Gazelle

[Belfrybat]

Has anyone here used a Gazelle exercise machine? If so, would you comment on your experience? I tried out an elliptical trainer at Sears, but I didn't like how high I had to raise my legs - it was more like a stairstepper than walking machine. I have a wonky knee since I wrenched it a few months ago, and am looking for a way to exercise without hurting it more. Can't use the Healthrider any more due to it aggravating the knee.

[SherryJ]

BC, a GF gave me one last year, and WHEN I use it, I remember how much I love it! It will get your heart beatin' FAST, and I think it's FUN!

My boys, especially Mr. Biggest, also use it... I think ALL of us would recommend it. :)

As for "wonky knees", LOL, it gives me NO knee challenges... or back challenges. Now BREATHING, that's another story! :p

A thought.. you may want to go to the nearest Sears, as the one close to me ALWAYS has one set up for customers to try...

Let me know what you decide! :)

Sherry

Hm-mmm... I might just give that machine a whirl, and see where I go, since I've been walking six milers now.

[laughingW]

Belfrybat do you also have a knee rehab program besides avoiding certain movements? I'd hate for you to settle for "less than" movement if you don't have to.

[Belfrybat]

Belfrybat do you also have a knee rehab program besides avoiding certain movements? I'd hate for you to settle for "less than" movement if you don't have to.

No, without insurance, rehab is not a possiblity. I used a knee wrap and took a non-steroid anti-infammatory for a couple of months, used hot and cold paks and it cleared up pretty much. I live on a gravel road, and a few months ago I stepped on a rock while powerwalking and twisted the knee. It now only hurts when I use the Healthrider as it bends the knee too deeply. I was concerned about the same thing with the elliptical I tried out. I can walk 2 miles just fine without it hurting, but obviously can't powerwalk on the gravel road.

[Belfrybat]

BC, a GF gave me one last year, and WHEN I use it, I remember how much I love it! A thought.. you may want to go to the nearest Sears, as the one close to me ALWAYS has one set up for customers to try...

Let me know what you decide! :)

Sherry

Sherry - thanks for the feedback. Our Sears is a small store -- mainly appliances and outdoor equipment. They only had one elliptical set up, but at least I got to try it and realise it won't work. I might just bite the bullet and order a gazelle as several places are offering free shipping. Do you have the one with adjustible tension or the simple (read cheap) one that doesn't adjust?

[Belfrybat]

Just thought I'd give a brief update. After trying out four different elliptical machines and not liking any of them due to having to raise my knees too high, I ended up getting a Gazelle Supertrainer off E-Bay. It's the super duper one with the addition of "easy walk" that's supposed to mimic regular walking and has adjustable resistance. I put it together yesterday -- wasn't as bad as I thought it would be -- only had to undo then redo two items three times. :o I LOVE IT! The movement is basically back and forth like a skier, but has a bit of "bounce" in it. I worked through the beginners exercise routine on the DVD that came with it, and didn't break a sweat but it gave me a good feel for how the machine works and I found my balance fairly quickly. I will increase to intermediate today and add resistance. One thing I like is with the resistance hydrolics attached, I can do toning exercerises for both upper and lower body -- will try them today. Along with twice a week free-weights, I think this will be all I need. And no more twisting my ankles on rocks and going belly up which trying to power walk. I will still walk outside, but for pleasure, not exercise.