Is the Gazelle Freestyle Effective in Weight Loss?

Whether the Gazelle Freestyle machine is effective for weight loss depends on many factors, but the short answer is yes. Exercising on a Gazelle Freestlye burns calories and that will lead to weight loss, as long as you're burning more calories than you're eating overall. However, the Gazelle has some drawbacks and isn't as effective as other cardio machines.

Low Impact Workout

Special populations, such as elderly people, those who have been sedentary for a long time or a people with joint problems and no pool access, will find the Gazelle Freestyle effective. The machine is low-impact so that you can get a workout without having to stop or quit because of joint pain. Consistency is key for weight loss. For someone who hasn't been exercising at all, any movement increases the number of calories burned. As long as you continue eating the same amount as before using the Gazelle Freestyle, you should see some weight loss. It takes a deficit of 3,500 calories to lose one pound of fat according to the American Council on Exercise, so use the Gazelle Freestyle as often as you can and consider dieting too.

Stability Issues

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Athletes, runners and generally anyone already active who needs to lose a little extra weight aren't going to find the Gazelle Freestyle an effective option. The machine is just too easy compared to other forms of exercise. The Gazelle Freestyle offers low resistance and is unstable when you try to go fast 3. Consider instead a treadmill with high-incline options. Your local gym is bound to have machines with this option. Even small gyms in apartment complexes usually have a treadmill capable of a high incline.

Fat-Burning Zone

To make a Gazelle Freestyle workout effective for weight loss, exercise in your fat-burning zone. Men subtract their age from 220 and women subtract 88 percent of their age from 206 to establish your maximum heart rate. The optimal "fat-burning" zone would be at the higher end of the 65 to 85 percent of your MHR in which you should be working. The Gazelle Freestyle has a thumb-pulse sensor that displays your heart rate, so you can make sure you're in the right zone.

More intense exercise may burn more overall calories as the Gazelle Freestyle isn't capable of giving you the high-speed or high-resistance necessary for a vigorous workout.

Ease of Use

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The Gazelle Freestyle is fairly straightforward to use. Stand on the foot pedals and grab the moving arms. Slide your feet back and forth as you push and pull your arms forward, much like an elliptical trainer.