Gazelle Glider: Understanding the Differences Between Standard Models and the Gazelle 85

What is the difference between gazelle and gazelle 85?

The fundamental difference between the "Gazelle" (referring to earlier or standard models like the Freestyle or Edge) and the "Gazelle 85" lies primarily in the latter's enhanced features, including a wider range of resistance options, improved stability, and more robust construction designed to accommodate a broader spectrum of users and workout intensities.

Understanding the Gazelle Glider Series

The Gazelle Glider, popularized by fitness personality Tony Little, is a unique piece of home exercise equipment renowned for its low-impact, total-body workout. It mimics a gliding or cross-country skiing motion, allowing for a fluid, continuous movement that engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously without significant joint stress. Its design emphasizes cardiovascular conditioning, calorie expenditure, and muscular endurance, making it suitable for users of varying fitness levels, including those seeking gentle rehabilitation or intense cardio.

The Standard Gazelle Glider

When discussing the "standard Gazelle," we typically refer to models such as the Gazelle Freestyle or Gazelle Edge. These models represent the core design principles of the Gazelle series.

• Core Functionality: They provide the signature low-impact gliding motion, engaging the legs, glutes, core, and upper body (via the moving handlebars).
• Resistance: Most standard models utilize a basic hydraulic resistance system or rely primarily on bodyweight and momentum for intensity. The resistance range is often fixed or limited.
• Frame and Stability: While stable for their intended use, these models generally feature lighter frames designed for home use and easy storage.
• Monitor: A basic LCD monitor typically tracks time, distance, speed, and calories burned.
• Target Audience: Ideal for beginners, individuals seeking light to moderate cardiovascular exercise, or those requiring very low-impact options for joint health.

The Gazelle 85 (Tony Little's Gazelle 85)

The Gazelle 85 represents an evolution in the Gazelle Glider series, often marketed as a more advanced or premium version. It incorporates several enhancements aimed at improving the user experience, increasing workout versatility, and accommodating a wider range of fitness levels and body types.

• Advanced Resistance System: A key distinguishing feature is its more sophisticated resistance mechanism, often incorporating a wider range of hydraulic or variable resistance settings. This allows users to significantly increase the intensity of their workouts beyond what standard models offer.
• Enhanced Stability and Durability: The Gazelle 85 typically boasts a more robust frame construction, often with a higher user weight capacity and a wider, more stable base. This provides a more secure and confident workout experience, especially during higher-intensity sessions.
• Wider Foot Platforms: Many Gazelle 85 models feature wider, more accommodating, and often non-slip foot platforms, enhancing comfort and stability for users of different foot sizes and ensuring proper foot placement.
• Upgraded Computer/Monitor: The monitor on the Gazelle 85 often provides more advanced metrics, potentially including heart rate monitoring (via hand sensors), pre-set programs, or more detailed tracking capabilities.
• Target Audience: Suited for intermediate to advanced users, individuals seeking more challenging cardio and strength endurance workouts, and those who require greater stability and durability from their equipment.

Key Differences Between Gazelle and Gazelle 85

Understanding the specific points of divergence is crucial for making an informed decision.

• Resistance Levels: The standard Gazelle offers limited or fixed resistance, relying heavily on user effort and momentum. The Gazelle 85 provides a wider, often adjustable range of resistance, allowing for progressive overload and more intense workouts.
• Frame Construction & Stability: Standard models are generally lighter and more compact. The Gazelle 85 features a heavier-duty frame, offering superior stability and often a higher maximum user weight capacity, which is crucial for more vigorous exercise.
• Foot Platforms: Standard Gazelles have adequate but often basic foot platforms. The Gazelle 85 typically includes wider, more ergonomic, and sometimes textured foot platforms for enhanced comfort and secure footing.
• Monitor Features: While both have basic monitors, the Gazelle 85 often includes more advanced metrics, such as integrated heart rate monitoring, or more sophisticated display options.
• Workout Intensity Potential: The standard Gazelle excels at moderate, steady-state cardio. The Gazelle 85 allows for a greater range of intensity, from gentle glides to challenging resistance-based intervals, making it more versatile for progressive fitness goals.
• Price Point: Due to its enhanced features and more robust construction, the Gazelle 85 is generally positioned at a higher price point than the standard Gazelle models.

Biomechanical and Physiological Considerations

The differences between the models translate into distinct biomechanical and physiological impacts on your workout:

• Progressive Overload: The enhanced resistance on the Gazelle 85 allows for the principle of progressive overload, meaning you can gradually increase the demands on your muscles and cardiovascular system over time. This is critical for continued fitness improvements, strength endurance, and calorie expenditure.
• Muscle Engagement: While both engage similar muscle groups, the variable resistance of the Gazelle 85 can lead to greater muscle activation and recruitment, particularly in the legs, glutes, and core, fostering better muscular endurance and potentially more significant strength gains over time.
• Joint Health: Both models are inherently low-impact. However, the increased stability of the Gazelle 85 can provide an even more secure platform, potentially reducing any subtle compensatory movements during higher-intensity efforts that might otherwise strain joints.
• Cardiovascular Training Zones: The ability to increase resistance on the Gazelle 85 makes it easier to consistently reach and maintain higher heart rate training zones, leading to more efficient cardiovascular conditioning and greater calorie burn.

Choosing the Right Gazelle for You

Selecting between the standard Gazelle and the Gazelle 85 depends on your individual fitness goals, budget, and specific needs.

• For Beginners or Gentle Workouts: If you are new to exercise, rehabilitating an injury, or simply seeking a very low-impact option for light cardio and mobility, a standard Gazelle (like the Freestyle or Edge) might be perfectly adequate and more budget-friendly.
• For Progressive Fitness and Intensity: If you are an experienced fitness enthusiast, aim for more challenging workouts, desire the ability to increase resistance over time, or require a more stable and robust machine to support vigorous activity, the Gazelle 85 would be the superior choice.
• Budget Considerations: The standard Gazelle is typically more affordable. The Gazelle 85 represents a greater investment, justified by its enhanced features and durability.
• Space and Storage: Both models are generally foldable for storage, but always check the specific dimensions for your available space.

Conclusion

In essence, while all Gazelle Gliders offer a unique, low-impact full-body workout, the Gazelle 85 distinguishes itself as a more advanced and robust iteration. Its key advantages lie in its superior resistance system, enhanced stability, and often more refined user features. For those seeking a more challenging, progressive, and durable fitness experience from their gliding machine, the Gazelle 85 typically offers a more comprehensive solution, justifying its higher price point. Understanding these core differences empowers you to select the model that best aligns with your fitness aspirations and personal requirements.