Product Description

Gazelle Freestyle combines independent action, complete range of motion and is a space saving design

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24868 in Sports & Outdoors
• Brand: Gazelle
• Model: 1278CT
• Released on: 2007-03-12
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 44.00" h x 33.50" w x 53.50" l, 46.00 pounds

Features

• High-performance exercise glider for improved cardiovascular performance
• Unsurpassed range of motion goes from slow walk to full run with no sudden stops
• Easy-to-use, multifunction workout computer tracks speed, distance, time, and more
• Extra-wide, non-skid foot platforms; built-in thumb pulse monitor for tracking heart rate
• Maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds; includes personal trainer video

Amazon.com Product Description
Offering 10 great exercises in a single easy-to-use machine, the Gazelle Freestyle burns calories, tones your muscles, and improves your cardiovascular endurance. The Freestyle is ideal for all fitness levels, with an unsurpassed range of motion that lets you go from a slow walk to a full run with no sudden stops, so you won't put undue pressure on your joints. The resulting aerobic workout will thus challenge you without sacrificing your knees. Details include an easy-to-use workout computer that delivers immediate feedback on speed, distance, time, and approximate calories burned; a built-in thumb pulse monitor for tracking your heart rate; extra-wide, non-skid foot platforms; a foldable footprint for easy storage; a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds; and a personal trainer video that puts you one-on-one with Tony Little.

Customer Reviews

pretty satified
When I bought this product it was because I wanted a way to work out at home but i did not have enough money to buy an expensive tredmill or eliptical and thought this was a cheaper alternative. I was worried because I read a lot of online reviews that stated it was very hard to put together but I did not find that was the case I just dont think people realize it takes between 30 and 45 miniutes to assemble but the directions were easy to understand and I got it together with out any major problems.

I have also read reveiws that states that the machine is very squeeky which it is at times for me but if you just spray some DW 40 on it a little that seems to solve the problem.

I orginally wanted to use the machine while watching TV but I usually dont feel like I am getting much of a workout. My machine came with DVD's (I bought mine from HSN) and when I follow along with those I feel like I get a much better workout. Its good to watch them to at least see all of the diffrent execrcises you can do with this product.

The machine does fold up but it is not something that should be considered very portable. I thought I would be able to keep it in a closet and take it out every day but it is just to hard.

I am happy I bought this product it is easy to do and it very low impact. I would recommed it to others.

First Impressions
I bought this on somewhat of a whim because I've been wanting get a little more in shape (got a little bit of pudge going on) and I realized the hardest part of motivating myself to work out was actually getting ready and going out to the gym.. time was somewhat of a factor as well. So I ordered this a few days ago because I read some reviews on here and it looked like the price was right. Set it up earlier today; The quality of the parts is basically no worse or better than I'd expected.. think of it as a stripped down eliptical machine. Setting it up was fairly easy but some of the instructions were a bit unclear. Threw on some running sneakers and got on, and I've got to say, the feel/motion of this thing is REALLY strange at first. Unless you are a ballet dancer or gymnist with really good balance, be prepared to look like an idiot on this thing for a little while because, like it's name, it is completely freestyle. It's range of motion and rhythm is ALL up to you. Have you ever been on a ski lift at a mountain and had the urge to swing your skis forward and back in unison just because it gives you that tiny feeling of being thrown off balance? You might start unintentionally doing that for a few minutes on this thing (it's actually kind of fun but of course, there's not much of a workout factor doing it). After about 10 minutes, I started to get the motion down. It was pretty fun once i got the hang of it, but I agree with other reviews, it does make your feet sore... might try putting some foam on the footplates.

A review that answers other reviews.
OK.

So no doubt the title caught your eye and you're curious - what does he mean? I mean some of the reviews here are a little inaccurate, and I intend to respond to some of these comments. But first, let me give my personal thoughts on this machine.

Background: I'm currently in the process of getting my body back into the shape it used to be in during high school. I have a Bowflex which does great for the strength training and muscle development, but regardless of what the commercials say, it's NOT designed to help you lose weight. So I decided to get the Gazelle Freestyle.

First thing I noticed was that the parts are very sturdy and thick, definitely not as cheap as it looks in the pictures. They're hollow piping, so the whole deal is not too heavy; less than 60lbs. There also aren't that many parts to assemble, however I was not happy with the assembly process, for many reasons.

First, the parts had some bolts pre-screwed into final holes which irritated me. It means you have to unscrew, find a place for them, then re-screw them after you connect the parts which, incidentally, might not happen until the end of the assembly. It's just an irritant; I'd rather just have the standard board of bolts and parts that comes with stuff today and let me attach it when it's good and ready.

Second, the instructions aren't clear and the pictures are ambiguous. It makes it extremely difficult to know how things should be laid out - additionally, one of the steps is wrong. It shows a picture of the foot rests upside down, yet if you install it that way, it'll be wrong.

Third is a symptom of the second one above. The steps in the instructions tell you to do things the wrong way - literally, assemble it in the wrong direction. If you do it in reverse, the assembly will go a LOT quicker and you'll realize that it's actually nowhere near as complex as it's made out to be. It's quite simple, really consisting of three steps instead of the 7-8 that the instructions have you believe.


Ok, so now that the bad news is out of the way, onto the actual experience (and my responses to the other reviews).

Squeaks: Haven't noticed any. It makes a tiny noise as moving parts will, but it's nothing deal breaking. If you get some regular grease and add a bit to the axle bar, you won't even notice it. It does come pre-greased, but again, if the squeaking bothers you so much....

Ineffective: Uh, what? I'm in decent shape and I was able to get a decent workout from this thing. I think some of these guys had super-high expectations based on Tony Little jumping around like an idiot. You're not going to start sweating on this thing after a minute of moving, even if you do it rapidly. There's a reason for this, and it's a good reason if you think about it: merely moving doesn't cause you to sweat. Impact causes you to sweat, even if you don't actually come in contact with something. That's why if you were shadow boxing, you'll get a good workout, because you're actually making impacts with the air, sharp hits that actually exert your muscles. This machine doesn't actually exert your muscles beyond normal range of motion, which is why it shouldn't be used for any strength or endurance training. It will, however, give you a good cardio workout after a time. NOT A MINUTE. That said, I did the workout all through a 10-minute WWE match, and by the end of it I was at the beginning stages of sweating, and started to feel a little fatigue; comparable to what you would feel after having walked rapidly for two miles, but with less muscle exertion. I took a break, and got the feeling in my legs where it seemed as though I was still going through the motion.

Heart Monitor: I think this device is not useful. I'm serious. I mean if I were actually running or walking then I would pay attention, but as I mentioned before, there is no true exertion on this device which would really push your heart muscle. To me, a heart monitor is more useful on a treadmill or even an elliptical, not on this. If you use it, great...I didn't even bother installing it, therefore I can't review it.

So, do I recommend it? Yes...as long as you don't have any misconceptions about performance. It's not going to cause you to start sweating after a minute of use. You really need to work it for at least 10 minutes, consistently, changing speed and angle. If you lean forward, you add some resistance and will feel it.