Gazelle Freestyle

Have owned this machine for two months, choosing it over several circa-thousand dollar treadmills and elipticals which had repeated notations of problems due to inferior parts.

Assembly was a snap.

My wife and I have both lost weight, several inches of fat, restored muscles that were badly out of shape, but most importantly, feel energized again. We use it every day.

If there is a better low impact workout machine for the price, I don't know what it would be.

If you are looking for a good upper and lower body workout, this machine will do the job well. Weighs less than 56 pounds, but it is solid as can be during use.

Accuracy of the electronic readout might be somewhat suspect, but I don't rely on it anyway.

You can't get a better product for a cardio workout, especially if you have bad knees or leg/feet problems and a treadmill could hurt the body. It is easy to put together, folds up and there is no impact on the body when you use it. I bought one of these for my mother who also uses it every day and finds it easy to use. I think it is a very good product and you couldn't get a better workout even if you spent a lot more money.

After not much use the machine started squeaking. It has become a major anoyance. The "pre-lubricated" bar that the instructions said not to apply any additional lubrication to seemed a bit dry when I assembled it. However, what do I know? I will need to disassemble and regrease soon or it will drive everyone crazy. On the plus side, it does provide a good workout. Providing a small tube of grease to be applied during assembly will fix this problem.

I can't say anything that hasn't already been covered. Assembly wasn't difficult, but is frustrating when the instructions throw your off. "It's just putting a couple of pieces, how hard could it be? Oh wait, it goes the other way...not like the way it says on the instructions. Thank you, useless diagram, thank you!" After a week, this bugger squeaks like crazy. Get some Vaseline and apply it before you put the whole thing together!

As far as performance, it isn't much. You get as much as you put into it. You're elevated off the ground, so your weight is the only resistance. Didn't think I had to say this, but this is an aerobic exercise (for those fitness buffs expecting something more, this ain't it). It's meant to get you moving about rather than sitting on the bloody couch all day.

The workout instructions are straightforward. Nothing complex - lean forward to work out arms more, lean back to work legs more. But to really get the most of this, you just need to sprint and flail about like a madman.

I did get some buyer's remorse - I bought a stationary bike and use that way more often.

The Gazelle Freestyle requires reasonable caution for elderly people. Trying what Tony Little advertises could be risky. The use of this equipment moderately can give good exercise. Being careful is a must. It offers low-impact air walking which is good while watching TV.