  • robin52077
    robin52077 Posts: 4,383 Member
    use it as a coat rack and go buy some weights...:laugh: :wink:
  • mommyrox05
    mommyrox05 Posts: 238
    I have one and I hate it! ;( Never felt like I got any kind of work out from it at all!
  • theoriginaljayne
    theoriginaljayne Posts: 559 Member
    Feed it plenty of leaves and grasses and let it outside a few times a day.
  • flobeedoodle
    flobeedoodle Posts: 176 Member
    Feed it plenty of leaves and grasses and let it outside a few times a day.
    This is a good starting point, but don't forget that they need lots of exercise. I recommend you get a cheetah to chase it to keep it active.
  • HeatherSLosinIt
    HeatherSLosinIt Posts: 79 Member
    My advice: crank up the resistance.

    My mom has one of those, and when you use it at the lowest resistance setting..... it's fun...but pointless.

    How would I change the resistance?
  • amnsetie
    amnsetie Posts: 666 Member
    Use it to warm up for other exercise
    or
    on the alternate days from your weight training
    or
    as an alternative to sedentary screen viewing

    It doesn't bend the knees so if you have knee problems you can work out longer on this than on an elliptical or even a bike.

    Do long workouts cos I reckon it's best for increasing endurance.
  • Keiko385
    Keiko385 Posts: 514 Member
    I have had one for about 7-8 years now, Its great if you have knee or low back problems as it is low impact. Raise the resistance on it and it will give you a nice little work out, beats sitting on the couch. Everyone makes fun of it as all they see is Tony Little and his goofy ponytail swaying in the breeze. Its not a bad piece of equipment if you need something simple, uncomplicated and just gets you moving.
  • amnsetie
    amnsetie Posts: 666 Member
    http://www.ehow.com/how_6878863_do-increase-resistance-gazelle-exerciser_.html
  • HeatherSLosinIt
    HeatherSLosinIt Posts: 79 Member
    While the funnies are... well... cute, I was looking for some serious answers. I am just beginning on my weight loss, and find that it is very painful and almost impossible to do quite a few things others do. For example: Walking. It is so simple for some people. I have no problem walking around my yard and house, but if I go for any prolonged period of time, my heels, calf and shins shoot pains I've never felt anything to compare them with. I have rheumatoid arthritis effecting my ankles as well, although I have to say, the pain from the arthritis is minimal compared to the other pains.

    My doctor suggested to go with something that wasn't as jarring as walking/running/jogging, and where a pool for swimming would be optimal, I do not have the option of swimming daily. So... this is amazing to me to get a Gazelle.

    Perhaps after I lose about 50 more pounds, I'll be able to walk again freely. Thanks to those who actually offered up some advice and input.
  • Lift_This_
    Lift_This_ Posts: 2,756 Member
    never work out alone with tony little.

    gazelle-freestyle-review2.jpg
  • julie2000anne
    julie2000anne Posts: 14 Member
    I got mine from my mom for free and it's what encouraged me to get off my butt and do something. People can joke, but if you are as out of shape as I was when I started, you'll benefit from it. I use the Couch to 5K app and when it says to walk, I go at a slower pace on the Gazelle and when it says to run, I go as hard as I can. It burns the calories, so I don't see why people are dissing it.

    I use this website to measure how many calories I've burned: http://www.fatburn.com/free_tool_activity_burn.asp
  • stacyhall79
    stacyhall79 Posts: 91
    I used to have one of these...it was ok...but if you are too short i felt it was a little difficult to use! I got rid of it after awhile of just not using it. It is very low impact though, so you should feel good when using it.
  • stacyhall79
    stacyhall79 Posts: 91
    I got mine from my mom for free and it's what encouraged me to get off my butt and do something. People can joke, but if you are as out of shape as I was when I started, you'll benefit from it. I use the Couch to 5K app and when it says to walk, I go at a slower pace on the Gazelle and when it says to run, I go as hard as I can. It burns the calories, so I don't see why people are dissing it.

    I use this website to measure how many calories I've burned: http://www.fatburn.com/free_tool_activity_burn.asp

    What a great site...thanks for posting!
  • YoYo1951
    YoYo1951 Posts: 370
    I used to use mine, and it was very beneficial to me. I was able to build up my endurance, and it melted the calories away. While I was using it, I felt good and energized, and began eating better. Again, the calories melted off of me. But just like anything, you must continue to use it to benefit from it. I got it because I had bad knees, and stuggled with walking very long, or very far. It was a perfect piece of equipment for me, and it will be for you too. Use it in the morning and it gets you revved up for the day. Gave me lots of energy. Good luck, I think it is an awesome gift from your sister. :bigsmile:
  • jenec803
    jenec803 Posts: 5
    I just bought a Gazelle at a yard sale for 5 bucks. I wanted something to use over winter because I know I won't want to go out in the snow after I get home from work. I have been using an elliptical at the gym for 4 months and while the Gazelle isn't close to the same work out I was able to work up a sweat in 30 min. Certainly better than doing nothing and it is easy on the knees and joints. If you lean forward a bit you will work your arms more and if you lean back a little you can get a better leg work out. I also read to stand on it sideways to work your inner thighs. I tried it but it was rather awkward to hang on. You should definitely get some free weights to use for strength training.
  • julie2000anne
    julie2000anne Posts: 14 Member
    Also, don't forget you can change the resistance and it will give you a better workout. :)
  • nissafull
    nissafull Posts: 48
    I know there are some hard core physically fit folks on here, but if you are just getting started at fitness, I will testify that it was very helpful for me. I started a weight loss program back in '04. I have a knee injury and do not enjoy running. I could do sprints on the gazelle because it was practically non weight bearing. The handles give you the opportunity to do upper body and up the cardio. I lost 78 pounds and toned up my shoulders significantly. So yes, if you use it, I think you will see some benefits. Good Luck and don't let the nay sayers put you down for trying it.
  • KristyHumphrey
    KristyHumphrey Posts: 248 Member
    I have had one for about 7-8 years now, Its great if you have knee or low back problems as it is low impact. Raise the resistance on it and it will give you a nice little work out, beats sitting on the couch. Everyone makes fun of it as all they see is Tony Little and his goofy ponytail swaying in the breeze. Its not a bad piece of equipment if you need something simple, uncomplicated and just gets you moving.

    I have one - have no idea how to change the resistance!
  • KristyHumphrey
    KristyHumphrey Posts: 248 Member
    never work out alone with tony little.

    gazelle-freestyle-review2.jpg

    hahaha-that guy is so creepy!!!!!!!!
  • Keiko385
    Keiko385 Posts: 514 Member
    I have one - have no idea how to change the resistance!

    Mine has the hydraulic arms on it, on the bottom of those are black bars with holes in them, you just pull the pins and adjust the resistance.

    http://www.ehow.com/how_6878863_do-increase-resistance-gazelle-exerciser_.html
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    I have one - have no idea how to change the resistance!

    Mine has the hydraulic arms on it, on the bottom of those are black bars with holes in them, you just pull the pins and adjust the resistance.

    http://www.ehow.com/how_6878863_do-increase-resistance-gazelle-exerciser_.html

    Not all models have the ability to increase resistance. In fact all the models with adjustable resistance from what i can tell have been discontinued. The only one still being manufactured today is the Gazelle Edge, the lowest-end one in the lineup, which doesn't have adjustable resistance. Why, I don't know.
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    I don't have one but would like to say to the nay-Sayers that when starting out any exercise is something and kudos to you for being psyched about it.

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