Does anyone have....

Does anyone have a gazelle? Do you like it? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? Which model do you have?  Getting income tax back and looking for something low impact, easy to do but still gives a workout, and something I won't grow to hate in the first week.  Beth

I had one a few years ago but sold it.  It is low impact and easy on your knees but I never felt like it was giving me a really good work out.  Like, I never broke a sweat, never got my heart rate up.  To me, it was cheaply made and I had the most recent model out.  Not sure what is out there now.  If you want something low impact, I would get a treadmill and you can walk at your own pace. That's just my opinion! 

Have you ever owned exercise equipment before?  I bought a whole weight set and worked it for about a month and never touched it again.  I ended up selling it for 1/4th the price I paid for it.  If you're not sure you'll like it or use it then I wouldn't recommend buying something new yet.  What I would do is go and look on craigslist.com and see if you can find one (or something) used.  Doesn't have to be in the best shape..you're just testing it out.  If you find you really love it then by all means go and spend some money on a new piece of equipment that you know you'll love.  My sister also bought an entire gym.  (treadmill, balls, bowflex, stairstepper, etc) She used it for 1 month and hasn't touched it since.  She's still making payments. She's not obese either..she's just slightly overweight. Just my 3 or 4 cents worth! :)

I second what chris suggested...buy used equipment. 

You get what you pay for with infomercial products.  Go to a home gym retailer instead if you really want something worthwhile, or just  join a gym to have more options for less $.

I wanted one and I called to find out the weight capacity and it only holds 280lbs.  Sucks cause I'm heavier than that. 

Beth, from what I've heard about the Gazelle, it does have an impact on your knees because of the way you hold them to get the machine to move. If you want to check out different workout machines, I suggest you go to a gym, you can get a guest pass, and check out the equipment there.  Then see which ones you are on that make you sweat in the shortest amount of time and your eyes don't glaze over from boredom after five minutes. For me that was an elliptical.  I start sweating after five minutes, and I'm in pretty good shape, it is a fantastic lower body workout, and it really is great for getting your heart rate up. I found a ProForm at Academy for $400 with all of the features and superior construction of much more expensive models.  I love it!  Happy hunting, Mary

Thanks all. I actually have three pieces of equipment. I have a treadmill and HATE it!! I have a stair stepper I can't get to right now cuz my hubby moved it. I also have a wind machine bike that I use ALMOST daily. The only one we bought new was the treadmill for like $150. The stair stepper was free on the side of the road and the bike came from a junk sale at the local elevator for $5.

I just saw the gazelle and was curious about it since I can get it at Wally World but there are 3 models, basic, improved and super improved all with their own price tags of course.

I like the bike but it has swing arms that cannot be made stationary and I am not ready for them yet. It's just TOO much right now. So, as I ride I tend to lean back for balance putting alot of stress on my back over the course of 15-30 min. I also thought about a recumbent bike to meet my needs.  Like you say, I don't want to spend money on something I won't use and If I can find used, I def will. As far as a gym goes, I don't have time to treavel to and fro right now and that is the only option for a good gym around here. We have a small one without much instruction or equipment and we have a curves. I like the idea of Curves but just don't have the money for it right now.  I'll find something and if not I'll keep using what I have. No biggie. Again, thanks all. Beth

Here's a review: http://www.fitness-events.com/gazelle-exercise-machine.htm