Problems With the FitnessQuest Tony Little Gazelle Glider Freestyle Elite Machine
Written: Jun 16 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great advertising, low impact
Cons: Not for everyone and provides small degree of workout
The Bottom Line: Not worth a tenth of the $400 cost.
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| hwz1's Full Review: FitnessQuest Tony Little Gazelle Glider Freestyle ... |
I will admit that the FitnessQuest Gazelle intrigued me. The infomercials show a machine that looks like it would provide a decent workout and with little impact. The infomercials have been getting a lot of air time lately and I figured that must mean that the machine is having some degree of success.
Well, if it is having success I do not know how. Fortunately, I was not dumb enough to purchase one of these things. I saw one at my health club and gave it a whirl to see what it was like. So, what follows is my long list of things I did not like and a very short list of things that I did like:
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:
1. The Gazelle does not provide much of a workout. I worked up a sweat, but not nearly as much as I would have while running or on a bike. I never felt as if my heart rate even began to approach my maximum target. Now you may get a better workout over time, but my initial impression is that two hours of work on the Gazelle will not equal 45 minutes of a hard run.
2. The Gazelle takes some time to get accustomed to. Remember the first time you stepped on an elliptical machine? You felt a little odd? Your balance was thrown off and you wanted to hold on for dear life. Eventually, after time you got accustomed to the machine and could let go of the handles. The Gazelle provides the same feeling- only worse. Remember, you are taking longer strides while on a machine that does not provide the support that an elliptical machine does. You will need some time to get accustomed to the machine and I doubt as if you will have the patience to keep using it.
3. The Gazelle is made for one type of person. Huh? Yep. If you are short you will have a tough time with the Gazelle. You will be stretched as if if some cruel torture. Sounds like fun fun to me; a workout that will stretch me like Gumby. The foot rests are not adjustable enough to make this machine work for short people. Even worse, those who are significantly overweight cannot use the Gazelle. The significantly overweight will not be able to fit between the frame of the Gazelle.
4. The Gazelle does not offer much in the way of options. The machine has three different settings; beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The beginner option provides less resistance than walking. The next step is equivalent to a speed walk. The advanced level steps up to the equivalent of a 30 degree hill. Good luck! Additionally, you have a heart monitor that the company touts as top of the line. It may be, but lets not try to sell an exercise machine on the merits of a heart monitor.
5. The machine claims to offer 17 exercises. Ah, not quite. It offers 17 different things you can do, but to call them exercises would be a mistake. You have three different aerobic exercises and a bunch of stretches. I do not know about you, but I can stretch on my own. Even worse is the fact that the company calls these total body workouts. Please.
6. You could hurt yourself on this thing. First of all, it takes a while getting accustomed to it. But even when you do, I never got the feeling that the machine is all that sturdy/steady. I am not suggesting it will tip over, but also would not entirely rule it out. The Gazelle is made so it can be folded up and put away; a nice touch, but also one that likely means that it is less sturdy.
7. With all the moving parts, the Gazelle will eventually have problems. Think of it this way: You are held in the air by two foot pads and brace yourself with two handles. Will these be able to support you forever while you are moving at a good speed? I seriously doubt it.
8. Seeing Tony Little in tights is enough to turn me off to any product. What is it with these guys? We can see that you are well built without having to sport the spandex. We also know that you did not get your body from the machine you are pushing. It is a brand new machine for crying out loud! I am quite sure Tony Little has not been using the Gazelle Elite in his basement for the past five years and suddenly thought, "Gee. Lets market this thing".
But please, lose the spandex- figuratively, not literally.
THINGS I LIKE:
1. The machine provides an impact free workout.
2. The Gazelle will work your thighs in the higher setting.
3. Gazelle provides a trial period and will waive shipping
and handling charges.
4. The machine is very quiet- a big plus.
THE FINAL CALL:
Well, as you can see, my epinion is overwhelmingly slanted to the negative. Obviously, I am not a fan of the Gazelle. I just do not feel that you will get the workout you need and want. I also feel that there are many other pieces of equipment out there that will provide the workout you want and need. I would skip the Gazelle.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
hwz1
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Location: Philadelphia, PA
Reviews written: 845
Trusted by: 924 members
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Just got a big promotion that will move my new wife and I to Atlanta.
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