I first saw Tony Little demonstrating his Gazelle Cross trainer on QVC whilst watching television late one night. At first I thought it looked absolutely ridiculous and although fascinated by the charisma of the great man himself, I couldn't help feeling that this piece of equipment was definitely one that would ruin your 'street cred.' I switched the channel and didn't give it another thought. That is until my wife decided to look into getting one herself!
Of course, she had never seen the Gazelle in action and I therefore took pleasure in laughing at the prospect, and looked forward to plenty of friendly ridicule. However, in the manner that the farer sexes do when they desire something, she suitably ignored me and went and bought one anyway!
So there she was on her first round of exercises with me laughing in the background, ignoring my comments and the like, thoroughly enjoying herself. When she had finished I thought it only fair to show her what she looked like and promptly mounted the machine myself. With mocking face and aptly rude remarks, I started to swing my feet in that characteristic style of the Gazelle Cross Trainer. Unfortunately something very strange began to happen! I started to enjoy it! With reddened face (although not from the workout) I carried on using the machine and having eaten a fair amount of humble pie, continue to do so on a regular basis.
I can honestly say that as far as exercise goes I think this equipment will take some beating.
Exercise for exercise sake has for me, long been a bit of a chore, and while I love sport, which usually has a purpose in the pursuit, the exercise comes secondary. However with the Gazelle I can now workout while watching television, and therefore don't get bored and demotivated. With its smooth, quiet gliding action, I can immerse myself in a program and before I know it my session is over. Then, because the Gazelle folds up flat it is a simple matter of storing it out of the way until the next time.
As for the technical aspects the Gazelle comes in various different models but all are made from strong tubular steel. It has a patented duel pivot system and independent foot plates that make you feel that you are literally walking on air! The workout builds all muscle groups and is extremely good for increasing flexibility. It is also good for all age groups.
When all is said and done, I shouldn't have knocked it until I had tried it. As for the question of 'street cred,' would I be prepared to use the Gazelle in front of other people? That is a tough one to answer as there is no doubt that when the thing is in use, you do look like a power walker who has taken up goose-stepping! However the benefits are definitely there for the taking so I think I would swallow my pride and with utter contempt for the critics, hold my chin up high and exercise with pride.
Next time you see the Gazelle being used I would strongly advise you not to laugh and certainly resist any derogatory comments, otherwise you may one day have a lot of egg to wash off your face!
Would I recommend it? You bet I would, go and get one now!
Jeff Carson
http://WWW.thecrosstrainersite.com